Elmore James: King of the Slide Guitar is the name of the 1992 box set issued by Capricorn Records and that title phrase is no hyperbole. On the contrary, it could not be more apt, for the two CDs not only illustrate James’ mastery of the technique but also his flair for songwriting. Subsequent generations–amongst which are the esteemed likes of ZZ Top and Eric Clapton–have been compelled to perform the likes of “Dust My Broom” and “The Sky Is Crying” as means of validating their devotion to the genre. But such tunes are also ideal settings for the author himself to convey his emotions as eloquently in instrumental as verbal terms, those dual lessons of which form the very foundation of James’ influence on contemporary rock and roll. Check out Elmjore James Jr. on a killer cut of “Broomdustin”
