Riviera Paradise

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Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the soulful instrumental "Riviera Paradise" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their 1989 album In Step. This track is a gem, recorded after a long day in the studio when Stevie asked producer Jim Gaines to keep the tape rolling and dim the lights. Alone with his Fender Stratocaster, he laid down the guitar track in a raw, intimate moment, with Double Trouble later adding backing, including Reese Wynans’ organ foundation. Fans on Songfacts share that Stevie considered this his masterpiece, a window into his soul, especially poignant as it was the last song he played at his final show opening for Eric Clapton, earning a prolonged standing ovation. X posts from 2023 recall Stevie dedicating it on Austin City Limits to “everyone who’s still suffering,” reflecting his own journey through addiction to sobriety.

The song’s serene, jazz-inflected blues vibe was a departure, blending genres at a time when neither was mainstream. A 2015 blog post describes it as a breakthrough, showcasing Stevie’s growth beyond guitar hero status, sharing the spotlight with Wynans’ keys. Fans on Reddit debate its jazz leanings, noting Stevie’s blues roots dominate, drawing from influences like Albert King and T-Bone Walker. One Songfacts commenter from New Jersey shares how the song turned a bad day on a bus ride into something beautiful, highlighting its uplifting power. Stevie often closed shows with it, turning down his amp to leave crowds with a mellow, peaceful feeling, as noted on Last.fm.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born in Dallas, Texas, on October 3, 1954, kicked off his musical journey at age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan. Picking up the guitar, he was hooked, playing in garage bands by junior high, landing gigs in local clubs. By 17, he dropped out of high school to focus on music, moving to Austin in 1972. There, he gigged relentlessly, building a following in the club scene. In 1978, he formed Double Trouble with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon, naming the band after an Otis Rush song. Their residency at Austin’s Rome Inn caught the eye of manager Chesley Millikin, who signed them. By the early 1980s, their electrifying performances made them Texas favorites, paving the way for their 1983 debut album, Texas Flood.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Stevie’s legacy online. Visit the official website at stevieray.com for tour archives and merch. Check out the Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page for fan posts and tributes, or follow stevierayvaughanofficial on Instagram for vintage photos. On X, the handle @StevieRayVaughn shares clips and fan memories. Join fan communities like the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group or explore SRV Archive for deep dives into his gear and performances. Keep grooving, Zoo Freaks!

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