171. Dave Alvin Discusses Underground Blues (compilation)

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On this episode, guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer Dave Alvin (The Blasters, X, The Knitters, The Third Mind, solo) digs deep into the 1969 Underground Blues compilation album. He explains how he became acquainted with the album and why it was such an important part of his introduction to the folk blues tradition. Dave also dissects the work of some of the artists featured on the album, including Lightnin’ Hopkins, Jimmy Reed and John Lee Hooker. Dave talks about how one of his bands, The Third Mind, is connected to the folk blues tradition and how it’s not—and he discusses their upcoming live album (Live Mind) and other possible plans for 2025.

You can keep up with Dave and The Third Mind on Instagram!

Dave: @davealvinoriginal

The Third Mind: @thethirdmind

Dave is also on Facebook at @davealvin.

You can learn more about Dave’s and The Third Mind’s music on his website, davealvin.net.

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has an account on Instagram at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/. You can also support the show on Buzzsprout at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1542814/episodes or at the link at the bottom of these show notes.

1:33 Dave joins the show

2:18 Dave explains why he decided to buy Underground Blues when he was 13

8:16 The compilation introduced Dave to the variety of blues styles

13:34 Dave talks about the uniqueness of Lightnin' Hopkins’ music

17:24 Dave became familiar with blues artists at a young age

22:42 Dave learned a lot from being a record collector

27:02 Dave explains why he initially focused on flute and sax instead of guitar

32:17 Dave’s time as a saxophonist has informed his guitar playing

35:52 Dave enjoys the guitar interplay on the Jimmy Reed tracks

41:28 Dave recounts how the man who chose the tracks for the compilation wound up becoming a close friend of his

49:50 Dave talks about the origins of The Third Mind and how the lineup came together

1:07:05 Dave explains the band’s approach and the nature of their setlists

1:12:48 The Third Mind’s music is connected to the folk blues music that Dave has typically played

1:21:19 Will there be a Third Mind tour in 2025?

Outro music is from “Morning Dew” (live) by The Third Mind.

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