Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble were one of the very few groups that could be considered peers with The Jimi Hendrix Experience - in other words, at the very top of blues and/or rock lists. Both groups featured virtuosic guitarists who were also reticent vocalists (although they shouldn't have been) backed by rhythmically sophisticated, yet frequently understated rhythm sections.

Now the goal of a serious band is known as "groove", in musician. And both of these groups had a ton. When a musician can play with touch and power, while listening intently and responding to the others in the band, he is said to have "great time". (One of my teachers, another great guitarist, said that he wouldn't play in a band that didn't consider time to be its primary concern.) When the entire band can do it, they are said to play "deep time", one of the highest compliments possible, and the only kind these two bands deserve. Suggested listening: "All Along the Watchtower", "Wait Until Tomorrow", "Cold Shot", "Couldn't Stand the Weather". Everything grooves (including the singing).