at BB King's in NYC. It was Hubert's 79th birthday; David Johansen was singing (absolutely nailed those Howlin' Wolf songs) and Bernard Purdy was on drums (!). Didn't catch the names of the rest of the band, but they were all top-notch. Hubert was playing a sunburst strat with a maple neck for the night. Sadly, he was also using an oxygen tank, which fortunately did not sap him of his good-natured spirit, although you could see that it was rough for him. His playing, however, was like gold dripping from his fingertips. Hubert's playing was absolutely as inventive, unique, and beautiful as it was way back when he cut all of the classics with Wolf. There is absolutely no one who sounds like Hubert Sumlin. They did all the great tunes (Spoonful, Wang Dang Doodle, Killin' Floor, etc), and Hubert looked like he was having a blast, laughing, singing a few tunes, and kidding with the band. Just a beautiful night for a musician who, fortunately, seems to have gotten at least some of the recognition he deserves.
SB

I am incredibly jealous. Hubert is one of my favorite guitarists.

Me to. Howlin Wolf is my altime favorite music. Hubert is an all time great.

A true living legend, and a testament to the fact you can still "get down with your bad self" even when you get up in years. I wish I could see him play live (so I have to admit that I'm a bit envious) I have been fortunate to be able to see BB twice and Buddy Guy in concert....some day these legends will be gone, and hopefully those big shoes will get tried on, but I'm sure that filling them will be never be done all the way. They will leave behind them a legacy of great blues, warmth, and a humbleness not found in a lot artists today. Thank you for sharing your experience with us

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I can't find the Crossroads, my GPS must be broke....


2001 Fender Highway One, 2004 Fender SE Ash, 2011 Fender 200 SCE '99 Washburn WR120Pro, Amps: Fender Stage 160, Vox Valvetronix 30, Peavey 212 400 watt, Ibanez 50 watt Toneblaster

Always great to see the blues Icons who are still able to perform.
A very special memory for sure .

Awesome! I'm glad you got the chance to see him.

I was fortunate enough to run across Hubert Sumlin in Austin last summer. I went to a jam at Antone's and ended up playing the set right before his. I also got to see him play the next day at the National Guitar Workshop. I got to talk to him a fair bit and he's a really nice guy. It was great to be able to see him play and to meet him, but especially cool to actually get to open for him too.

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Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
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I could not possibly be any more jealous of anyone than I am of you right now.

Hubert Sumlin was an idol of mine before I even knew who he was.I always loved Howlin' Wolf and always thought it was him playing all those beautiful riffs,it wasn't until I saw him in concert that I realized it was Hubert creating all that magic.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

I have seen Hubert twice and he was incredible both times. I ran into him on the way out of the mens room and told how great I thought he was and wished him a Happy birthday. He thanked me...and gave me a hug! What a down to earth guy. I have a video posted on youtube from the HotLicks Bluesfest. Dude is playing with one lung...

Willie Dixon played a concert at our university about a year before he died. Between sets I was determined to meet him -as I'd always idolized him-and just sautered backstage past all the security and wasn't stopped. I sat and chatted with him for about 10 or 15 minutes.He was like a mountain with legs and when he shook my hand his huge hand just engulfed mine.He just exuded cool,I have never met anyone who was so cool in my life,his presence just filled the room.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

........
Where are you in NYC metro. I'm trying to get a handle on how many of us there are.? Know of at least 3.
Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

Doc -
I'm in Queens. You?
SB

It's interesting that you mention shaking his hand.

About 12 years ago, I actually met Hubert, very briefly. I was seeing BB King and someone I knew at the time knew Hubert and introduced me. I remember two things; how gracious he was (literally a "hello how are you and a handshake" kind of thing, but he was really friendly and kind about it), and how soft yet strong his hand was.

I wonder if a musician's hand really feels all that different, or if it is in our mind??? After all, some of it has to be in our mind, but then again, we are talking about people who make a living expressing themselves with their hands. I remember reading something about John Lee Hooker where someone shook hands with him and described in great detail the huge size and feel of his hand.

SB

Suffolk..

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"Another day in paradise!"

There's a sculpture of Chopin's hands which reveals something about him as a virtuoso pianist, the structure of his compositions, and the complexity of playing him. Long slender fingers able to span the keyboard. Likewise, Chuck Berry needs to be observed carefully. His hands are quite large and explains the nature of his sound and his playing.

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"Another day in paradise!"