Outta Sight
🎵 Genre: Blues | 🎤 Performance: Live
The Birth of Blues Rock: Buddy Guy — Live in 1965
This 1965 televised performance of “Outta Sight” captures Buddy Guy in full command of his electric blues vocabulary, delivering a high-energy rendition that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Filmed at Südwestfunk TV Studios in Baden-Baden, Germany, the clip showcases Guy’s raw tone, rapid phrasing, and dynamic stage presence—all hallmarks of his emerging influence on blues and rock guitarists alike.
Guy is joined by bassist Lonesome Jimmy Lee and drummer Fred Below, whose tight rhythmic foundation allows the guitar to soar. Below’s drumming is crisp and driving, with snare accents and cymbal work that inject urgency into the performance. Lee’s bass lines are steady and propulsive, locking in with Below to create a groove that’s both grounded and volatile—perfect for Guy’s explosive solos.
The performance is notable not just for its musical firepower, but for its historical timing. Coming at a moment when American blues was being reinterpreted by rock musicians, this live capture offers a direct line to the source. The high-gain, frantic energy is in stark contrast to the controlled environment of his Chess recordings, such as “I Cry and Sing the Blues.”
Guy’s overdriven tone and aggressive phrasing would soon echo through the work of guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. This raw, electric attack, which influenced Jimi Hendrix, is fully displayed on his classic studio work like “A Man and the Blues.” This early display of blues-rock fire solidified Guy as a foundational bridge between Chicago blues and the psychedelic rock era.
Recording Details
| Song Title | Outta Sight |
|---|---|
| Guitarist | Buddy Guy |
| Band | American Folk Blues Festival Tour Band |
| Lineup | Buddy Guy (Guitar, Vocals), Lonesome Jimmy Lee (Bass), Fred Below (Drums) |
| Event | Live Television Performance (Jazz Gehört Und Gesehen) |
| Venue | Südwestfunk TV Studios |
| Album/Release | Single release, later compiled |
| Location | Baden-Baden, Germany |
| Date | September 1, 1965 |
💬 What defines this explosive performance?
“Outta Sight” is a pivotal moment in blues history. Which element best signals the dawn of the blues-rock era: Buddy Guy’s raw, overdriven guitar tone and aggressive phrasing, or his dynamic stage presence and high-energy vocal delivery? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation.