T&M 043: 15.00 Euro

When Chris Whitley died from cancer at the age of just forty-five on November 20th, 2005, his passing was a great loss for everyone who appreciated him and his hugely original music. Chris Whitley left behind a complex body of work, an oeuvre that does not give away its secrets easily. Whitley was an uncompromising artist, a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose intensity was especially conveyed live on stage. „Chris Whitley – On Air“ presents a recording of Chris’ third and final Radio Bremen appearance. A concert that took place on August 9th, 2003, at the legendary Radio Bremen concert hall. Hearing Chris Whitley perform live always was a fascinating experience for audiences. He was an exceptional performer

The solo concert presents examples of Whitleys personalized approach to the blues - restless and centred at the same time. Cover versions of Dylan („4th Time Around“), The Doors („The Crystal Ship“), Jimi Hendrix („Drifting“) , J.J. Cale („The Old Man And Me“), Muddy Waters („She’s Alright“) and Buddy Holly („Well All Right“) coalesce organically with original songs from all phases of Whitley’s career – from „Kick The Stones“ („Living With The Law“) to „Velocity Girl“ („Dislocation Blues“). A poet of the blues at work, conjuring up a haunting and powerful atmosphere with very little means, transforming the tradition and drawing in his audience like a magician - with just voice and guitar.

On the night of August 9th, 2003, Chris Whitley also played and sang with a new kind of intensity, a more subdued and mature kind of power. Fusing his musical passion and his complex emotionality in almost impeneterable fashion. Singing and playing his fascinating repertoire of „psycho-sexual and socio-spiritual love songs“ in downright hypnotical manner. Chris Whitley played blues music for the 21st century and this release is a part of his legacy