There are some genres of music that have the simplest instrumental arrangements and some of the deepest emotional impacts.
Though it might go without saying, one of those genres is definitely blues music.
Although blues music is not complicated in musical or lyrical structure, it is a genre that relies on how it is delivered. The late great Jimi Hendrix said it best: “Blues is easy to play but hard to feel.”
Fortunately, there are still artists who are embodying the blues spirit today.
As this video begins, a single spotlight shines down to where Christone Ingram stands onstage, surrounded by his band in the shadows. There’s nothing to see except the microphones, the instruments, and the band members.
After Ingram finishes strapping on his guitar, he plays a four-note intro for their cover performance of Jalacy “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins’ 1956 classic, “I Put a Spell on You.” The theme was perfect for the song, and Ingram’s voice resonates so powerfully.
Just upon hearing Ingram singing the first line of the song, you’re sure to get goosebumps!
He spends most of the time with his eyes closed as he performs.
It is as though he feels the music running through his bloodstream. Although the lyrics are repetitive, Ingram is able to pull out the sensual meaning from them. With his perfect technique, his mesmerizing voice will definitely put a spell on you!
It is also noteworthy that he adds an extra improvised tune with his guitar during short pauses in between the verses.
Not only does it add an extra layer to the song’s soulful and sensual vibe, but it also showcases the quality of his guitar and his own impromptu creativity. Ingram also kills his guitar solo! He runs his fingers from fret to fret, executing chords neatly and flawlessly.
As the instrumental slowly fades, he sings the last lines of the song and finally ends the performance with a descending guitar riff.
As it turns out, this video was actually Fender’s way of showcasing their instruments.
The clip was posted by Fender eight months ago and has since racked up 2.4 million views on YouTube.
The people’s appreciation for a talent like Ingram’s flooded the comments section. One person was so hooked by the video that he commented he would buy another Fender guitar despite owning two of them already!
Though they’re famous worldwide, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a huge manufacturing company specializing in stringed instruments like electric guitars and bass.
They have a unique way of advertising their instruments: they pay up-and-coming singers to perform using the newest versions of their products. In Ingram’s case, Fender let him perform with their new Vintera series electric guitar, the ’50s Stratocaster in seafoam green color.
It’s clear that Kingfish is a true blues prodigy!
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is a 21-year old blues guitarist and singer from Clarksdale, Mississippi.
He became famous after his May 2019 debut album, “Kingfish.” With his early interest in blues music, he pursued his passion by playing in small gigs until his reputation gradually grew. He got to share the stage with other famous blues artists like Eric Gales and Buddy Guy—not to mention that he got to perform for Michelle Obama in 2014!
This young musician’s talent has brought him to where he is now
If he continues to hone his skills with this kind of passion, there’s no telling how far his skills will take him!
Be sure to watch the entire performance in the link below:
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