Yes, the Internet is a remarkable thing. I know that because today in my e-mail in-box was a reply from guitarist Jimmy Lane, whose performance at a big-deal February '04 Hendrix tribute concert in Seattle I panned in a review that ran at Rosenblog and ifeminists.com.

Lane played in a segment of the all-star show that also featured longtime Howlin' Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin - a legend among blues and rock afficionados. Here's the passage in question:

Then, a train wreck. The great Chicago blues session guitarist Hubert Sumlin was sabotaged, by his pairing with guitarist Jimmy Lane.

Sumlin’s clean, sinewy, fills influenced a whole generation of electric guitarists listening to the classic Howlin’ Wolf tunes recorded in Chicago on Chess Records, such as "Built For Comfort,” “Shake For Me,” “300 Pounds of Joy,” “Louise,” “Goin’ Down Slow,” “Killing Floor,” and “Wang Dang Doodle."

Experience Hendrix had already earned my respect for unearthing rare, early-60s European TV footage of Sumlin live with the great blues songwriter Willie Dixon on acoustic bass and Sunnyland Slim on piano, on the recently released DVD, “The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966” (Volume Two).

Such a small, mostly acoustic trio, or modulated quartet is still what suits Sumlin’s understated style best. But his cohort Lane, a beefy, 50-ish guy in a faux Jimi outfit (broad-brimmed hat, suede boots with fringe) was determined to have his White Stratocaster heard all the way to Anchorage. Sumlin got a few licks in, including a delicious staccato-phrased, call-and-response solo that sounded like a woman scolding her lover. He said more in those 45 seconds than Lane did all night.

The tour producers should send Lane packing, right off, and get Mr. Sumlin some simpatico backing. This is a lousy way to treat a real-life legend.

Here is Mr. Lane's reply to me:

Hello Mr. Rosenberg.

Your review of my pairing with Mr. Hubert Sumlin was brought to my attention
by a few people, just recently. You were obviously not informed of some technical issues that went on that night...such as the changing of my amplifier at the last minute.

Mr. Sumlin and I have had a long history together..all of my life..as a matter of fact. I have recorded with him as well as mourned family deaths with him. I respect Hubert as a father and was not trying to blow him off stage. The stage techs set the new amplifier too loud. I was displeased...more than anyone there...with that.

You are indeed entitled to your opinion. But please be informed correctly in the future. Oh...by the way...I'm 39...not 50ish. Thanks and take care.

Mr. Jimmy D. Lane

OK, Mr. Lane. I wish you well in all your endeavors, and you can tell because I didn't put a smart-ass headline on this entry, like "It Was The Stage-Tech's Fault, Really!" But even if you'd had your own amp (and presumably, a more bearable volume level) I felt that your rock-guitar-hero stylings were greatly at odds with Mr. Sumlin's more low-key approach. It just wasn't groovin'. Of course, Buddy Guy had an even worse night.

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at July 21, 2004 10:37 AM

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