I think most folks that know me are aware that I went to college to pursue a career as a band teacher. Of course, those same people would also know that I never completed that course of study and moved on to focus on technology. Computers seemed to fit better with my aptitudes, and my disgust with what we call an education system would never have allowed me to contribute to what I didn’t believe in. Despite my drastic change in plans, I’ve always maintained a great interest in all things music. I listen to a wide variety of music (basically, anything that requires talent; no country or rap since I’ve not seen much there that would require talent) and change it up every now and then when I start getting worn out on any particular genre.
About a year ago, I caught a show on the Smithsonian Channel (hosted by Morgan Freeman) that outlined a history of blues music. I’ve always loved the blues so I watched most of the hour-long show. I thought I was familiar with most well-known blues musicians, but I then saw this old, black man on the show that forever changed how I looked at the blues: Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. I was blown away.
I’m pretty sure you’ve never heard of the guy unless you’re a true blues aficionado. He was born in Louisiana in 1924, but, as he was wont to sing, he was raised on the Texas side. Sadly, he went to the great delta in the sky shortly after Katrina destroyed his home in 2005. Gatemouth had an amazing career spanning roughly 65 years as a master of both the guitar and fiddle. He was offended when labeled as a blues musician, stating that he played “American Music”. While he could play the blues with the best of them, it’s easy to pick out influences from country-western, Cajun and jazz. His extensive use of a horn line in the ensemble really makes him stand out from much more traditional blues artists, and as a horn player, I can appreciate that!
I’ll keep this review short, because I don’t want to write too much that might sway someone from developing their own opinion regarding Gatemouth. Here are a few things that really impress me about the guy as a person and musician:
1. The hands on this guy remind me of Michael Jordan! I swear this guy could palm a pumpkin. When you watch him play guitar it’s amazing how far he can reach, but when you watch him play fiddle, he looks like a true freak of nature. The guy almost never has to move his left hand to reach some of those screaming high notes. Amazing!
2. In the late 60’s he left the music industry to be a deputy sheriff in New Mexico.
3. He has the most unique method of playing guitar I’ve ever seen. He basically picks with a pinching motion with his pointer finger and thumb. Most good guitar players I know can’t emulate that style.
4. Even in the latter years of his life, he toured extensively world-wide. He was known to tour in areas experiencing political unrest, stating “People can’t come to me, so I go to them.”
5. Frank Zappa named Gatemouth as his all-time favorite guitar player.
For my friends who only listen to a couple of types of music and think Nickelback or Miranda Lambert are the bomb, I challenge you to listen to some Gatemouth tunes. Lots of his songs are available on YouTube and the Amazon Music Store and it’s a certainty that at least one of his songs will strike a chord with you. I feel compelled to warn you, however, to brace yourself. You probably aren’t used to hearing music that requires skill, coordination and grace. And you may find it hard to believe that music can be generated by someone unfit to be a cover model for GQ or Playboy. If you recently attended a Jason Aldean concert and enjoyed it…well, do us all a favor and turn in your iPod to the local authorities. You’re unfit and unworthy to enjoy anything that resembles true, American music.
