The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #118770 Message #2570853
Posted By: PoppaGator
19-Feb-09 - 09:55 AM
Thread Name: Obit: Snooks Eaglin (18 Feb 2009)
Subject: RE: Obit: Snooks Eaglin (18 Feb 2009)
Perhaps my opinion is colored by having been privileged to enjoy many live performances over the last 30 years, but I feel very strongly that his more (relatively) recent work as an electric-guitar-playing bandleader is every bit as great as that early acoustic "New Orleans Streetsinger" stuff, and indeed greatly superior.
Snooks was able to create a deeper and more solid groove than anyone, ever. All you guitar players ~ fingerpickers, especially ~ ought to take a close look at a few of his YouTube videos, focusing in on that amazing right hand.
Plus which, he was always lots of fun. He may have been a world-class virtuoso, but for him playing gigs was never about showing off his skills, it was always a simple matter of creating an infectious atmosphere of fun and enjoyment for everyone, including himself and his bandmates.
I can't believe he's gone. I passed up my last two or three chances to attend his Rock 'n' Bowl gigs, always telling meself I could always catch his act next time. Now there will be no more next times.