Blues you ough’ta know with Big Charlie: Albert Collins – The Iceman

Big Texas Blues

Albert Collins showed the world just how powerful the Blues could be. His guitar sound was humble and brash, and completely unique. Collins played with no pick using his own “Attack” style of fingerpicking. He mostly played Telecasters in open minor tunings to create his incredible sustain and control.

Take a listen for yourself

(it gets crazy at 7:00 in if your low on free time)

Big Leagues

Albert Collins was at the forefront of a Blues revolution in the 70’s and 80’s. playing alongside such greats as Robert Cray, John Lee Hooker, and BB King, together they brought Blues into the spotlight once again. Johnny Copeland, Robert Cray, and Mr. Collins even won a Grammy in 1983 for their collaborative album entitled “Showdown”(Highly recommended listening). Collins’ playing was so inspiring that composer John Zorn created a 13 minute Blues Suite to feature him.