Biography
Skeeter Best stood out as a masterful rhythm guitarist who also ranked as an above-average lead player, albeit one who seldom highlighted that ability. Drawing inspiration from the duo of Charlie Christian and Freddie Green, he produced slick, polished, and enticing riffs together with supportive licks. His solos followed a classic single-string approach built on cleanly articulated, bluesy patterns and phrases. In the late ’30s he worked in Philadelphia, then joined Earl Hines for 1941 and 1942 before enlisting in the Navy. After his discharge Best concentrated on small-combo engagements and took part in the landmark Soul Brothers session that featured Ray Charles and Milt Jackson. He recorded with Mercer Ellington in 1958 and later taught in New York City. Although Best never led any sessions of his own, his contributions can be heard to good advantage on the Soul Brothers CD reissue.