Barbeque, in the southern and Midwest parts of the United States, consists of slow-cooking meat over indirect heat. Chicken, beef, pork, sausage, ham, and ribs can all be barbequed – even mutton is sometimes barbequed, at least in Kentucky. With so many ways to make so many dishes, the perfect way to make barbequed meat can be a regional “bone” of contention.
The blues is probably one of the most expressive music forms today. It has given rise to other music genres such as rhythm and blues, jazz, bluegrass and rock and roll. When you know how to play the blues guitar, then you can play almost all kinds of music! If you want to be able to play along with anyone, then you have to learn the blues guitar.
Elvis – the hip-swivelling singer with a penchant for giant quiffs and banana and peanut-butter-deep-fried-sandwiches. Who doesn't love a good Elvis number?
In Memphis, Tennessee, barbeque is almost a religion. Barbeque ribs – most often pork, are cooked for long hours, until the meat is so tender that it is ready to fall off the bone. The city bills itself as the pork barbeque capital of the world, and has over one hundred barbeque restraints to back up that claim, many of whom participate in the annual pork cook off that is listen the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest pork barbeque contest anywhere.
Before you enroll in blues guitar lessons, there are six factors you need to consider: top of the line sound and construction, the use of the best products, the instructors should be professional blues guitar players and there should be great customer service. This is especially true if you are signing up with a blues guitar lesson from the internet.
There is a ditty for everyone; the sad and lonely enjoy the bluesy flavour of ‘Heartbreak Hotel', the young romantics ‘Can't Help Falling in Love' and the randy gentleman gracing the dance floor want ‘A Little Less Conversation'(A little more action please).
The contest, part of the celebration called “Memphis in May”, draws some 90,000 cooks and spectators. Competitors come from fifty smaller cook offs sponsored by the main contest. It even runs a series of training seminars for potential barbeque judges. Good barbeque, they say, is all about being tender, without being too mushy, and being smoky, without being overpowering.
Learning how to play the different blues licks can be difficult especially if you don't have the right tools with you. For example, even the best blues guitar lessons can fail to teach you the essential skills you need if you don't employ the right media for teaching. In many cases, beginners look for tutors to teach them the basics of blues guitar and these tutors may find it difficult to instruct, especially since they're so used to fast playing. They expect that their students learn fast and will sometimes get impatient when a student is a slow learner. Needless to say, the tutor's attitude can affect the student. Students are prone to frustration and disappointments which could sometime lead to the student quitting his or her blues guitar lessons.
Known for the suggestive way he danced, Elvis was a breath of fresh air amongst other 1950's singers that made up the contemporary music scene. Described as ‘Elvis the Pelvis', he went on to have massive billboard hits, become a Hollywood actor and generate a massive fan base.
Ribs commonly come “wet,” that is, with barbeque sauce of some kind, usually mild and sweet in Memphis and basted on before and after cooking, or “dry,” with a dry rub of herbs and spices that is applied during or right after cooking. Regardless of which style is favored, the taste of the meat should come through – this is what separates good barbeque from something lathered with barbeque sauce and put in the oven for a few hours.
This is why sometimes, having a blues guitar tutor just isn't enough. This is where the blues backing tracks come into play. Practicing the blues licks at home is important if you wish to become great at playing the blues guitar. With accompanying blues backing tracks, you can practice at home and not be embarrassed when you make a mistake. Also, you can take all the time you need in studying the blues licks again.
But there is also something else Elvis is known for. Presley bought the Graceland estate when he was just 22 yrs old in 1957 – ever since then, the place has become synonymous with his name and a multitude of fans still visit the house today.
In Missouri, there are not one, but two predominant styles of barbeque, both of which favor beef, which is not surprising given the history of both Kansas City and St. Louis as “cattle towns.” They share a tomato-based sauce that is added after cooking, and can be replicated by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Interestingly, Missouri's Ozarks are the source of almost half of the charcoal briquettes produced in the United States.
Kansas City, like Memphis, has a large number of barbeque restaurants and hosts several annual competitions. However, it is particularly famous for its sauces, which are thick, rich, tangy, and spicy. The sauce is based on during the last few moments of cooking, and more can be added thereafter. Dry rub, too, is common on Kansas City style barbeque.
The limestone building is made up of 23 rooms including eight bedrooms and bathrooms. Elvis renovated parts of the property and created an area he called the Meditation Gardens. It is here where he was buried after his death in 1977.
With the convenience that the internet offers, guitar beginners no longer have to scour their communities for the perfect tutor. A quick search will reveal a number of blues guitar lessons offering guaranteed results. And yet, a fact you will have to consider is that results are only "guaranteed" if you have the proper mindset to learn.
