Texas Flood – Stevie Ray Vaughan – What’s On The Table
Guitar Magic …
Today is the first time we’re picking/reviewing/discussing an album that was released in the 80s.
This one is probably familiar to some of the guitarists here in the MLT Club. A true classic when it comes to blues rock: Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble’s debut album “Texas Flood”.
It’s full of amazing guitar moments and something we’ve fallen in love with in our 20s. Stevie’s playing will continue to inspire future guitarists for generations to come. He has put blues rock back in the public eye when it was anything but popular. He has learnt from the greats and became one himself.
You know how passionate we feel about keeping great genres of music alive and “carrying on the torch”, and when it comes to the world of blues rock no one did it better than Stevie.
Please share your own thoughts about the album, we’d love to hear from you!
Much love,
Mona & Lisa
I was lucky to have have seen him three times. First time was in 1985, in Vancouver at the Commodore, a great little venue (you should play there). I didn’t know anything about him but loved the concert and of course got the album. Saw him again in 1986 at Expo 86 in Vancouver, and unfortunately his troubles were present and it wasn’t a good show. But did see him one more time and he was back. I like to (sort of) play Pride and Joy and Mary Had A Little Lamb. I too was quite sad when I heard about his death.
And I enjoyed Mona providing an insight only as a sister can regarding Lisa and her ability to have everything ready on time 😉
I first heard Stevie in late 80’s, have all his albums. Blues has always been a magnet to me so Stevie fits right in my library with Howlin’ Wolf, Eric Clapton, Little Brother Montgomery, Sarah Vaughan, and so on.
I saw Stevie Ray at the Toronto SkyDome in 1989. Jeff Healey, SRV, then Jeff Beck. You know who your friends are when they score tix like that for you. SRV and The Who are the only two acts on WOTT that I’ve seen live.
Commercial radio and TV in the ’80s got bad, but blues bands were playing then and they still are, and on radio too, including internet radio. Of course, I’m on the blues trail near Detroit, so they come to me. In parts of Chicago, it seems like there’s a blues club on every block.
Blues is made for live performance. Buddy Guy live is fantastic, he just cuts loose, but his records are different. He used to play Voodoo Chile live and say, hey, I can play that stuff too.
As far as other guitar heroes go, there are so many that I love — rock, blues, jazz. The first jazz show I ever saw was Earl Klugh, to name one. Mellow melodic music. If you’re having a bad day, put him on. And I remember what Steve Harley said about giving Lisa a solo and you stepped up and nailed it. You could play whatever you decide to, right now.
I do not know him but I can see he was a great blues guitarist, do you know the famous blues guitarist Roy Buchanan? You must have heard ” The messiah will come again”, I have noticed that you have “In the court of Crimson King” by King Crimson, I have it and others albums with them. I love this group and I saw them in concert, I hope you will talk about this album, Merci
I remember MTV actually played music in the 80s and it was usually punk or pop music but then they would play a Stevie Ray Vaughn video and it was like, Yes finally some real music. So sad when he died in my home state. My nephew was working security at that show and said it was fantastic. I’d love to hear you cover one of his songs. Lisa has the chops to do it.
Yeah, his music must have felt like such a fresh breath of air amidst the 80s! How lucky that your nephew got to see his final show … a tragic ending to a beautiful life story.
Awe, thank you for your reply Mona. I hope 2023 is treating you well so far.
Like anybody that plays guitar at all, SRV is a must listen for me. His mix of blues and rock styles come together in an irresistible blend of killer riffs and licks that never get old.
Some is quite basic, some is waaaay over my feeble skill set. But I am determined to get better.
Obviously he borrows from the “Three Kings” and the likes of Robert Johnson and so many other great blues icons, but somehow manages to keep his own personal style and unique sound. Often said by many: “There was only one Stevie Ray Vaughan”
My music collection is very varied but some artists are in my collection several times, I have all of Stevie Rays albums. My 5 favorite guitar players are Hank Marvin, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Lisa Wagner. There are others I like of course those 5 are the magnets.
