All Blog Posts Tagged 'Audrey' - Blues.Gr
2024-03-28T08:46:53Z
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Q&A with countercultural writer, interviewer, and editor Leon Horton; editor of book Gregory Corso: Ten Times a Poet
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-28:1982923:BlogPost:491068
2024-03-28T06:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Where would we be without it? Literature helps us to understand the world, to see and feel and empathise with other cultural values, other points of view. It stimulates our thinking and, on a very basic level, entertains us."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Leon Horton: Under the Counterculture</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Leon Horton is a countercultural writer, interviewer, and editor. A regular…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Where would we be without it? Literature helps us to understand the world, to see and feel and empathise with other cultural values, other points of view. It stimulates our thinking and, on a very basic level, entertains us."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Leon Horton: Under the Counterculture</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Leon Horton is a countercultural writer, interviewer, and editor. A regular contributor to <em>International Times</em> and <em>Beatdom</em>, his essays and interviews include “Hunter S. Thompson: Fear and Loathing in utero”; “Keeper of the Sacred Scrolls: An Interview with Bill Morgan”; “Charles Bukowski: Only Tough Guys Shit Themselves in Public”; and Gerald Nicosia: Jack Kerouac in the Bleak Inhuman Loneliness”. He is the editor of a forthcoming book <em>Gregory Corso: Ten Times a Poet</em>, a collection of essays, memoirs, poetry, photography, and artwork in celebration of the legendary Beat poet. <strong>His new book</strong> <span><strong><em>Gregory Corso: Ten Times a Poet</em></strong> <strong>(Roadside Press) will be available from Amazon in June 2024 or can be pre-ordered at <a href="https://www.magicaljeep.com/product/corso/165" target="_blank" rel="noopener">magicaljeep.com</a>.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917274?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917274?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Leon Horton, a countercultural writer, interviewer, and editor)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He has written several feature articles on Beat-related subjects, most recently a piece on the English artist Jeff Nuttall for Beat Scene Magazine. Leon says: <em>"For me, it all started when a friend lent me a copy of Naked Lunch, sometime back in 1991/92. I’d never even heard of William Burroughs or the Beat Generation at that time. I read Naked Lunch in one sitting, coming down from an acid trip, and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t believe what I was reading, let alone that it was written and published in the late 1950s / early 60s. I haven’t looked at the world in the same way since."</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 12pt;">How has underground literature and the counterculture influenced your views of the world?</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For me, it all started when a friend lent me a copy of <em>Naked Lunch</em>, sometime back in 1991/92. I’d never even heard of William Burroughs or the Beat Generation at that time. I read <em>Naked Lunch</em> in one sitting, coming down from an acid trip, and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t believe what I was reading, let alone that it was written and published in the late 1950s / early 60s. I haven’t looked at the world in the same way since.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How did the idea for <em>Gregory Corso: Ten Times a Poet</em> come about?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was on a trip to Athens. I was standing on the Acropolis, staring out across the city, lost in some sort of spiritual moment, when it dawned on me that I was standing where Gregory himself once stood. I determined there and then I was going to write something about his adventures in Greece. That essay, which is included in <em>Ten Times a Poet</em>, was subsequently published in the literary journal <em>Beatdom</em> in 2022. Shortly after, I made a throwaway comment on Twitter to a publisher about doing a Chapbook in celebration of Corso. The publisher (who shall remain nameless) was very keen but turned out to be a complete crook and the whole thing collapsed. Thankfully, <a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-poet-publisher-michele-mcdannold-of-roadside-press-work-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michele McDannold</a> at Roadside Press was interested and wanted to develop the project into a full-length book. It’s down to her hard work, diligence, and patience with me that the book is going to be published. It’s taken a long time, with more and more brilliant writers, photographers, and artists coming on board – Anne Waldman, Ed Sanders, Neeli Cherkovski to name but three – and I think the result is a testament to Corso’s legacy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What was it about Gregory’s life and work that touched you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917867?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917867?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>It’s curious, but I was quite dismissive of Gregory when I first read about him in the biographies of the other Beats or saw him in documentaries. I thought he was just a bitter hangover. It wasn’t until I started to read his poetry and learn about the trauma he faced in childhood and beyond that I realized what a remarkable survivor, what an incredible poet he was; capable of great humour and beautiful insight into the human condition.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He could be a nightmare to deal with, I know, but the outpouring of love for Gregory in <em>Ten Times a Poet</em> from those who knew, worked and lived with him just astounded me. Allen Ginsberg said Gregory was a better poet than himself. He was damn right.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think the Beat Generation continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, we all love a rebel, don’t we? On some fundamental level, we need voices of dissent – especially in these shit-storm days we are currently living through. I don’t know; this is actually a difficult question to answer. I guess much of what the Beats said and did and wrote about in their time remains as pertinent, as true today, as it was back then – that need and willingness to cry out, “No, I won’t do as you say, go fuck yourself!”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How important is music to you? Does music affect your mood and inspiration?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Music has been hugely important throughout my entire life. My mother was (and still is) a huge fan of The Rolling Stones – I was listening to them in the womb. Growing up, I got to hear mum’s favourites: Rock ’N’ Roll, Motown, Soul, Blues… When I moved to Manchester in the late 1980s, I became friends with a lot of people, many of them musicians, who introduced me to so many different kinds of music and just opened up my world.