In St. Louis style barbeque, ribs are the flagship dish. These famous spare ribs are a rack of ribs with the chine bone and brisket bone removed. They are cooked with a sauce that is less vinegary, tangier and thinner than its cross-state equivalent, closer, in fact, to that served in Memphis.
The building, which Elvis partially used as his Memphis office base, was converted into a museum a few years later. His wife, Priscilla Presley, became the estate executor and came up with the plan to open the building to public viewings in an attempt to fund the yearly $500,000 it was costing to keep the property running.
First, you will need to have the patience. Leaning the blues guitar is not a one day affair. It may be easy for some people, but most people find it difficult. If you have trouble memorizing the different blues licks, don't worry, almost everyone has trouble with it - you are not alone. What you need to keep in mind is that "practice makes perfect". Keep practicing the same blues licks over and over again and your muscles will remember the kind of movement you need in order to play it,
Whether sweet or spicy, dry or wet, slow cooked or grilled over an open flame, barbeque is one of the most diverse of all American foods, and one to which many cities lay claim. Each has its own unique character, so get some bread and crackers, or some Cole slaw, or even beans, (all traditional barbeque side dishes) and give them a try.
Opened in June 1982, the space was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27th 2006. Over 600,000 visitors tour the private home each year, making it second only to the number of people who visit the White House. The new museum generated enough capital to match the amount of money invested in it within a month of opening illustrating the ever-present wide spread appeal Elvis still has today.
Learning is not an overnight process. It takes a lot of time and energy to get something right. Even then, it might never be perfect, but what's important is that you learn the basics so you can diversify.
It is clear that Presley's Memphis office space and home has become a giant tourist attraction and brings much business to the Tennessee area. It is safe to say that those swivelling hips have generated more than just a plethora of swooning female fans; they have created a business empire that produces enough money to keep the locals swimming in deep-fried chicken and banana sandwiches.
Ah Memphis, where rock and roll was made. Kiss sang that God gave rock and roll to us, but I believe that we can only thank Memphis.
Home to such greats as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, Memphis is a spectacle of amazing music and sights to behold - one can almost feel the twang of electric guitars there.
Admittedly times have changed since the heady days of the 1950s, but there still remains the spirit in bands such as Kings of Leon and the masterful talent of Justin Timberlake.
Here in Memphis we also have a number of famous actors born in Memphis, such as Chris Parnell, Shannon Doherty, Kathy Bates and the peerless Morgan Freeman.
There is a lot going for start-up businesses in Memphis too, with a wide array of available Memphis executive suites and a stable economy, as well as a variety of friendly businesses that are sure to help you succeed.
Memphis is just the right size for a visit – you won't get lost here, but you certainly won't run out of things to do or places to see. We have fantastic weather conditions and an impeccable climate, as well as a beautiful landscape to survey.
In May you can experience the Memphis is May series of events. These last for a month and are made up of four events, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Beale Street Music Festival, International Week and the Sunset Symphony, all of which are a wonder to behold.
Whether you are going on holiday or just want to move to a friendly, sincere and beautiful landscape, Memphis is the perfect choice to make.
The Peabody Memphis Hotel was originally built in 1869 by Colonel Robert C. Brinkley. It was meant to be a destination for the well to do; a place to see and be seen by the upper echelon of southern society. Just before Colonel Brinkley opened the hotel, his good friend George Peabody, a well known philanthropist and international financier, passed away. As a memorial to him, Colonel Brinkley decided to name the hotel after his friend, changing what was to be The Brinkley House Hotel to the Peabody Hotel.
In 1923, the original Peabody closed its doors, only to be rebuilt and reopened in 1925, still in keeping with the tradition of elegance and good taste intact. The new hotel, located in the heart of Memphis, offers 625 guest rooms along with 40 shops offices, and restaurants.
The Peabody Memphis Hotel is well known for its rich history, but even better known for a most unusual reason. Each morning at 11 am, a red carpet is rolled out for the resident ambassadors of the hotel.
Most would think this would be some visiting dignitary, or famous celebrity, but not in this hotel. The carpet extends from the penthouse elevator to the Italian travertine marble fountain in the Peabody Grand Lobby. With great pomp and ceremony, a Duckmaster leads five mallard ducks that live in “Duck Palace", a special suite just for them on the roof of the hotel. The music of John Philip Sousa's King Cotton March can be heard as the ducks move from the elevator into the fountain, to enjoy their swim until they are lead back up at 5 each evening.
