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Aug 3, 2024, 9:42:45 PM8/3/24

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Chris Whitley Live At Martyrs Rar: A Rare Treasure for Fans of Blues Rock

Chris Whitley was a singer-songwriter and guitarist who blended blues, rock, folk and alternative music in his unique style. He was known for his soulful voice, poetic lyrics and innovative use of open tunings and slide guitar. He released more than a dozen albums in his career, but sadly passed away in 2005 at the age of 45.

One of his most sought-after recordings is Chris Whitley Live At Martyrs Rar, a live album that captures his performance at Martyrs' in Chicago on May 15, 2003. The album was never officially released, but was circulated among fans as a bootleg. It features 18 songs from his diverse catalog, including classics like "Living With The Law", "Rocket House" and "Big Sky Country", as well as covers of The Doors' "Crystal Ship" and Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child".

The sound quality of the recording is not perfect, but it does not diminish the raw energy and emotion of Whitley's performance. He is accompanied by his longtime collaborators Heiko Schramm on bass and Matthias Macht on drums, who provide a solid groove and dynamic support. Whitley's guitar playing is stunning, ranging from delicate acoustic fingerpicking to distorted electric slide solos. His vocals are equally expressive, conveying the joy, pain, hope and despair of his songs.

Chris Whitley Live At Martyrs Rar is a rare treasure for fans of blues rock and anyone who appreciates authentic and original music. It showcases Whitley's talent and charisma as a live performer, and serves as a testament to his legacy as one of the most underrated artists of his generation. You can download the album for free from the Internet Archive[^1^] or listen to it on Apple Music[^3^]. You won't regret it.

If you are wondering who Chris Whitley was and why you should listen to his music, here is a brief biography of his life and career. Whitley was born in Houston, Texas in 1960 and learned to play guitar when he was 15. He was influenced by a variety of artists, from blues legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf to rock icons like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. He moved to New York City in the early 1980s and started busking on the streets and collaborating with other musicians. He then relocated to Belgium, where he lived for six years and recorded several albums with different bands.

In 1988, he caught the attention of producer Daniel Lanois, who helped him get a deal with Columbia Records. His debut album, Living With The Law, was released in 1991 and received critical acclaim for its blend of blues, rock and folk. It also spawned two hit singles, "Big Sky Country" and "Living With The Law". Whitley followed up with two more albums for Columbia, Din Of Ecstasy (1995) and Terra Incognita (1997), which explored more experimental and alternative sounds.

Whitley left Columbia in 1998 and embarked on a prolific and diverse phase of his career. He released albums on various independent labels, such as Dirt Floor (1998), Perfect Day (2000), Rocket House (2001), Hotel Vast Horizon (2003) and War Crime Blues (2004). He also collaborated with other artists, such as Jeff Lang, DJ Logic, Bruce Hornsby and his daughter Trixie Whitley. He won two Independent Music Awards for his songs "Breaking Your Fall" and "Her Furious Angels". He was known for his restless and adventurous spirit, constantly changing his musical style and exploring new genres.

Unfortunately, Whitley's life was cut short by lung cancer in 2005. He died in Houston at the age of 45, leaving behind a rich and varied legacy of music. His last performance was at Martyrs' in Chicago on August 6, 2005, which was later released as a live album called Reiter In (2006). His fans and peers have paid tribute to him in various ways, such as tribute albums, documentaries and concerts. He is widely regarded as one of the most original and underrated artists of his generation.