Buddy Charleton - Best Recordings?

Chris Brooks · Post by **Chris Brooks** » 16 Dec 2021 5:52 am

What is it about Charleton's playing that makes it so individual . . . aside from his raging chops? Lately I have been trying to figure this out.

Maybe for one thing his subtle use of the volume pedal; the lines "breathe." They aren't machine-like. They have a personal flair.

Also ultra-smooth bar movement all over the axe. He sure knew the fretboard!

Chris

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 16 Dec 2021 6:19 am

This late version of Ernest Tubb's Waltz Across Texas is my Buddy C favorite. Unbelievably smooth – and loud!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K16ZNrWRzo0

Jim Hoke · Post by **Jim Hoke** » 18 Dec 2021 1:02 pm

What Willie does with the melody phrasing on "My Window Faces The South" at 1:18 (the title line) is absolutely insane. He's gotta be one of the best jazz singers ever. What a sly sense of humor (and rhythm!) All great stuff here - thanks for posting!! Charlton is the shit.

Gary Hoetker · Post by **Gary Hoetker** » 18 Dec 2021 4:04 pm

"Twilight over Texas" with Leon Rhodes is a favorite instrumental of mine. Buddy's breaks and fills on ET's records are some of the very best, in my opinion. He played with such emotion.

This one, "Born To Lose" in particular, is an example.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsi1kU80ezE