As I promised, this week we'll have a barbeque. Don't mix words like "Barbeque" and "Bob" with the image of Bobtje Blues, throwing heavy cholesterol elements such as hamburgers and steaks on a barbeque for you guys. No, we're talking about Robert Hicks, a prewar blueslegend that once started with a promotional tune for his employer Tidwell's Barbeque Place. Yes folks, a singin' and guitar playin' cook. Nothing wrong with that.

Again these scratching sounds from the old days? Yes. By the way, we already explained how you can solve this minor issue. Just train yourself and build in that special filter in your ears, captivating only the noise and scratches. Let the other sounds in and soon you'll hear how special they are. There's more, you will make the same conclusion as I did: what the heck happened to the blues? Where do I hear these special sounds nowadays on a blues festival? Right. Picture this in Peer (Belgium Rhythm & Blues Festival), one of those huge bluesfests with tons of hamburgers, but this kind of blues? Whatever, modern times indeed, I am too nostalgic.

Robert didn't last very long on our planet. He died in Lithonia, Georgia, of a combination of tuberculosis and pneumonia brought on by influenza, at the age of 29, on 21 October 1931. Even so, he recorded more then 60 tunes. Funny, after buying Vol. 1, I wanted the others also. He had something special. Was it his 12-string guitar? The help from brother Charlie and Curly Weaver? Anyway, consider the three volumes below as essential for your collection. Oh yes, Clapton did something with Robert's Motherless Child. And Blind Willie McTell was influenced by him also. Wanna know more? Just "Google" your way around. Till next time!

Barbeque Bob - Complete Recorded Works, 1927-30 - Document 1991 (3 cd's)

Piedmont Blues
Robert Hicks
Wikipedia - Barbeque Bob
Document Records

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