Beer-Bust Blues From Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan has become the party animals’ guitar hero of choice, and his concert at the Greek Theatre on Saturday resembled a beer bust more than a concert--talk about a loud crowd!

But then, the Austin bluesbreaker plays one loud guitar. He’s an amazing technician who has processed a whole history of styles into his playing: On those twangy bass notes you hear Duane Eddy or Link Wray, on those voodoo-ish high squeals there’s a Hendrix spirit riding in for the overkill. Vaughan should apply the same clarity to his strained, mush-mouthed vocals, but then this was not what you’d call a word audience.

If there’s a shortcoming to Vaughan’s high-voltage funk/blues/country shuffle, it’s that it leaves no breathing space; it’s all overdrive. Vaughan might take a tip on restraint from one of his influences, B. B. King, who opened. King has had his ups and downs over the years, but Saturday he was in command of his timing and his relationship with the sparse, stinging sound of Lucille, his famed guitar. With a sharp, ‘60s-style soul revue band behind him, King proved his particular kind of thrill has never gone.