In the late '60s the record label Arhoolie issued 'Mississippi Delta Blues Vol. 2. It was from this album that I had my first exposure to RL Burnside. His song 'Poor Black Mattie' captivated me. I had never heard such a percussive style of playing the guitar before. It actually sounded as if there was a 'slapping' involved in his playing, but for the life of me I couldn't figure it out from the record alone. So I figured the next best thing was to visit him at his home in Holly Springs MS and take a few lessons.

One thing Bud made very clear when we met him.

Bud: Bud Spires drinks Budweiser.

Toby: You want me to pick you up a six?

Bud: Yeah, that do me just fine.

RL started learning how to play the guitar from other Delta musicians such as Fred McDowell who lived nearby. Later on as he became more accomplished he started to play local fish fries and country supper parties. "Me and my brother in law would sometimes stay up till 2 in the morning playing. We'd play for 5 dollars and a bottle of whiskey. My wife would get mad at me 'cause I had to get up for work the next morning. Pick that cotton you know." Below is a picture of the whole Burnside family.

I spent the whole day with RL and his wonderful family. We stayed on the side of his house by his picnic table and played lots of songs. He was more than happy to show me the way he gets that percussive sound on the guitar, and now it's a part of my style thanks to him.

By the way, RL just released a new album called Acoustic Stories. Check it out. Also, if you want to know more about him, where he's playing and lot's of other info, give a gander into this very nice site dedicated to him called 'Goin Down South.'