So this week, the spotlight is on R.L. Burnside, or Rule, or simply R, depending what section of the world you’re in. This guy was the last of the real deal, farmer by trade, Hill Country Bluesman the rest of the time. He was a late bloomer for sure, playing off and on through the ’60’s and ’70’s before really hitting his stride in the ’80’s. This guy wasn’t afraid of anything, and in the early part of the decade even hooked up with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and introduced scratch, loops, and electronica into his music. I guess its pretty obvious he is one of my all time favourites, and I miss him dearly (passed away in 2005).

If I were to pose the question: “How many chords do you need for an amazing tune?” If you’re into Jazz, maybe 16, rock, 3-8, blues, just 3, but Hill Country?? 1 MY FRIEND, just 1. Don’t believe me? check out “Jumper On The Line”, and prepare to be corrected!!

Key tracks: just about any, but to narrow just a bit:

Goin’ Down South

Just Like a Woman

Jumper On The Line

Snakedrive

and the list goes on……

Best served with: Something rough, beautiful, and simple: An art metal abstract in dirty copper…..

….and a cold cold beer, with a smile – just like R.L.’s