9 Comments
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Tim Davis's avatar

Johnny One Note strikes again!

Todd S. Jenkins's avatar

Great list! And, of course, John Lee Hooker was king of the one-chord blues.

Wayne Robins's avatar

What an interesting column idea, and ideal execution. Such sophisticated musicians playing with this one-chord toy, with great results. And superb hed and subhed, too! (Not “two”!)

Greg's avatar

Junior Kimbrough remains the greatest. His album Most Things Haven't Worked Out is like one continuous groove, varied gradually and over time.

Also as far as groove, though I recognize he isn't one chord, per se, Fela Kut was positively hypnotic with those ostinatos and horn grooves.

Daniel D'Oca's avatar

Wasn't sure where to even start with Fela so I just decided to not include him. But I agree!

Greg's avatar

Coffin for Head of State, Lady are two that are particularly grooving.

DC Reade's avatar

One of those all too rare live performances by an early edition of Steely Dan- "Showbiz Kids", from 1973. It's video, Joe- The Midnight Special teevee program. Wound up as tight as it is, and guaranteed for the life of the watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2JWtuBLelw