Stevie used guitar strings that were almost as thick as piano strings, sometimes like a 13 gauge! Always wondered what gauge both Mona and Lisa uses. Also, do they use the same or if each sister prefers a different gauge.
I could see them doing “Pride and Joy”: Lisa doing the guitar part and Mona belting out the vocals!
Jimmie Vaughan! Love “Tilt-A-Whirl”!
Great album. The tone indeed! Swept me away when I first heard it a friend’s house and later went to see SRV in concert. Wasn’t an especially memorable show due to my mood. I wonder if his black leather outfit was ever uncomfortably warm on stage?
Both of you are extremely talented singers and guitarists for your age. It’s nice to see the younger generation playing The Beatles.
Stevie Ray Vaughan is the greatest of all time. Incredible album. A classic.
I see Jethro Tull’s Aqualung on your record rack. I saw them in 1970 in Southampton (UK) with Procul Harem who had just had their hit with Whiter Shade of Pale. Tull were fantastic, I still listen to them, even recently bought a compilation cd, great character to their music, absolutely unique to them. Another for On The Table?
Thank you for inviting us into your living room! It’s so great to relax with you, on such a wonderful topic. SRV is definitively one of the best guitarists of all time. The first time I head of him was with the news of the helicopter crash. The rumors were that Clapton was on the chopper. I remember being “relieved” that it wasn’t Clapton, but then felt guilty and wanted to know who he was. Since there was no YouTube or downloading music, it was a while before I got to hear him. I remember thinking that Hendrix had some serious competition. Also while learning about him I came across the concept of splitting the guitar signal to two amps and getting a much better tone that way. Most of all I remember realizing how much you could to with your fingers to get a special tone, which opened up my understanding of the guitar to a whole new world.
As for my biggest inspirations those are undoubtedly John, George and Paul. I’m a rhythm guitarist, which comes more naturally for me than lead. Given, in this lifetime I haven’t put in the hours required for me to be a good guitarist, I’m just a Sunday strummer. John’s guitar playing is seriously underrated IMHO. The guitar he does on All My Loving makes the song. I gave up before being able to get even close to achieving it. Norwegian Wood is another one deceptively tricky, took me a long time and the help of YouTube to get that one down. Paul’s creative guitar work on Blackbird is stunning.
Other Guitarists I’ve been inspired by are: Clapton and Hendrix, of course. David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Chuck Berry, Johnny Lee Hooker, Billy Gibbons, Brian May. Jeff Beck is pretty much an alien what he does, impossible to copy. Keith is great, and we share a birthday, but I don’t like it when he talks trash about The Beatles, plus he was in that mediocre band The Rolling something or other 🙂
Seriously now, there are also women on my list. Bonnie Raitt is amazing with the guitar. So is Melissa Ethridge. I had the fortune of working on one of her shows and hanging out for a while with her guitar tech watching her rehearse and play up close. The guitar was just and extension of her fingers, she has to be one of the greatest. Nancy Wilson of Heart is another powerhouse, and last but certainly not least Mona and Lisa. What Mona does with her rhythms is incredible, there are so many subtleties in those not so simple strums that make their songs great. Lisa has definitively taken the lead and ran to rarified air with it. Also playing licks and singing both flawlessly at the same time is not for the faint of heart. Honestly, Mona and Lisa have both inspired me in their own separate ways to play more and get better at playing guitar.
Thank you for letting us hang out with you again!
Excellent choice again and this time something you never done before. This album is a classic and it sounded so refreshing in the 80s, especially when for example “Pride And Joy” came from the radio in the middle of that 80s radio crab. Stevie Ray played few times here in Finland too and the mot famous visit was in 1985 at the Pori Jazz Festival. After the show he met our then president Mauno Koivisto who Invited him to the river cruise to his yacht. (Picture below). You also asked my favorite guitar heroes. There are many in different music styles. In blues rock I listen besides Stevie Ray also Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher. In other styles here are few in no particular order: Georg e Harrison, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Robert Fripp, Jukka Tolonen, Albert Järvinen, Samantha Fish, Erja Lyytinen, Mona & Lisa Wgner.
