In 1974, the Montreux Jazz Festival became the site of a truly historic “great guitar collaboration”—one that transcended mere instrumental teamwork and became a masterclass in blues chemistry and performance dynamics. That year, the legendary Chicago duo of Junior Wells and Buddy Guy stepped onto the stage for a performance that would be captured on the iconic live album, Drinkin’ TNT ‘N’ Smokin’ Dynamite.
Happy Birthday Junior Wells🎉w/ Buddy Guy '74. 🎶'Little By Little' pic.twitter.com/2tXfxy0iGr
— bluesharp (@bluezharp) December 9, 2025
This wasn’t just another gig; it was a spontaneous combustion backed by an unexpected, world-class rhythm section, and it cemented the lasting legacy of one of the blues‘ most important partnerships.
The Unlikely Rhythm Section
The magic of the 1974 performance wasn’t just in the headliners; it was in the stellar band assembled for the night. Organized by The Rolling Stones’ bassist, Bill Wyman, the rhythm section brought an eclectic, powerhouse sound to the Chicago blues masters:
- Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones) on Bass
- Pinetop Perkins on Piano (a future Muddy Waters sideman legend)
- Terry Taylor on second Guitar
- Dallas Taylor (formerly of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) on Drums
This wasn’t the usual crew, but their presence gave the blues a muscular, driving rock edge. Wyman’s steady, foundational bass work provided the perfect canvas for Guy’s explosive fretwork and Wells’ gritty harmonica leads.
The Chemistry: Fire and Ice
The secret to any “Great Guitar Collaboration” lies in the interplay, and with Wells and Guy, it was a volatile mix of fire and ice.
- Buddy Guy’s Guitar: Buddy Guy, ever the showman and innovator, was in peak form. His solos were raw, technically dazzling, and punctuated with the stinging bends and furious attack that would influence countless rock and blues guitarists. He was the thunder and lightning, pushing the boundaries of the traditional blues scale with his modern, electric sound.
- Junior Wells’ Harmonica and Vocals: Wells was the perfect foil. His harp playing was tough, smoky, and deeply soulful, complementing Guy’s flash with a grounded, gritty realism. His vocal delivery—cool, confident, and slightly detached—served as the anchor, giving the performance its classic Chicago authenticity.
When they traded licks on tracks like “Messin’ With the Kid” or “Hoodoo Man Blues,” it wasn’t a duel; it was a conversation built on decades of shared history, each one daring the other to go further.
The Lasting Impact
Drinkin’ TNT ‘N’ Smokin’ Dynamite stands as a testament to the power of live blues. It showcases the collaborative spirit where a global rock star (Wyman) pays homage to his roots while two blues titans prove why their sound is timeless.
For any aspiring guitarist, this album is a masterclass in:
- Dynamic Range: Understanding how to build energy from a whisper to a roar.
- Improvisation: The spontaneous invention that happens when two masters trust each other implicitly.
- Vocal-Instrument Interplay: How the guitar can “answer” the voice and harmonica, making the entire piece feel like a single, unified expression.
If you want to hear the sound of the blues at its absolute peak it’s raw, electrifying, and backed by a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll dynamite so turn up the volume on this legendary 1974 summit.
What’s your favorite track from the Drinkin’ TNT ‘N’ Smokin’ Dynamite album? Let us know in the comments!
(Special thanks to @bluezharp on X for sharing the footage of this historic performance.)
