For any guitar player of any genre, the pure lyrical quality, finesse and technique of Roy Buchanan was admirable.

In particular his self titled “Roy Buchanan” second album from 1972 , showcased a master at his peak.

This album echoed his blues and country roots - but that would be too simplistic for an analogy.

His style really encompassed all of American music - from Cajun to rockabilly via gospel and jazz.

Raised in rural Arkansas and California - his pro playing career started at aged 15 with Johnny Otis’s rhythm and blues revue.

Recording for Chess records at aged 19 in 1958 - he played with Dale Hawkins “My Babe” - as well as Ronnie Hawkins “Who Do You Love”.

Crossing paths with Jimi Hendrix in 1968 and being extremely impressed with the showmanship that Hendrix had excelled at - made Buchanan refocus just on American roots music and his own playing style -as opposed to play in a similar fashion to Hendrix with more effects.

Having said that - Roy did include a number of excellent interpretations of Hendrix tunes in his live shows.

Roy’s technique encompassed finger picking , swells , pinched harmonics and a myriad other techniques on his old 1953 Telecaster through a cranked Fender Vibrolux amp - and using the guitars’ volume and tone to control the sound.

Ironically he also trained as a barber at the end of the 60’s and left the music business for a time to provide for his growing family.

His modesty was quite astounding throughout his career - notable are a couple of occasions :

Recording at Record Plant in New York around 1971 - John Lennon was recording in the studio next to Roy .

Lennon came by and said how much he admired his playing and Roy would be welcome to join Lennon and contribute to the album he was recording.

Roy did not take Lennon up on the invite -maybe Roy forgot!

However Lennon waited , stayed late then left later that night.

Equally fascinating when you consider Roy allegedly turning down the Rolling Stones in 1974 to replace Mick Taylor - which in retrospect made sense as Roys career was blossoming at that time.

However this beautiful album “Roy Buchanan” from 1972 really showcases Roy at the peak of his powers.

Starting with Don Gibsons “Sweet Dreams” - the soaring Telecaster tone is pristine as it lays out the melody to this classic country song.

“Cajun” is stomping tight chicken picking classic with bends and pinched harmonics.

“John’s Blues” - more Telecaster magic and a lesson in blues dynamics.

Mostly instrumental on this album- however we hear a rare vocal -just a soliloquy really from Roy on the gospel influenced “The Messiah Will Come Again”.

Its a haunting track and there is a mournful feel as it seems Roy is predicting his own tragic early death in a jail cell at aged 48.

His technique is astounding on this track in particular : false harmonics off the end of the fretboard in particular!

He had the admiration and respect of many guitar players - Jeff Beck in particular - another maestro of the six string.

Anyway - check out this wonderful album - its truly a masterpiece - and accessible- not just to guitar players -but anyone who loves the music of America.

Roy Buchanan really encompassed that golden era of American music - actively playing all styles -from the early rock n roll period in the 1950's onwards.

More info here:

https://www.discogs.com/master/173476-Roy-Buchanan-Roy-Buchanan

https://open.spotify.com/album/6rwY78ocBwZYi3OhapYyfw