ARTIST: Roy Buchanan
TITLE: Roy Buchanan
YEAR RELEASED: 1972
CHART ACTION: None
SINGLES: Sweet Dreams, Haunted House
OTHER SONGS YOU MAY KNOW: He covers a Merle Haggard and Hank Williams song.
LINEUP: Roy Buchanan, Chuck Tilley, Teddy Irwin, Pete Van Hallen, Dick Heintze, Ned Davis.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: First real commercial studio album from an under-known yet influential guitarist.
SOME WORDS, PHRASES AND CLAUSES ABOUT THIS RECORD: Thanks to an early PBS documentary, Roy Buchanan went from a local DC legend to a national recording artist. His playing with the Telecaster inspired numerous guitarists and gained praise from John Lennon, Merle Haggard, and the Rolling Stones.
This is a simple album, with some cover songs (including an inspired take of the 60’s novelty tune “Haunted House”). Only a few cuts have vocals, those by country vocalist Chuck Tilley. The playing is raw and ragged at times, but it seemed like Buchanan and the band were having a good time.
This is a guitar-head’s album, and well worth it for those who love the Telecaster sound.
NOTES & MINUTIAE: Buchanan’s career spanned several years, starting with playing for Dale Hawkins and then Ronnie Hawkins, and then settled into session work before settling down in DC.
IS THERE A DELUXE VERSION: No
GRADE: B+: This is for Telecaster fans!