Posted on 09/28/2014 2:17:16 PM PDT by St_Thomas_Aquinas
I caught guitar prodigy, Quinn Sullivan, this weekend at the Eastern States Exhibition. I saw him perform the extended version of his new single. I was able to speak to him briefly after the show and get a CD signed.
Here is a link to his performance of his new single at "Legends." It's starts slow, but the second half is a wonderful, extended blues jam.
The below links give you some idea of his rapid musical development:
Age 6
Don't miss the heartwarming, surprise ending after the 3 minute mark.
Age 9
Performs "Texas Flood" at "Legends."
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.
I don't know anything about Zappa, but I thought I heard something fusion-like in there. Is that what you're talking about?
BTW, this is pretty much how I saw it performed. I was sitting there in amazement.
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.
Make sure you listen to his performance of "She Gets Me" at Legends, since it's his own composition. The last 7 minutes is very representative of what I heard live. The guy doesn't miss a note.
I think he plays with a pick-up band, since he doesn't perform very frequently, at least according to the dates on his web site. Maybe he's still in school. Anyway, the bass player had a look on his face like, "I can't believe this sh--." 8-)
have you listened to Sungha Jung?
I'm not familiar with Sungha, but I'll check YouTube.
There are many volumes to be written about Zappa. So I cannot catch you up here. Most of his (popular) work is offensive. He has a large collection that is (not popular) but is Spectacular!
BFL
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.
No doubt. That's why I put the headline in the form of a question. He has the potential to be a legend. ;-)
But anyway, technically, I think he's tighter than Stevie. Maybe the guitarists out there can there can tell me. I was blown away by what I heard live. Not a wasted note, as far as I could tell.
A little Duane Allman-esque.
That's true. The other songs he performed in the set, like "Little Wing," were more Stevie. I should have asked him about his favorite blues musicians.
Like "Like Live at Fillmore East"?
That kid is quite good but there’s only one Stevie Ray.
If this kid keeps practicing he will be good some day. :{)
Thanks.
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