This unusual tradition was started in 1932 by the Peabody General Manager, Frank Schutt. As a prank he placed 3 decoy ducks in the fountain after an unsuccessful weekend hunting trip. Much to the surprise and delight of the management, the guests were enthusiastic about the addition, and the decoys were replaced by live ducks. In 1940, one of their bellmen, who was formerly a circus animal trainer, offered his services in delivering the ducks to the fountain, and taught them the Peabody Duck March, which is taught to each team of ducks that stays at the hotel. The five only live there for 3 months before a new team is trained, and the old team is allowed to retire. The ducks are a delight to all who enjoy the luxurious surroundings as they stay in comfort and old world elegance at the historic Peabody Memphis Hotel.
When Traveling To Memphis
Memphis the jewel of the mid-south, sits on the might Mississippi river, and is home of the worlds greatest attractions. If you're looking for a vacation full of excitement, history, and southern charm, then Memphis Tennessee is the place for you.
Memphis a City that dates back over 200 years, also that survived the civil war, and the great earthquake is a warm inviting city for vacationers every year. Famous for its music and barbeque, there are also other things that one can visit while staying in Memphis.
Everyone should visit Beale Street where you still get the feel of that down home blues of B.B. King and Memphis Minnie. On Beale Street you can also get world famous soul food and party the night away with the sound of constant music from an eclectic assortment of musical clubs. It would also be comforting to talk a stroll down on Front Street to the Mississippi River. A ride on the Memphis Queen is always a nice closure to your evening.
When the night has died down you can stroll back to you hotel room at the world famous Peabody Hotel and in the morning watch the ducks waddle in to lobby before breakfast.
After breakfast, you should visit Elvis Presley Mansion and maybe stay or eat lunch at the Heartbreak Hotel in front of Elvis's House.
Mud Island, a replica of the Mississippi River is a museum full of enlightening information of Memphis' past. You can also take a ride on the Monorail and maybe have brunch there. The Pyramid is also a tourist attraction found downtown, Memphis' very own replica of Ancient Egyptian's Pyramids.
There are other social important places to see as well. For instance a trip to Memphis wouldn't be quite complete with a visit to the Civil Right Museum. There you can get the history of Civil Rights Movement, get a historical perspective, and even see where Martin Luther King was slain. The controversial replica of the Statue of Liberty is housed in Memphis at World Overcomers Church. It has received national attention, so don't forget to stop by and get a snapshot.
Memphis' very own NBA team, The Grizzlies play at the FedEx forum downtown. Go watch them in action while you're in town. The Peabody Place, located in downtown Memphis is another great way to spend a day in Memphis. Shop in the malls, hang out at Jillian's, or enjoy the IMAX theatre.
You can't leave Memphis without stopping by the Memphis Zoo. Memphis's Zoo is a large fantastic zoo that also features the Panda Exhibit. After the zoo, the Pink Palace Museum and the Brooks Art Museum are a must.
Remember when visiting Memphis, partake in all of it's many inviting and alluring aspects. You won't be sorry, because the southern hospitality, fascinating entertainment, and incredible cuisine will never disappoint you
Tennessee seceded from the Union in June 1861 and Memphis briefly became a Confederate stronghold. As Memphis' population and popularity have ticked steadily upward, so has its booming real estate market.
1. Memphis became an Union supply base and continued to prosper throughout the war.
2. Memphis has the second-busiest cargo port on the Mississippi River, which is also the fourth-busiest inland port in the United States.
3. Memphis also served as the temporary home of the former Tennessee Oilers while the city of Nashville worked out stadium issues.
4. Memphis, Tennessee, is home to Graceland, Elvis Presley's former estate and one of the most visited private residences in America, second only to the White House.
5. Memphis, Tennessee is a city of over 600,000 and has a metropolitan area of roughly 1,000,000.
6. Memphis is considered to be the largest city in the state of Tennessee due to its population and is second to Nashville as far as population size goes
7. The land comprising present-day Memphis remained in a largely unorganized territory throughout most of the 18th century.
8. Tennessee seceded from the Union in June 1861 and Memphis briefly became a Confederate stronghold.
9. Since its founding, Memphis has been home to persons of many different faiths.
10. Memphis is also home to two film festivals, the Memphis International Film and Music Festival and the Indie Memphis Film Festival.
I am a big BBQ Nut. So one of my favorite cities to visit on Earth is Memphis, Tennessee. The home of the Blues is also the home of some sweet Memphis Barbecue.
There is nothing else quite like biting into the smokey goodness of the melt-in-your-mouth ribs at Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous or enjoying the Blues-backed tangy sauces on Beale Street. If you love good BBQ it's hard to go wrong in Memphis because there is a great joint on almost every corner. Your hardest problems you will have will be deciding were to begin, where to eat next and not wanting to leave.
Here are my can't-miss picks for Memphis Barbecue Heaven if you have a week to eat in the Home of the Blues.