P.S. Mona, you did great job in the beginning in the video
Ari I am glad you mentioned Johnny Winter. I saw him on stage in 1970 and was stunned by his vocals and how he played guitar. I came straight home and bought Second Winter on vinyl which I still have and is still just as fresh. Highway 61 and Slippin and a’slidin are 2 real favourites.
Hi Mona and Lisa. Stevie was one of the greats. There are so many. For me, who grew up in the 60’s, it was Clapton, then Hendrix. Today I really like Ana Popovic, and Orianthi. And of course many many others. And the both of you as well.
Testify. Lisa…. Testify. She could play that incredible lead part!!! Yes, you’d need a heavy gauge string to sound alike, but Hendrix did the same thing: He cannibalized multiple string packages to achieve an ultra-thin high E string, and a heavy gauge low E string. Nowadays, it’s Ernie Ball custom to the rescue.
GO LISA!
You ladies hit a home run with the review. My wife and I are long time fans of SRV and his music will live on forever. Thank you both for the kind words about a great musician.
Hey Mona and Lisa,
Thanks for this great hangout with my favorite girls jamming with some blues rock! I love how you are both so easily personal in discussing the music but even more about the person behind the music. Your wonderful caring personalities shine through every time we see you. Stevie’s album with Albert King is awesome. I’m sorry he died so tragically after finding his best path to life happiness. I very much appreciate the live video performances you shared, especially his message trying to encourage people about avoiding drugs and alcohol. I believe him having the courage to speak out about his own challenges must have helped others he never met.
I’ve been lucky enough to see some great guitar players live in person – BB King, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton – and I find the “black and white “ Beatles visually compelling musicians and performers. I can honestly say watching Lisa on JohnnyBGoode (and all Cavern videos) that there’s no other guitar player I’d rather watch than Lisa; and no drummer I’d rather watch than Mona. Your musical skills and performance abilities make you my favorite live band ever.
Another guitarist I’m a big fan of is Susan Tedeschi – she’s originally from Massachusetts and is a great blues guitar player and has a great bluesy voice. Brian May of Queen gets amazing tone to go along with his virtuoso skills. I think Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys doesn’t get enough credit, but he’s a little like George in that he plays the right notes in the right amount to fit the song. Scotty Moore who was Elvis’ main guitarist was fabulous at his innovative style and the wonderful tone he got on his guitar.
Thanks for opening yourselves up to show a different era of guitar you enjoy. Now I’m ok telling you I like AC/DC guitar jams as well as John Fogarty – but I can’t imagine playing .13 gauge strings!
All I remember about Stevie Ray Vaughan was the name. I really didn’t follow him, so this WOTT is an educational one for me. As always, I really enjoyed watching it.
I didn’t know that Stevie Ray Vaughan died in an air crash. It is amazing the number of star musicians who have died in air crashes. A quick look on the web reminded me of many I had forgotten about.
I’m really into the whole music production and how everything works together, so I don’t have a “guitar hero”, but Lisa, sometimes I think you are perhaps a bit too modest about your own guitar playing – you are very talented.
I wonder what the payback is for Mona outing Lisa on being late? I’ll bet we will see in one of the videos to come.
Ladies, thanks for sharing SRV’s story.
How sad that he cleaned up his life and met with a tragedy.
Near the end Warren Zevon said “enjoy every sandwich”.
Steve Stills referred to SRV’s guitars strings as ‘cables’.
That’s where the warm sound came from.
Thanks again.
I spent the entire decade of the 80’s assuming that any music that was popular must be awful. Thanks for proving to me that there was at least one exception!
Oooh! Mona snitched on you Lisa! Your turn?!
As for guitar pyrotechnics, what about Lisa on White Room? And not a note-for-note copy of the Clapton original either, as I recall.
