You’ve Got To See: Eight rising Atlanta blues guitarists making their mark

Those who argue that the blues is dying as a musical artform have obviously never visited Atlanta. Not only are we fortunate enough to have a vibrant blues scene, but we are home to a bevy of next-generation guitarists who have picked up the blues torch and are burning down the proverbial house. 

Here are eight of the most notable and where to see them perform:

The Garrett Collins Project

Collins does just about everything electric blues, all flavored with the funk-tinged sound of people like Jonny Lang and the Southern rock influence of the Allman Brothers Band. Collins performs every Thursday at the Northside Tavern.

Jontavious Willis

The Grammy Award nominee and Georgia native counts Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ as mentors, and he won the International Blues Challenge award for Best Self-Produced CD. Willis’ original work skews toward acoustic delta and other traditional blues forms. Whether streaming his albums or watching a live performance, the listener will experience a journey through time that is both reverent to his predecessors and quintessentially Willis. The young guitarist performs regularly in Atlanta and is currently on an international tour.

Hughes Taylor Band

Local favorite Hughes Taylor is a guitar impresario whether he’s riffing behind his head, T-Bone Walker-style, or shredding up Hendrix tunes. Taylor and his band  showcase an impressive lineup of covers heavy on the Texas blues and laced with originals that range in style from Billy Gibbons crunchy to the sweetness of Etta James. His latest album, Modern Nostalgia, charted on the U.S. Blues-Rock Top 50 for over a year, evidencing his versatility and combined rock and blues influences. Taylor is often seen at Blind Willie’s and has three upcoming Atlanta area shows: December 17 at the Yonah Mountain Vineyards in Cleveland; December 23 at Shenanigans in Dahlonega; and December 31 at the Canopy + The Roots in Dahlonega.

Cannonball Red & the Head Hunters

The epitome of “cool,” Cannonball Red and his band of Headhunters are equally adept at meandering through the country blues and firing it up Chicago-style. Red’s gospel background and vocal texture blast the soul factor of both. Check out Cannonball Red December 15 at Cajun Blues and December 27 at Blind Willie’s.

Tyler Neal

The subject of a recent in-depth article in ArtsATL, Neal traces his musical roots to Atlanta icons Col. Bruce Hampton and Yonrico Scott. His high-energy sets are rooted in the sounds of R&B in its heyday, sprinkled liberally with Southern rock and embellished with the gospel sounds of his childhood. Tyler Neal performs Wednesdays at the Northside Tavern.

Skyler Saufley and the 99th Degree

With his 1950s appearance and soft Southern drawl, Saufley almost seems born to play the Chicago blues with crooner-like vocals and boogie-woogie rhythms. Along with enjoying the talents of his regular band members, you may be lucky enough to catch an occasional guest appearance by his brother-from-another-mother, Jackson Allen, on harp. Saufley performs December 30 at Blind Willie’s. 

Cody Matlock Band

Matlock may be more R&B than straight-up blues, but his funky guitar playing, falsetto vocals and occasional off-the-cuff scatting have earned him the most frequent mention as one to watch among the area’s more seasoned blues musicians. Matlock performs December 31 at Blind Willie’s.

Eddie 9Volt

Despite having one foot firmly planted in rock-and-roll territory, Eddie 9V has been deemed “the brightest star on Atlanta’s blues horizon” by renowned blues guitarist Tinsley Ellis. 9V engages the crowd with the charismatic physicality of James Brown, and his band provides a sound that is as compelling as he is. Eddie 9Volt performs January 20 at Terminal West.

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Shannon Marie Tovey is a freelance music journalist and educator.