Fleetwood Mac more famed now as a pop band was originally a hard edged British blues outfit, founded and led by the amazing Peter Green.  [Their wiki here.]  At the height of its prowess, Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac consisted of:  Peter Green (guitar), Danny Kirwan (guitar), Jeremy Spencer (slide guitar), John McVie (bass), and Mic Fleetwood (drums). [Fleetwood and McVie were the only original members to stay with the band during their 1970s transformation into a pop group--they also are the ones from whom the band gets its name.]  The band was an ill fated one--it suffered defections to cults (Spencer), LSD-induced paranoia (Green), alcoholism and mental breakdown (Kirwan)....seriously read the wiki, it's insane.  But for a brief time period they had a legitimate shot at the title of greatest blues-rock band in the world.

The jbox tonight features the incredible music of this group.

First up. Stop Messin' Around from the early days of the group, a classic blues number.  (Peter Green on vocals and lead guitar).

Our second number slows it down a bit....this one is for the lovers out there.  Turn down the lights, squeeze your best gal or guy and listen to the depths of Peter Green's soul.  You'll thank me later :).

Third up, we feature Danny Kirwan.  Kirwan joined the band at 18 (!!!), mentored by Peter Green.  With 'Like This Way', we hear one of the greatest dual lead guitars ever between Kirwan and Green.  Watch Kirwan keep rockin', busted string and all. This one also highlights that this band was tight.  

Number four highlights Jeremy Spencer, a brilliant slide guitarist.  Here the band blasts a cover of the King of the Slide Guitar, the late great Elmore James (a major influence on Spencer).  Here they cover James' iconic Dust My Broom.  It's pretty ridiculous when this guy is the third best guitar player in your band.  Also watch for the crazy dancing Vulcan chic.  

None other than B.B. King said of Peter Green: "He has the sweetest tone I ever heard; he was the only one who gave me the cold sweats."  Some of the great originals considered Green to be the greatest white blues guitarist (over Clapton and Page). Our fifth song, Jumpin' at Shadows reveals what B.B. King was talking about--Green's playing is beyond words.  His voice is so resonant.  Soul just pours from his being (fingers and vocal chords).  

Last, a little fun.  The boys rockin' out, covering Twist and Shout.  Turn this one up.