Nice. I can finally say I remember when that album came out. I was 18. I remember there was a lot of “hey, play that again. What’s this guy’s name?”
With MTV taking off around the same time, it didn’t take long for the world to recognize SRV. Watching him, and trying to follow what he is playing can be mind blowing. Stevie’s cover of Little Wing is the best.
I am glad you pointed out Stevie’s work on Bowie’s Let’s Dance album. I have used that as a trivia nugget and it’s sometimes surprising when fans weren’t aware that Stevie was on it. Just listen to China Girl. That used to be one of our road trip albums,
I love these WOTT episodes. It’s always interesting to hear about artists you like that you haven’t covered. I see you have Aqualung in your collection. That was another staple album of our’s in 1983.
JP
Mona, the next time Lisa says I will be right back, it is snack time, you have ten minutes, the kitchen is your oyster. It’s Mona Time. ????
All I can say is great artists recognize and appreciate other truly great artists, regardless of whether they perform in the same genre. Mona and Lisa, your taste in great music and musicians is so informed and sincere. SRV was such a breath of fresh air as opposed to most of the 80’s “stuff”. Great blues guitar never died and SRV raised it up many notches at a time we really needed it. I first fell in love with heavy blues listening to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in 1965. Remember Michael Bloomfield?
Hiya ladies, this is my first WOTT as I’ve only just signed up to the club only just having found your music. I hear Stevie a lot on Plant Rock on digital radio here in the UK. He is very much worth following as he rates with the best of the best in guitar playing. To cover a Hendrix song, as smash it??? It showed his worth. Why am I not surprised you are learning some of his work Lisa, you are a very accomplished ‘Picker’ too, you both show incredible insights into the ‘backbeat’ era and bring so much of that music back to life. Then add in your own work, and you should be, by right doing world tours to sold-out stadiums, can I run the lighting board? Keep on keeping on dear ladies, and stay safe, Steve…
The moment I read you had reviewed Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Texas Flood” album for the MLT Club, I had to race right over and don my headphones! This is a masterpiece. I was introduced to SRV by a session guitarist named Paul Houston in the North Hollywood, CA area. “Little Wing” is especially delicate in the delivery. I would definitely place my confidence in Lisa’s ability here, as well as in Mona taking the vocals. If you were to take it on, I could die a happy man. Well… I’m happy now, but I could be happier! 🙂
PS… Mona, waiting for Lisa is a valuable time. If I had to wait for you, it would be worth doing, but I would also redeem the time in some way.
Hi Ladies ,
Texas flood! The last thing I expected today!
Stevie re introduced the world to Blues Rock. Like the Stray Cats brought back Rockabilly. His guitar playing is Legendary and so many artists have tried to recapture that style without much success. At least not on Stevie level. But then again, who could?
To me it is surreal because The MonaLisa Twins re introduced the world to 60s back beat music with there Debut Album When We’re Together, and extraordinary 60s Covers.
These styles are almost a lost art, yet have influenced generations of artists. Some even getting their start because of it.
Stevie came along at a time when the world needed a reminder of Blues Rock.
Such a monumental album and I’m so glad you choose this for today’s chat.
Thanks Ladies! For such a special treat.
Ghost and Goblin wishes to you both
Rick
I’ve heard of Stevie Ray Vaughan and knew he was one of the great guitarists, but this is the first time I got a deep dive into his music and talent. Thanks for that. Awesome WOTT today! It’s so great to be able to get in your heads musically and hear your unique professional perspective. It’s really interesting when you played that Blues Rock clip of “Pride and Joy”, as it instantly brought a familiar feel that I get when I hear some AC/DC guitar work! I guess AC/DC has a healthy dose of Blues Rock influence (check out Gone Shootin), because in Stevie Ray Vaughan I feel that same wonderful sharp hypnotic effect of the guitar. I will check out more of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Blues guitar work, as I think I will like it. It’s tragic how he died.
