David Letterman used to say that Buddy Guy was the hardest working guy in show business. He's 86 years old and still touring and recording. His latest album, The Blues Don't Lie, (RCA Records) is a genuine masterful presentation of Guy's skills. Say what you will about other guitarists, few can come close to matching Guy's clear precision with his BG Signature Strat. Guy's response to anybody who might question his ability, "I Let My Guitar Do the Talking," leads off the album.
"We Go Back" featuring Mavis Staples is a touching examination of two friends reflecting on their shared experiences during a troubled national history. "Gunsmoke Blues" with Jason Isbel is an interesting commentary on gun violence in our nation. Guy gets a little more overtly political with "Follow the Money" featuring James Taylor.
Guy gets back to maybe a tongue in cheek mood with Elvis Costello on "Symptoms of Love." The collaboration of "House Party" with Wendy Moten is by far the peppiest, and most humorous song of the bunch. It had me dancing down the street, which surprised some of the people who saw me on my daily walk.
The other eleven songs are Buddy Guy and the blues at their best. Guy pays tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson and the genre itself in the title track. He doesn't forget that the blues has always had some undertones of sex and double entendre. With Bobby Rush, the two discuss their desires and simply ask, "What's Wrong with That?" Guy shows his understanding of the history of the blues with his soul bared in an acoustic version of the blues standard, "King Bee."
Produced by Tom Hambridge who also wrote or co wrote most of the songs on the album.
At 86 years old, Guy doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Why should he? He still got some talking to do.
