Romi Mayes (pronounced RAW-me, appropriately enough) is a prairie music chameleon. Wistful and delicate in one turn, a raunchy powerhouse on the next, Mayes is as versed in heartachey twang as she is in lusty blues. The Western Canadian Music Association might just as well name the songwriter of the year award after her. From 2006 to 2011, Mayes took home the trophy three times. This road warrior is a captivating solo performer, heads up a killer band when the situation calls for it and has most recently been gigging and recording as a dynamic duo with fellow Winnipegger Jason Nowicki, the guitar ace with the Perpetrators. CBC Music asked Mayes to come up with some of her top fives in blues. Here is a taste of what turns her crank.
Top 5 blues guitar players:
Jimmie Vaughan – Everyone knows his famous brother, but Stevie doesn’t hold a candle to Jimmie.
Jay Nowicki – You’ll never hear notes driven so hard in all your life. The guy means everything he does. All heart!
Hound Dog Taylor – Total bad ass.
Johnny Winter – Another total bad ass.
Jordan Cook – Saskatchewan-raised, young little bugger, who drips sweat before he starts cuz he’s so stoked to give ’er.
Top 5 blues albums:
Hard Again, Muddy Waters – A staple in everyone’s collection.
She Wolf, Jesse Mae Hemphill – If you dig low down mamas, this is for you.
Born Under a Bad Sign, Albert King – Slow and sexy and rough and tough. It has it all.
A Ass Pocket of Whiskey, R.L. Burnside – A collaboration with punk blues band Jon Spencer and The Blues Explosion. Killer.
Ray Charles, Ray Charles – A late 50s album with some of the best songs ever sung or written, including one of my favourites, “Drown In My Own Tears.”
Top 5 blues concerts:
ZZ Top – MTS Centre in Winnipeg last year. I took my daughter and we were so close we could feel their sweat off the stage.
Jordan Cook – A power punch to the balls.
James Cotton – Had the chance to see James blow harp at The Blue Note, in Winnipeg, when I was about 16 years old.
Jimmie Vaughan – If he gets Lou Ann Barton out to sing with him, the stage will melt.
Brent Parkin – He is a local underground legend that makes women want to have his babies.
Related:
Five great women of the blues guitar