I've heard Gary Blodgett play with other musicians and thought he was really good, but it took going down to Rick's to hear him do a single to open my mind to his real potential. Was I blown away? Look for me somewhere over the Yucaan.
Gary began with an electric guitar, giving "Memphis" every good sound a Fender can produce. His voice is fine, and his guitar smokes! Gary uses sequences that provide bass, drums, and a little fill occasionally, and even if you hate sequencing, you won't mind his. When Blodgett plays the Eagles' "Peaceful Easy Feeling" you won't even miss Mr. Frey or Mr. Walsh. Gary covers it all, all those wonderful notes that captivated you and made the song an enormous hit.
Gary Blodgett is a big man with a big talent. He never fails to surprise you. Allen Jackson's "Crazy `Bout a Mercury" proved that Gary could go to Nashville and play record sessions with the best. His voice becomes country without any phony accent. "Here's a song about your mama!", Gary quips. Gay is using a harmonizer on "Your Mama Don't Dance", which sounds fine. Comander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen anybody? Gary plays "Hot Rod Lincoln" like Jerry Reed, who wrote the book on wild picking.
"Move It On Over" is either Hank or George Thoroughgood, whichever you prefer. Gary Blodgett is a great entertainer with a very sharp and often off the wall sense of humor. Now he picks up his banjo and plays what he calls "some Hee Haw stuff". "Rolling In My Sweet Baby's Arms" is a hoot, but "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" is phenomenal. ET or Bill Monroe would have been proud to hire Blodgett.
I am reminded of the great Bobby Thompson by Gary's superb playing. No matter how fast he goes, every note is clear and clean.
"Proud Mary" is a whole new song with banjo. The Monday afternoon crowd, and I do mean crowd, loves it.
Back to the Fender, Gary plays "Dock Of the Bay", followed by "Tutti Fruiti". I have a great Little Richard story. Ask me about Shreveport when you see me.
We get funky on Jim Stafford's "Spiders and Snakes". I was in a movie with Jim that was so bad it never even made the drive-ins. Gary announces a Chinese song, "Tune-ing".
You need to hear Gary Blodgett play fiddle. John Anderson's "Seminole Wind" is a timeless song about the Everglades. You'll be shedding a tear as you listen to Gary's mournful fiddle.
Gary Blodgett plays everything that makes a sound, and better than almost anybody. He is a major musical talent.Go hear him!
Stay cool.