Maurice John Vaughn stands out as a genuine force in the blues world, an artist who embodies the spirit of Chicago blues while forging his own innovative path. A master of the guitar, saxophone, and vocals, Vaughn isn’t just a performer; he’s a storyteller whose songs resonate with raw emotion and insightful observations of life. From the gritty essence of gut-bucket blues to the electrifying energy reminiscent of Hendrix, Vaughn’s music offers a captivating and deeply personal experience. As Living Blues aptly described, his guitar playing is “nasty, tasty and very fluid,” delivering “an unpretentious joy to the soul.”
From Chicago Streets to Blues Stage
Born and bred in the heart of Chicago, Maurice John Vaughn’s musical journey is deeply rooted in the city’s vibrant blues tradition. Growing up immersed in the sounds of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, alongside the popular black Top 40 hits and the dynamic rhythms of James Brown, Vaughn absorbed a diverse range of influences that would shape his unique blues and R&B style. This rich musical upbringing provided the foundation for his authentic and soulful vocals, which, as Guitar World noted, are filled with “great playing, great singing, bits of humorous storytelling and that deep, deep feeling.”
Vaughn’s most recent album on Alligator Records, In The Shadow Of The City (AL 4813), serves as a testament to his multifaceted artistry. This collection of primarily original songs explores the full spectrum of human emotions. From the infectious, feel-good vibes of Can’t Nobody to the introspective depths of Suicide Is Not The Way, Vaughn showcases his singular musical vision. He seamlessly transitions between the heavy funk groove of (Everything I Do) Got to Be Funky and the poignant intimacy of solo acoustic blues in Treat Me So Bad. This eclectic approach is deliberate, as Vaughn explains, “I don’t want to be known as a ‘heavy,’ but rather as someone who understands pain, can deal with it, and can also have a good time.” His ultimate aim is to connect with his audience on a human level, inspiring them to navigate life’s complexities with resilience and joy. In The Shadow Of The City perfectly encapsulates Maurice John Vaughn’s strengths: insightful and original songwriting, deeply soulful vocals, cutting-edge guitar work, and swinging saxophone melodies.
A Musical Education Forged in Experience
Now in his 40s, Maurice John Vaughn’s musical journey began in his childhood, attending Juliet Low grade school on Chicago’s South Side. His early musical explorations included playing drums, guitar, and clarinet in the school band, laying the groundwork for his multi-instrumental talent. He further honed his skills playing in Top 40 cover bands, gaining valuable stage experience and versatility. In 1968, seeking an opportunity to join a local jazz trio, Vaughn focused on the saxophone. “They wanted a sax player, and I wanted to be in the band,” he recalls, demonstrating his early ambition and adaptability. His first foray into recording came in 1976 with the R&B group The Chosen Few for Chi-Sound Records, broadening his musical horizons.
However, as saxophone gigs became less frequent, Vaughn shifted his focus back to the guitar, an instrument that would become synonymous with his name. His guitar style, while uniquely his own, carries echoes of blues legends like Albert King, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King, reflecting his deep appreciation for the blues tradition. A pivotal moment in his blues career arrived in 1979 when Phil Guy, brother of the iconic Buddy Guy, joined Vaughn’s soul band for a performance. Impressed by Vaughn’s talent, Guy invited him to join an upcoming Canadian tour. This marked Vaughn’s entry into the vibrant Chicago blues scene, leading to collaborations with renowned artists such as Luther Allison, Son Seals (with whom he toured Europe), and A.C. Reed, even featuring on Reed’s Alligator album, I’m In The Wrong Business!. These experiences solidified Vaughn’s place within the blues community and further refined his distinctive sound.
Taking Control and Finding His Voice
Driven by his artistic vision and a desire for creative control, Maurice John Vaughn took a significant step in his career in 1986. Tired of relying on external producers, he independently produced, recorded, and financed his own solo album. He launched his own label, Reecy Records, and released Generic Blues Album, a bold statement of his artistic independence. This self-produced effort caught the attention of Bruce Iglauer, president of Alligator Records, who recognized Vaughn’s raw talent and potential. Iglauer invited Vaughn to record a track for The New Bluebloods compilation album, a showcase of emerging blues artists. Subsequently, Alligator Records partnered with Vaughn to distribute Generic Blues Album, re-releasing it with an additional track and bringing his music to a wider audience. Guitar World lauded it as “Blues album of the year!”, solidifying Vaughn’s breakthrough into the national blues scene.
Beyond his studio recordings, Maurice John Vaughn is renowned for his captivating live performances. A typical Vaughn show is characterized by a strong connection with the audience. His stage presence is relaxed and inclusive, creating an intimate atmosphere where he interacts with the crowd as if they were gathered in his own living room. “You won’t just see me stand there with my guitar,” Vaughn emphasizes, highlighting his dynamic and engaging performance style. His experience playing for children in schools has further shaped his approach to live shows. Understanding the need to keep younger audiences engaged, Vaughn incorporates elements of fun and excitement into his performances, even updating classic blues tunes like Sonny Boy Williamson’s Help Me with lyrics relatable to kids, like homework. This understanding of audience engagement translates seamlessly to his club performances, ensuring his shows are always fast-paced and entertaining.
Maurice John Vaughn’s passion for music extends beyond performance; he is a constant innovator, always seeking to refine his sound and style. His extensive talent and rich musical journey have firmly established him as a leading figure in contemporary blues. With his original songwriting, soulful vocals, electrifying guitar playing, and spirited saxophone work, Maurice John Vaughn continues to create visionary music that solidifies his legacy as a true blues original.