I'd suggest starting at the most storied of all of Memphis BBQ restaurants, Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous. You enter the restaurant from an alley that's full of heavenly smells of smoking pork and customers waiting to get a seat. How can you not love a world famous BBQ joint that's in an alley?
The 'Vous is known for it's "dry ribs" that use only a spicy BBQ rub and no sauce. Not to worry if you love BBQ sauce -- a cold drink of beer with each bite will work just nicely.
The Rendezvous is in midtown near the world famous Peabody Hotel. Head a couple of blocks south to "The Home of the Blues", Beale Street, and you will find several more excellent restaurants to try. Sitting right across the street from each other at the entrance to Beale are B B King's and Blues City Cafe. Both serve tangy sweet, sauce covered ribs and pulled pork with a backdrop of some of the best blues music you'll ever hear. Both restaurants feature full menus, ranging from shrimp to steak. But who cares -- we're here to eat BBQ!
Up the road a bit, past the Elvis stores, the Blues bars and Fed-Ex Forum, you'll find Silky O'Sullivan's. Don't let the Irish name fool you. Mr. O'Sullivan knows his BBQ. Start your meal with a plate of BBQ Nachos then get down to serious eating with a rack of the ribs. Just be careful with the "Diver!"
Getting out of the city, don't miss Corky's and Interstate. Even though both places have gone "chain" and are apt to be full of tourists, both have excellent BBQ and you can pick up a bottle or two of their sauce to take home with you.
On the last night of your week treat yourself with a trip to the place where the locals go for BBQ, Cozy Corner. Michael Stern of "Roadfood" says, "If you have time for just one barbecue meal in Memphis (or anywhere on earth), go to Cozy Corner." The specialties of this down-home joint are barbequed cornish game hens, barbecued spaghetti and barbequed baloney. All three have to be tried to be believed.
That's seven day's worth of Memphis BBQ for a normal person to try or about a day and a half's worth for the true BBQ Fan. But even if you eat BBQ for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can get your fill in Memphis.
The guitar style of BB King may appear simple, yet upon analysis it discloses a subtle consciousness of melody, harmony, and rhythm. He looks to constantly hit the suitable notes, phrases like nobody else, and has a vibrato which is unanimously recognized. BB approaches the guitar as if it were an additional voice, not simply as an instrument. He plays guitar as if he were singing through it. When he has to take a breath, his guitar does as well. He claims that his sound is not something that he learned, it is just the way he asserts himself as a particular person and as a guitar player. Fortunately, for aspiring blues guitarists there is a wealth of BB King blues guitar tabs available and an instructional DVD training course taught by BB King himself!
Stylistically, what separates BB King from his fellow blues guitarists is his firm rooting in the jazz as well as the blues idioms. One of BB's main influences was jazz guitarist Lonnie Johnson, who was one of the first guitarists to visualize the guitar as a single-line solo instrument. BB additionally listened considerably to Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt and to horn players like Lester Young, Johnny Hodges and Bobby Hackett.
His blues guitar sound comes primarily from T-Bone Walker. BB softened Walker's considerably strident style, adding a vibrato which he created while attempting to duplicate the bottleneck slide guitar sound of his cousin Bukka White. The rest is genuine BB King, which is a mix of elements that has made one of the most distinctive blues guitar players ever!
BB draws from a big pallet of harmonic and melodic devices. Although he is principally known as a single line guitar performer, he does play chords - particularly triads and double stops which he utilizes to punctuate his solos. Check out his chord intro to the song "Please Love Me" and his rhythm chord comping throughout the saxophone solo in the tune "You Upset Me Baby".
Perhaps the most recognizable characteristic of BB King's sound is his "Bee-Sting" vibrato. He does his vibrato totally from the wrist, as he shakes his total hand quickly and evenly. Even though that is a considerably imitated sound, only BB can make it "sing" the way he does. BB's know-how of jazz harmony will allow him to introduce harmonic ideas into his soloing which are more sophisticated than the normal pentatonic ideas utilized by most blues guitarists.
The most distinctive quality of BB King's style is his capacity to combine jazzier elements with a rock solid blues sensibility. I was lucky enough to hear BB King and his big band play in person at the Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland back in 1969. The big band was extraordinary - a real wall of sound - and BB's guitar playing just "wailed" and filled the Civic Center with some of the most exciting blues guitar songs I've ever heard. And, as an additional reward the opening act for BB King that night was The Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart on vocals. I'll never forget the contrast in styles - Jeff Beck's British blues rock guitar playing versus the American blues guitar playing of BB King! All in all an unforgettable evening!
And those are my thoughts on Memphis Barbeque Blues :)
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