It’s quite hard to write a review that does justice to a man like Buddy Guy. After all, this is a man who is considered a living legend. Artist like Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray Vaughn point to him as a master of guitar and praise his performances as mesmerizing. Guy’s career has lasted nearly half a century, from 1965’s “Hoodoo Man Blues” to 2008’s “Skin Deep.” Over the course of his career he has won five Grammys, 23 W.C. Handy Awards and the National Medal of Arts award. And in 2005, Guy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Eric Clapton and B.B. King.
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Buddy Guy
|  Entertainment
Art
"Skin Deep"
(Zomba)
Released July 22, 2008
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At 72-years-old, Guy sounds as fresh as ever on his latest album. The twelve-track album (all originals) includes guest performances from Eric Clapton (“Every Time I Sing The Blues” ), Robert Randolph (“Out In The Woods” and “That‘s My Home” ), Susan Tedeschi (“Too Many Tears” ) and Derek Trucks ( “Skin Deep” ). Guy allows the guest to let loose, still his powerful vocals and simmering guitars dominate most of the album. This album also brings together producer/drummer Tom Hambridge, bassist Willie Weeks, guitarist David Grissom and Reese Wynans on keyboards.
Guy dives right in on the opening track “Best Damn Fool.” Guy starts right off and leaves us in awe with his solos. The band joins him at full force, but even with their heavy contribution, it’s Guy’s grinding guitars that stand out. Guy doesn‘t just sing here, he screams, “I’m the best damn fool you ever met!” A great opening track!
On “Lying Like a Dog,” Guy lays the blues on thick He intently sings, “How could you stand there and tell me you love me?/And woman you don’t give a damn about yourself.” The band stays under the radar here, while Guy keeps the track alive with his vocals and guitars. It sounds like five guitars playing at once at several points throughout the track, but it’s all Buddy Guy…making his magic.
Eric Clapton joins up on “Every Time I sing The Blues,” the album’s longest track at nearly eight minutes. It’s about finding inspiration for the blues, which Buddy says comes from everything around him. “Somebody asked me why I live the Blues/I said the blues is all around me/I just find something I could use.” Guy basically lays out all the topics that lead to a blues song, and creates one out of it. It odd to say Clapton sounds like a student here, but that’s what Guy’s performance seems to do.
Next up on the gentle “Skin Deep,” Guy, joined by Trucks, tackles race and equality. “I been around a while/I know wrong from right/I learn a long time ago things ain’t always black and white / Just like you cant judge a book by its cover/We all better be careful how we treat one another.” Trucks’ soulful playing accompany Guy’s nicely. It’s a nice slow song, before Guy jumps back into the heavy blues on his next track.
“I Found Happiness,” vibrantly proclaiming “I finally found out what I’ve been looking and waiting for/ and there ain’t too damn much else I have to say” Guy puts so much passion into his vocals and playing, you can’t help but get caught up in the blues. It’s rare to hear an album with a great closing track, but Guy pulls it off here.
While “Skin Deep” is not exactly burning at the top of the charts, it should be. Guy has more talent in his little finger then some of those currently in the top ten. Those who are a fan of the blues should have no problem appreciating this record. Even for those who have never really listened to blues or for that matter Buddy Guy, “Skin Deep” is an easy album to get caught up in and enjoy. While the guest contributions are great, Buddy Guy steals the show at every track and it’s a joy to listen to him perform. Even at 72, Guy seems to have as much energy as ever and it shows throughout this album.
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