Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

The YouTuber video captures, interviews and 60 Minute interview about this man are 100% accurate.  He is the truth. He is humble, nice, and the best guitarist I have seen live recently.

It is my birthday week. When I saw that he was scheduled to be playing in my area, months ago, I asked my connected daughter for the hookup.  I didn’t care if she could get the tickets or not, I was going to pay to see the Kingfish. He was worth the wait.

It reminded me of the time in my guitar journey I saw the late Danny Gatton, also a phenomenal guitarist.  This time things were different and yet the same.  I wonder now as I post this, how many of the same people were there. It was the 0930 Club and I was again in the balcony area. The crowd was more mixed than before. The music and sound were too loud but perfect for hearing loss. I had my hearing protection this time in a place where the bass felt like it was crawling up your sleeves.

What makes Kingfish good?

He earned his grammy’s and nominations legitimately. He is a talented blues musician that riffs equally the old and the new.  He can follow and lead effortlessly. His phrasing is unique and his timing even better. He has a good voice.  His smile is infectious. He can make the stanky face but it looks like more enjoyable that most that make it. He shares the stage liberally with others. As seen with him allowing the guy from Houston open for him.

The opening act went a little long for me, and although the guy is technically proficient, he didn’t do it for me. He is good though. Really self-confident. This guy was only 21 years old and did make me feel inadequate as a performer. I know comparison is the thief of joy but it still hit.

For a birthday event, it was awesome.  I went with my son, who drove me. I had dinner with him, and it gave me a break from being home. My daughter got me the best seats in the house. I wish she could have accompanied us.  I got a chance to purchase some overpriced Merch of a future legend. I picked up some tips on performing. I truly enjoyed myself.  The only thing that would have been better would be to hang out with Chris or share a biscuit. Maybe next time.

Thank you Kingfish.

PS.

I turned 62 this week. It’s a milestone. Filled out my paperwork for retirement benefits and will see how much scratch I will get to help this old man live.

After a week were I was sick and recovering from COVID (yeah, I finally caught it) this was all good.

“everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. Everybody wants to hear the truth but everybody tells the lie.”

Just a Note

Taking an online class from a PhD of music, master guitarist and jazz dude, George Hess.

On a long scale electric guitar, it is possible to play 150 notes. On a short scale electric guitar like I play often (Gibson), only 138 notes. I am learning along with this technical information is the great players of our past didn’t play that many. They were the grandmasters of the feel, and a few well played notes. Just playing five notes well can make a difference.

I have the audacity to try to learn theory as it relates to the music I love to play. At the moment I am learning about intervals. An interval on the guitar refers to the distance between two notes. Intervals help you understand scale and chord construction. According to the big brains, they're essential for creating melodies, understanding music theory, and improving your guitar playing.

Taking an online class from a PhD of music, master guitarist and jazz dude, George Hess.

Wish me luck.