Its all over now, RIP to Bobby Womack, one of the greatest guitarist. The Rolling Stones 1st # 1 hit was a Bobby Womack song. Bobby is said to have been disgusted by the cover, that is, until he received the royalty cheque, then he always wanted them to record another! Bobbys guitar style emerged from a gospel tradition similar to that of Curtis Mayfield, but influenced even the likes of Jimi Hendrix. Bobby reportedly accused Jimi of stealing his guitar licks while both were on tour on the famous Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson duelling double headline tours in late 50s early 60s. Bobby was Sam Cookes guitarist, while Jimi was not Jackie Wilsons, but actually toured w/ them to play at the after show parties. Not many people wouldve been able to accuse Hendrix of stealing their licks! The similarity between the two stems from the chord style they both use with the very rich, colourful chords. The beautiful flow that characterised Bobbys playing graced a great number of songs recorded by many as accredited below in the Guardians fine obit. There are also others not mentioned, like the sampled riff at the intro (and not credited by Simply Red) on Holding back the years from Facts of life Medley track (beginning track on side two). A larger than life character, I saw him once many years ago (attempting to) drive round the Holland Park roundabout, in a little (original) mini, probably borrowed from the young lady accompanying him. I drove round once seeing him staring out onto to the mass of traffic while stationary, coming from Shepherds Bush, (he was playing at the Empire that night). As I drove round again in surprise, he clocked me and waved back with a wink to say, yh man, you recognised me in this little ol beat up car. Either that, or, he was saying, eh, how do get this thing in gear, and get into the flow of traffic. I recounted the story years later to Linda (Sam Cookes daughter) when she and Cecil Womack were playing the same Shepherds Bush venue. I think Bobby was a naturally talented guitarist, singer, and song writer from whom music and lyrics just flowed - certainly more easily that is than he found the flow of London traffic in a stick shift. Blessed be the memory and beautiful music.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 07:59:42 +0000
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