MySpace a place for friends

FROM HOMELESS AND BOOZE TO GLOWING REVIEWS

A LEGEND ON THE STREETS OF DECATUR, GEORGIA, THE HARD-LUCK BLUES MUSICIAN FULFILLS A LIFELONG DREAM BY CAPTURING 'LIGHTNIN' IN A BOTTLE' ON HIS RECORDING DEBUT FOR BACKSPACE RECORDS

Guitar Red is the real deal, a “busker” who spends most mornings on E. Court Square, sometimes in front of the Brick Store Pub, whose management is kind to him, where he frequently plays for hours. On a good day, he goes to sleep with a pocketful of tips. But not every day is a good day. No matter. For Red, it’s all about authenticity, staying true to who he is.

That sort of integrity, not to mention a spirited roller coaster ride of humor and hurt, shines through on the 11 tracks of Lightnin’ In A Bottle, which he recorded live (with the exception of a guitar solo and clavinet piece) at Backspace Records studio in December 2007. His titles chronicle his hard luck, down but not yet out life: “Box Car No. 9,” “Ain’t Got Nobody But Myself,” “Three Legged Dog Blues,” “Chain Gang Blues,” “Decatur Boy Blues,” “Song About A Jimi Hendrix Song” and “I Believe.”

In an article called “On The Road With Guitar Red,” a writer called The Blues Blogger says, “Red’s work is raw but refreshing at the same time. I really enjoy the vibe and groove that (he) creates…The selection of tunes shows off Guitar Red’s personality, allowing him to play through his hardship in a passionate, playful and witty manner.”

Graham Clarke of Blues Bytes adds, “Even though he’s lived a tough life (losing his family in the span of a decade, battling alcohol, drugs and homelessness), he has used his music as his means of expression and as a coping mechanism. He writes songs that mix humor and pathos in equal blends and is a fiery guitarist and passionate singer.”

Read more >>