My guitar heroes? Well that is easy, Mona and Lisa! As an example, what you do on “Wish You Were Here”! After that it would be the Young brothers, Malcolm and Angus of AC/DC. I guess I really got into them in my early 20s. I also really like David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, those howling guitars in Shine On You Crazy Diamond, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix to name a few others.
Loved the private moment with Mona at the start as she talked about Lisa while she went upstairs! LOL. 🙂 I always love your WOTT, so much musical insight from you both, and it’s so fun and charming! Thanks so much!
BTW, Autumn has hit where I am too, as the annual pumpkin patches and eerie tombstones have returned. The side of my house has been converted into a ghoulish graveyard!
I was doing some electrical work at one of the local hotels in my hometown of Saginaw, Michigan in the mid 80’s. I walked past this guy in one of the corridors of the hotel. He was sitting in a chair, talking on a pay phone. This was before cell phones obviously. I didn’t pay much attention to him at the time, but when I got home that night, the guy that I walked past was on the news. He was in Saginaw for a concert that night. It was Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Love the What’s on the table segment! SRV, a great guitarist. I would Love to see you ladies do a song with rockabilly flavor in it! Looking forward to seeing you in the next segment! Best Wishes to MLT and family!!
Again love this segment What’s on the Table. Mona and Lisa you picked a good one. SRV is a brilliant guitar player and made it sound oh soo good to me. So sad he is not with us but Mona is right we have his music. Just love this album, and so glad you brought this one out for us to hear. Oh my to pick a favorite guitar player is hard. My favorite ones are Keith Richard, Ronnie Wood, Eric Clapton, Steve Miller, Glen Campbell, Brian Jones, Mick Taylor, Joe Walsh, etc etc etc,but I have to say you Lisa , and of Course Mona too, you both do such great jobs covering and supporting each other. I mean listen to the live album, when Mona does a lead on She’s a woman, Lisa says go Mona woo, or Mona on Sunshine Superman you hear her say Yea Lisa go….BUT thank you so much for sharing time with us and I did have a cup of coffee, so cool to hear you tell us about Lisa Mona on how much time she takes to get ready and I am sure Lisa could share some story’s!! Stay groovy ladies we all love you both in the MLT Club
Bill and Maddie Isenberg Huge Fans from Pittsburgh PA USA
Brilliant. You guys have great taste in music 🙂
Another thing about SRV is that his albums were very well recorded in regards to sound quality. They often get used to demonstrate high end hifi equipment.
And am I correct in assuming that Lisa forgot her vegemite sandwich in the beginning of the video?
I have a few words to describe how I feel right now after watching WOTT. Thrilled, Shocked, and even Emotional to name a few. I know how deep rooted you girls are in the 60’s and early 70’s, and I would have bee afraid to even mention Stevie in any comments section just because of all the things Mona mentioned. It’s probably not your cup of tea, but as Lisa pointed out, if you play guitar, how can you not love this guy? Ive got all his music on vinyl, cd’s, and dvd’s and have spent countless hours and days listening to his music. The great Eric Clapton gave an interview about Stevie and said the first time he heard him play, it was on the car radio as he was driving. He pulled over on the side, stopped and listen to the rest of the song and said “before the day was over I had to know who this guitar player is… I HAVE to know. He plays the same songs over and over and never once plays the same song the same way”. This is why some other members have noted its hard to play some of his songs, you really have to pick one recording and learn it and then mix a little of some others if you can get there. I can’t. Lisa I ask you on the live show on Youtube around Christmas last year, if you girls ever play any instrumentals? You picked up a guitar and played a little Classical Gas (if you remember this). I really wanted to ask you two to put together a great instrumental to showcase the awesome skills you’ve developed. When I go back and listen to some early recordings compared to the Cavern Club, its so obvious how both of you are much more polished and accomplished musicians. So, Im gonna throw down the gauntlet! SRV opened most of his shows with Scuttle Buttin. As a tribute to the late great SRV, I challenge MLT to do a duo session and come up with your on version of Scuttle Buttin and showcase what you can really do in a different but awesome genre for guitar enthusiast!!! We all know between the two of you, the bass and drums are already mastered! Thank you so much for this WOTT today. When Stevie died in the crash I cried. Today when I saw my favorite girls pay tribute to Stevie, I got a little teary eyed again. Stevie introduced a whole new generation to Blues music, just you two are introducing a new generation to the music they missed in the 60’s. Coincidence? I think not!!! Stay groovy!
