Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

The Buddy System

Buddy Guy stands as the bridge between Chicago bluesmen like Muddy Waters and the blues rockers that followed, such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. But there’s nothing middle-of-the-road about this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. Even at 75, his staggering showmanship is a study in extremes. From sweet, murmured vocals to impassioned refrains and speedy guitar riffs, it’s clear why Rolling Stone ranked him as No. 30 in its list of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Want Living Proof? (That’s the title of his latest album.) Get it, both literally and figuratively, at a St. J. concert.