His performance blew me away. After seeing him perform, I did some searching on YouTube, and wanted to share some of my favorite links.
I love blues guitar. I'm delighted to see a young man breathe new life into the art.
Apparently, Quinn began playing guitar by ear at age 3. He was "discovered," at least on TV, by Ellen Degeneres at age 6. By age 9 he was playing at "Legends." Today he performs regularly with Buddy Guy.
He has played with blues luminaries like Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Buddy Guy.
I love his style. I'm not a musical expert, but I love blues guitar, and for me, he's the most exciting act since Stevie Ray.
After the show, I bought his latest CD and had him sign it. I told him to stay out of trouble so we could enjoy the next Stevie Ray. I also told him that his performance of "She Gets Me" reminded me of the feeling I had the first time I heard, "Voodoo Chile."
It's funny. He was performing at the same time as "Little Big Town." Most people had gone to see that show. But by the time that Quinn finished playing, the venue was packed. I heard one guy in line say, "we were walking by, I heard you playing, and I said, 'I have to see this.'" I have the feeling that history will remember this like Jimi Hendrix opening for the Monkees.
Personally, he's a shy and unassuming 15-year-old, a far cry from the usual teen idol. His father was there with him. Hopefully his family will keep him grounded.
But he's been blessed with a great gift. I'm glad he's sharing it with us. Catch his act if you ever have a chance. You won't be sorry.
BTW, Quinn is a native of New Bedford, MA. Yes, Massachusetts has something to brag about.
There’s another young guitarist like this in Denver, Colorado. His name is Austin Young. He’s 18 now.
When these kids get their own style happening they will make a mark.
There’s a healthy dose of Zappa in there. This guy’s good.
I’m anxious to listen...have you listened to Sungha Jung? I found him to be a remarkable mimic with some nice arrangements to his credit as a toddler.
That he’s a singer-songwriter-musician with his own style bodes well for his career and longevity. Not just a cover or tribute artist.
The thing about Steve Ray Vaughn was that he was not only a great guitar player but also a great songwriter (and singer and performer). So perhaps being a virtuoso is not enough. . . .
He’s very good, but he sounds more like Carlos Santana than SRV to me, at least on that song.
A little Duane Allman-esque.
That kid is quite good but there’s only one Stevie Ray.
He’s competent. This tune isn’t much more than strumming, with some occasional short arpeggios. As he gets older his body of original work will tell the real tale. I wish him well, it’s a hard life.
ping to self
FMCDH(BITS)
SRV did rock the blues, but Johnny Winters ripped em all a new one!
IMO they did Kenny Wayne Sheppard a disservice by trying to market him as “The Next Stevie Ray Vaughan”. He’s a great guitarist but there will only ever be one Stevie.
Here’s to hoping that Quinn Sullivan becomes the next Quinn Sullivan ;’)
Kid’s good. Saw him at a few venues in MA when he was a tyke. Bu he is far removed from SRV. Same genre....but he’s not a blues purist....hearing other things....different approaches.
But SRV had something much more which very very few players ever....of any style... have: musical authority. I think if the kid was prone to be that authoritative. ...he’d have developed it a long time ago. Comparatively ‘low voltage’ by comparison to SRV. IMHO.
Authority? George Benson. Tom Emmanuel. Fred King. Wes. Jimi. Steve Ray. And a bunch of new kids I’ve heard...but don’t know their names. Three notes in to the first solo you ever hear them play....you know they’re special.
What I’m saying is that this kid is good...but isn’t endowed with the gift. Don’t think it’s something you can exercise into being. This late in his game..it’d be there if he did have ‘it’
PS...yeah....his sound is Vintage. Santana.....and his hands aren’t strong. And he’s doing a lot of hunt and peck without musical authority.
If you REALLY want to see that, watch Josh Bell play Vivaldi with the St Martin Chamber Dudes on youtube. On sreroids!
Nice Stuff!! Smooth as hot budda!!
I think he needs a big dose of Albert King to sound more like SRV - and I’m not saying he should. He clearly has a gift and the ability to express his instincts on guitar. Hat’s off to him!