Since this is basically a magazine for and about guitarists, I thought I'd mention one of the most creative and tasteful electric players of all time: Peter Green (born Peter Greenbaum, October 9, 1946).

Although Green's career work is extensive, he's often forgotten and left in the shadows. Of course, his mental illness and sudden departure from Fleetwood Mac in the mid seventies has a lot to do with that.

Conversation of the life and talent of Peter Green, especially among musicians, and enthusiasts of the Gibson Les Paul, Green's axe of choice back in the day, can last hours on end. Many musicians and music enthusiasts are aware of the origin of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac and their involvement in the 60s blues scene, but many young players of today, and veterans alike, are puzzled when his name is mentioned in the same sentence as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Yet some, myself included, consider Green to be the greatest white blues player of all-time. At any rate, the music of Peter Green definitely deserves a mention in a guitar magazine CD review area.

In my opinion, Green's playing was so exceptional (and still is, as a matter of fact), that I feel the need to expose other guitarists to his genius, especially those unaware of it. The CD I chose to review is one of my favorites, though most of its content was recorded later in his career, and released on various albums between 1979 and 1983. I feel inspired and get an optimistic feeling from it, probably because it was recorded after his hiatus from the music business because of personal and health issues. The material is so good that you know he had to be feeling better.

"Blues By Green", released in 2003, is the perfect initiation into the styles and songs of Peter Green, diverse, yet all bluesy in one way or another. Though there've been many compilations of his music, this one possesses all the Green magic, mood swings, and some of the sweetest notes ever played on an electric guitar. His voice is erratic, lazy, and coarse - yet suitable throughout.

The opener, "Walking The Road", is an uplifting blues tune. Though basic in progression and substance, it has an aggressive rhythmic flow. The lyrics seem to suit his healing state at the time. In it, he says "I'm walkin' the road, but there's a long, long ways to go."

The next track, "Same Old Blues", is a traditional blues tune, slow and lazy. What pulls the listener in is the lead solo mid through. Green enters almost curtly, and takes the listener by surprise. The solo is rich in tone, yet pleading in its approach. A cover of "Born Under A Bad Sign" follows. And with all due respect to both Albert King and Cream, I'll admit that this is my favorite of them all.

The repetitive flow of "Last Train To San Antone" has a swaying, trippy feel to it, reminiscent of his work with Bob Welch and early 70s Mac, a version of the band I like a lot. There's some excellent saxophone work in this one, too. The next one, "Just For You", has that spacey, mid 70s Mac sound to it as well.

Then we get into "A Fool No More". This one speaks for itself. Done in a style that has Peter Green written all over it, this has got to be one of the most hauntingly passionate slow blues numbers ever recorded. He doesn't always follow typical patterns or riffs within pentatonic scales here; Green's got his own rules. Compared to the usual blues format, his melody is different. But it is undeniably the blues, classic Peter Green slow blues.

Next is "Man Of The World". This is a Fleetwood Mac song from 1969, and somewhat the nonconformist of the bunch, as it can't easily be categorized as blues or blues/rock. It's actually a nice pop/rock ditty, short and to the point. I'm not saying it isn't bluesy, because it is. The solo blows my mind every time I hear it. It's super sweet, bluesy, and slurred with charm. I adore this whole CD, but I often think of this song and "A Fool No More" as being the album's climax point.

"Time For Me To Go" is full of lead guitar riffs and fuzz rhythms, and is more rocked up than most of the other blues numbers. Tasteful and even flowing, it proves Green is back on the rock track as well. "White Sky (Love That Evil Woman)" is a spooky, yet powerful cut.

"Gotta See Her Tonight" has a pleasant percussive flow to it, and drives along in a J.J.Cale-like manner. This is the type of song Green's voice really shines in. The opening to 'Baby When The Sun Goes Down' is reminiscent of a modern day Clapton style. The beat and the melody are compelling and penetrating throughout. "Crying Won't Bring You Back" is in the same mode as the previous two, with a driving rhythm and pleasant flow.

"Slabo Day" is another gem. It's an instrumental utilizing a repetitive rhythm behind a killer blues lead, simple yet sweet.

The album closes with another of my favorites (though aren't they all?), "Little Dreamer". This is another spacey and magical Green track, a real dreamer for sure. The lead guitar and moaning bass are mesmerizing.

"Blues By Green" is a brilliant collage of Peter Green music for all guitar players and music enthusiasts alike. I listen to it endlessly. I'll be doing more reviews on Green in the future.

Musicians accredited to each cut can be found on the individual Green CDs released between 1979 - '83.

Track Listing

Walking The Road
Same Old Blues
Born Under A Bad Sign
Last Train To San Antone
Just For You
A Fool No More
Man Of The World (Fleetwood Mac)
Time For Me To Go
White Sky (Love That Evil Woman)
Gotta See Her Tonight
Baby When The Sun Goes Down
Crying Won't Bring You Back
Slabo Day
Little Dreamer

Label

Licensed by Creole Records
2003 © Fuel 2000 Records, Inc.
Distributed by Universal Music and video Distribution

Related links

Peter Green: www.nw10ad.demon.co.uk
CD available on Amazon.com: Amazon.com