Blues Basics

This one's for all you folks who are starting to explore the blues. The idea is to show the considerable diversity in a truly great genre of music that's too often dismissed with a curt, “It all sounds the same.” Here are twelve gems in twelve different blues genres, and the truth is, there's plenty more categories than that — like big-band blues or swamp blues, for example — so this doesn't even cover all the bases, but it's a start. If you already know the difference between B.B., Albert and Freddie King, or between Son House and Sunnyland Slim, you'll likely find few surprises on this list (though you'll probably find choices to argue with). But if you're looking for a way to begin learning about blues, this will hopefully point you in some directions you'll then want to explore in more depth. Acoustic or electric, solo or horn bands, there's a world of great blues waiting for you.