Hi Mona! Hi Lisa! I have all of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s music on CD’s. I started to follow him
in the 1980’s.I don’t know if you have ever seen his video on you YouTube, when he played at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1985, playing Tin Pan Alley with Johnny Copeland, who is no longer with us too. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend that you do. It’s amazing! Bye for now!
I have all Stevie’s albums on vinyl and CD. He was a phenomenal guitarist! Thanks for playing ‘Pride and Joy’. As well as playing 13 gauge strings, he often tuned his guitar down half a tone, to discourage harmonica-playing club managers from ruining his stage shows. This also relieved some of the extra tension from the heavy gauge strings.
You have excellent taste in music!
The only thing better that listening to SRV on this album is watching him play these tracks live on stage. With all due respect to Hendrix, Clapton and the other great guitar gods, I think he was the very best of them all.
Ladies, you are really listening to the good stuff!!
I rate SRV the number one guitarist! It was so tragic that he died after getting himself clean and sober and happy again. It was at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin where the helicopter went down. So sad. Imagine what he would have done if he lived.
His brother Jimmy is also just as good but I think Stevie was the better of the two…????????
Ah….The album my 2 nd oldest brother introduced me to SRV with and I continue to love this man’s guitarist, long after he unfortunately had passed on tragically, his music legacy of guitarmanship thrives…. so ecstatic you chose this for your next WOTT episode to do, I give kudos to my 2 nd oldest bro for having introduced me to this legend’s music as we both share similar music tastes and knew I’d enjoy SRV stuff, he was right, I do and hoping you will tackle something of his down the road… As soon as I saw the album cover here, I smiled … Awesome WOTT episode ????????
I love this edition of WOTT!!! You two are cute and entertaining as can be, plus you featured my favorite guitarist SRV. I always thought he was underrated as a singer too. He would be at the top of my guitar gods along with Joe Walsh, George Harrison and Keith Richard, who comes up with the most amazing riffs. Lisa cracked my Top 10 as her playing is very clean and melodic. Peace and Love to the grooviest chicks on the planet ???? (I picked a smiley with a SVR hat).
Tim Johnston
Lisa, have you ever tried to play ,013’s on your strat? It’s hard when playing Lead!!!
WOW!! I never would of thought you would play Stevie. I was in a Band called Parallel of Time back in the late sixties so Hendrix was the main guy to try and play but when Stevie came along in the 80’s I thought wow what a guitarist, he was all over that neck and playing 013’s, I saw him in concert in Texas because I was born there and went back years later do to work. He was always on T.V. and advertising Don’t mess with Texas as far as keeping the streets clean and not throwing things on the roads. My God he could play and even though I really was more of a Rocker I was amazed with what he could do with a guitar. I bought this album and thought I could figure out the licks, yea right!!! He was amazing!!!! I tried .013 gauge strings and my hands are small so I could not bend very much, I went back to .09’s. This shows Mona and Lisa are into Music no matter how hard!!! Yea Mona and Lisa on this one. I am glad your not afraid to venture out every once in a while to promote other forms of rock. Of course The Beatles did start it all!!!! Stay Groovy and great selection!!!!!
What an enjoyable discussion. I could see you two doing a cover of Pride and Joy. I’m a new member but I look forward to these videos. It’s fun to look back at this music and remember where I was at in the 80s.
I always learn so much from both of you and really enjoyed the music. Of course I knew of Stevie Ray Vaughan, but didn’t pay much attention back in the day. One of my guitar heroes is Nancy Wilson from Heart. Mona, great soliloquy!!! I always look forward to Friday.