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Boxin' the Blues

For Muhammad Ali

What's boxing got to do with playin blues guitar.. A hell of a lot man.. they both take timing, coordination, training and stamina.. and above all HEART...You can't be a legendary boxer like Muhammad Ali without it..

Boxing fans and blues fans have something in common.. you may not be up on stage with Eric Clapton or in the ring with Muhammad Ali, but you know the man in an intimate way, his feelings, his pride, the beads of sweat on his brow.. and the pain in his heart... HIS ANGER... oh yeah you know that too..

Muhammad Ali used to taunt his opponents even before they got into the ring with phrases like "I'm gonna "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee".. watch a few Muhammad Ali fight.. is there a better showman in the world? Then watch some blues dvd's.. B.B. King, Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy.. in the boxing ring and on the band stand.. it's all about the adrenalin.. that rush you feel when you are in danger, threatened or running for your life.. and we have been there at one time or another..

I think fighters and musicians have something in common.. instead of the adrenalin making your heart pound faster and make you more anxious, it actually relxaes you, clears your mind and helps you play better.. much better.. it's the only way I can explain how a Hendrix or Clapton has that feeling of such total relaxation in the midst of a the hurricane called the blues they are conjuring up on stage.. Think about that the next time you go on stage... put in your mouth gard and go out there and play blues licks that "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee".....

Speaking of boxing? Ace blues harmonica player Little Walter was known for fighting and died in a street fight.. listen to Little Walter play the blues.. or should I say listen to box the blues....

This page is dedicated to Willis Halley, Harlem, NY, who shared his love of boxing, women, alcohol and jazz with this fifteen year old kid. Wherever you are now Willis, God bless you.

Don't miss Killer Guitar ~ Blues Iprovisation

blues-improvisation.htm