Directed by Harry Reese, the footage features Gibbons and his touring lineup – drummer Matt Sorum and guitarist Austin Hanks – playing before a sold-out crowd at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, TX on his solo tour in support of the project.
The song was a natural choice for inclusion in “The Big Bad Blues” that was produced by Billy and the late Joe Hardy. Chess Records released Muddy Waters’ definitive version in 1950 on its Argo label, although the song’s roots date back almost more than 90 years to Hambone Willie Newbern’s “Roll and Tumble Blues,” released on Okeh Records.
Other versions or derivations of the song released under various titles have been recorded by Robert Johnson, Sleepy John Estes, Sunnyland Slim, Charley Patton, Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf, Canned Heat, Johnny Shines, R.L. Burnside, Cream, Johnny Winter, Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan, among others.
“’Rollin’ and Tumblin’’ is the musical embodiment of our favored slogan ‘blues you can use’,” says Gibbons. “No matter how it’s interpreted, it’s the sound of the now and the future, too! We’re happy to have it out again as our contribution to continuum that is the blues.”
“The Big Bad Blues” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk chart and at No. 2 on the US Blues chart while also being named Blues Rock Album Of The Year at the 2019 Blues Music Awards.
Gibbons is currently working on the follow up solo-album with Sorum and Hanks while arranging for the next ZZ Top release.
See also:
ZZ Top: Billy Gibbons announces New Year’s Eve livestream concert
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 4: ZZ TOP
Rock News Story Of The Year No. 8: ZZ TOP
Fleetwood Mac: All-star Peter Green tribute concert coming to cinemas
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