I was kind of surprised that there isn't already a thread about this album. It came out on Tuesday; I've gotte to listen to it about five times now. And I'm LOVIN' it!
On Buddy's last couple of releases, I've griped that I want more of just Buddy tearing up it with his backing band, and Living Proof delivers. It's got only two tracks with guest stars, B.B. King duets with Buddy on "Stay Around a Little Longer" and Santana plays backup on "Where the Blues Begins." While the B.B./Buddy track ventures a little close to schmaltz, it actually is touching to listen to these two blues veterans voicing their admiration for each other. Santana doesn't overshadow Buddy on his track, so really, the guest appearances are fairly negligable.
On the remaining tracks, Buddy is free to cut loose, and he lets it rip like I haven't heard him do in a long time. His guitar tone and phrasing seems to have gotten meaner, nastier and more aggressive with the passing years. This one's a keeper. Love live Buddy Guy!
