FEATURES

Slide Guitar Heroes: John Swenson investigates the past, present and future of slide guitar. Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Elvin Bishop and Rory Block tune in

Heavyweights: A triple bill of bluesmen, on stage, tape and CD

Too Soon Gone: Their flames burned brightly and hot, but not long. Peter Sorkin looks back at the artists, and imagines what might have been

DEPARTMENTS

Letter from the Hammer: Five Points Band guitarist and Elmore‘s Philosopher-in-Residence Robin the Hammer reminds us all that slide guitar is not just about strings and a hard place. Hey, Legba!*

Influences: Two modern guitar masters started early and, thank God, are far from finished. Johnny Winter and Warren Haynes blanket the blues

Pet Sounds: As major labels spew bubble-gum pop, editor Ali Green finds hope in unsigned gems with cyberspace promotion and artistic substance

Kickin’ in Your Stall: Road Warrior Carl Gustafson takes a reasoned approach to The Bus and—true to form—uncovers religious significance in an overhauled Grey Dog

On The Record: Phantom Planet evolves, Dar Williams Promises, Jakob Dylan Sees Things, Randy Newman Harps, Southside Johnny and LaBamba Moon, Sonny Landreth Reaches, and James Hunter—bless him—takes the Hard Way

Get a Grip: In his new column, Steve “Grip” Walbridge examines the Bold, the Brash, and the Underproduced. This issue, it’s Animal House 5: Saving American Music, with bands who might smash their own guitars

Collecting: Eric Clapton, who’s been releasing landmark albums both solo and collectively for 45 years. Arnie Goodman tells us which ones to buy and what is Slowhand’s real connection to Beano

Also Appearing: Booker T. & the MG’s, Billy Bob Thornton and Levon Helm, Mose Allison and Hugh Masekela, live. Festivals and DVDs.

Re.Issues: Mott the Hoople resurfaces, with Ian Hunter in his hip glory; Jan & Dean in their woodie; Little Richard in his fabulousness. Lou Reed, Earth, Wind & Fire and other natural elements, as well