Josh Gooch: Guitar Center King of the Blues '09 Finalist

[emadismusic]

Everyone approaches the blues differently, and that approach evolves with age, experience and knowledge. But I loved the electric part of this performance (both slide and lead guitar) and I cannot understand the need for some people to criticize someone who has obviously put a lot of time and work into his playing and has the guts to get out there and let people hear him do it HIS OWN WAY. Actually, I hear a lot of blues tradition in Josh's playing (for example, a lot of Muddy Waters influence in that slide playing....unusual for a young guy), although he approaches it with a young, aggressive, rocking mentality. He has a lot of original and fresh ideas in his playing, but more importantly it is filled with emotion and executed with great technique and feel. And one thing I would like to point out about his performance: he is just about the only competitor (of all the other "Kings of the Blues") who had the guts to do a slow blues, rather than a medium tempo shuffle.

[andyginterblues]

Just discovered Josh on "YouTube". He is great! Destined to become the next blues legend. A few days ago, I "searched" "The Thrill is Gone" on YouTube, and, while I was busying myself picking up around my apartment, the "Autoplay" kept selecting and playing everyone's different versions of "TTIG". Then, it got to Josh and Jack Thammarat's rendition of the blues standard at the Bangkok Music Fair. Thammarat singing the lyrics with his Thai accent- I was like- SNAP- "Who the hell is that, playing all that great lead guitar?" "What band is that?" After I discovered that it was Josh doing all the amazing lead work, I must have replayed the video several dozen times. I was awestruck. I played it for a friend, HE was awestruck. Reminded me of the first time that I heard SRV.  This kid is the one to watch.

[NorthcountyD]

I was one of the judges at the San Marcos Store who sent Josh on to the finals. Anyone who says he can't play or lacks soul is an idiot. He has style for days!

[nugs]

my step dad loved Josh Gooch and was obsessed with this video. He thought he was the greatest player he had ever seen. My step dad passed on two weeks back and im just revisiting some of his favorite jams. Thought josh should know he had a #1 fan in my step dad.

[mvermillion]

Can't believe there are any negative comments about this young it. 

[BluesStraightFromTheHarp]

GOTTA LOVE THE BLUES! 30+ years of playing, coast to coast & in between. And it never gets old. From the 1% clubs of Killeen to Austin's 6th, N & S and up & down I-35, to the east coast to Chicago...the blues IS LIFE!

[ryanquealey]

That's how you play the guitar boys and girls. Goose bumps and a shiver down my spine is what this gave me. Very well done

[Kiddiepool]

this guy is awesome!! great player! that string break was simply awesome. and his fingerpicking is great.

[MaryBethKellee]

Gotta love Josh, knew him way back when and he is a true freaking rock star!!! Go Josh, Go!!!

[TomsTomTomdotcom]

I wish everyone in the world liked this we'd hear more of it.. ... and... well there is a mesage of taking in the grandeur of world around you in these "blues"

[nalu]

So cool to see the young guys keeping this style of guitar playing alive!  This young lad, really does have amazing chops and a natural talent for the blues.  Certainly, one of the "next gen" blues guitarists.  I'm sure he'll go on to make lots of great music.  Keep doing what you're doing, Josh.  You're ruling it !!

[lllULTIMATEMASTERlll]

This kid is the best guitar for his age ive ever even heard of. He is incredible. He is the real king of blues.

[carlwyatt]

Well done!!! Nice guitar playing there by Josh..

[MannyBlue]

I was there that night, Josh Gooch was awesome. He got the audience going and he got a standup ovation when he was done playing with the backup band. He know his guitar very well, watch him tune it while he still playing and after he breaks a string he keeps going like it never happened. In my opinion Josh Gooch should have won.

[StratMatt]

Oh my God!!! This is only the second King of the Blues clip I've seen (the other was the winner who sounded like he was playing a less impressive version of Johnny Langs "Good Morning Little School Girl" lead playing plus some technically impressive stuff thrown in), but this kid is amazing!!! Man, I should practice more!!!

[TomsTomTomdotcom]

So Good ! this true blues is getting passed generation to generation .. and alive an well here in great latency of the rythym reinforced by the notes his lingers on really is what makes it groove. The chord play hammered back and forth in the riffs gives us something to chew on with constant enticement for the next bite

[jonsqueen]

I really liked the way he played. Thank you for sharing!

[armandopace]

Great player. He kept going even when he broke a string.

[gouedallica]

i love this young future bluesman star

[SamHooperGroup]

I saw this live and it's great to have it captured here. Great job Josh! Burnin!