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Does music affect my mood and inspiration? Even though I know nothing about it, I sometimes have jazz playing on the radio when I’m working. There’s something in those (wordless) beats and rhythms that I find conducive to writing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What has been the most interesting period in your life?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, moving to Manchester in 1989 was precipitous – just in time to experience the so-called “Madchester” scene. It was like an explosion, with the legendary Factory Records and bands such as The Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, and – my all time personal favourite – The Fall. There was no other band like The Fall. And two or three times a week we’d be popping pills and dancing our nuts off in the Hacienda. For a while there, albeit briefly, the Hacienda was the most famous nightclub on the planet and Manchester seemed like the centre of the universe. I didn’t see it at the time, of course, but when I think about it now I realise we were living through cultural history.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917482?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917482?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Well, we all love a rebel, don’t we? On some fundamental level, we need voices of dissent – especially in these shit-storm days we are currently living through. I don’t know; this is actually a difficult question to answer. I guess much of what the Beats said and did and wrote about in their time remains as pertinent, as true today, as it was back then – that need and willingness to cry out, “No, I won’t do as you say, go fuck yourself!”" <span>(Photo: Leon Horton, editor of book Gregory Corso: Ten Times a Poet)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you have a dream project you’d most like to accomplish?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Oh, yes. I’m working on a book about the 1965 International Poetry Incarnation that took place at the Royal Albert Hall. Seventeen poets performed that night, including Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Gregory Corso – but it was more than just a “Beats in Britain” thing. It was the event that is widely regarded as kick-starting the whole countercultural scene in the UK. Just before he passed away in 2023, I was lucky enough to interview poet and musician Pete Brown, who performed that night. Pete, as I’m sure you know, started out as a jazz poet and went on to write the lyrics for Cream’s “I Feel Free” and “White Room”. He was a remarkable man and a brilliant raconteur. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What socio-cultural impact does literature have today?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Where would we be without it? Literature helps us to understand the world, to see and feel and empathise with other cultural values, other points of view. It stimulates our thinking and, on a very basic level, entertains us. The mediums and the modes have changed with the rise of social media and other platforms – but that isn’t always a bad thing. I tend to look at it as similar to the mimeograph revolution and all the “little magazines” of the 1950s / 60s that helped democratise literature and give new writing a voice.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Let’s take a trip in a time machine. Where and when would you like to go? And what memorabilia / music would you take with you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Oh, that’s easy. I’d go back to five minutes before Elton John’s parents were about to get down to it, with a copy of his greatest hits, and I’d say, “Oi! You two! No!” And then I’d play them the album and show them what the future will be if they don’t just stop what they’re doing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What meetings / interviews have been the most important to you? Are there any memories you’d like to share?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917685?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404917685?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>Writing for <em>International Times</em> and <em>Beatdom</em>, I’ve had the honour and great fortune to interview some important names in Beat studies: Bill Morgan (author of <em>The Typewriter is Holy</em> and <em>I Celebrate Myself: The Somewhat Private Life of Allen Ginsberg</em>), Gerald Nicosia (author of the superb Kerouac biography <em>Memory Babe</em>).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The one that stands out for me, however, was an interview with Victor Bockris for his forthcoming book, <em>The Burroughs-Warhol Connection</em>. Victor is an interviewer’s wet dream. The stories he told me, of the incredible artists he has either interviewed or written about – William Burroughs, Patti Smith, Keith Richards, Lou Reed, Debbie Harry… Pure gold! The dinner party he threw for Burroughs, Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol was nothing short of a disaster. I was crying with laughter when he told me about it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://leonhorton.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leon Horton - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with legendary musician Artimus Pyle, an iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-26:1982923:BlogPost:490991
2024-03-26T16:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Στην μουσική βιομηχανία, για κάποιους λόγους κάνεις πράγματα πολύ δύσκολα, αλλά αξίζει, είδες κάναμε νέο άλμπουμ περνώντας μέσα από δύσκολες καταστάσεις μέχρι να γίνει, αλλά στο τέλος αξίζουν όλα. Η μουσική είναι η γλώσσα του σύμπαντος!"</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Artimus Pyle:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>The Anthems of Lynyrd Skynyrd</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Στην μουσική βιομηχανία, για κάποιους λόγους κάνεις πράγματα πολύ δύσκολα, αλλά αξίζει, είδες κάναμε νέο άλμπουμ περνώντας μέσα από δύσκολες καταστάσεις μέχρι να γίνει, αλλά στο τέλος αξίζουν όλα. Η μουσική είναι η γλώσσα του σύμπαντος!"</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Artimus Pyle:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>The Anthems of Lynyrd Skynyrd</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O ντράμερ των Lynyrd Skynyrd την περίοδο 1974-1977 και 1991-2006, Artimus Pyle κυκλοφορεί ένα άλμπουμ, με 13 κομμάτια αφιερωμένο στην θρυλική μπάντα με τίτλο: "Anthems - Honoring The Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd" (2024).<strong> </strong>Στον δίσκο περιλαμβάνονται επιλεγμένες διασκευές από το σπουδαίο συγκρότημα, όπου φωνητικά κάνουν εκλεκτοί καλεσμένοι όπως oι Sammy, Hagar, Warren Haynes, Dolly Parton και αρκετοί άλλοι καλλιτέχνες. Σημειώνεται ότι το δυνατό και ξεχωριστό παίξιμο του Artimus Pyle βοήθησε στον καθορισμό του θρυλικού ήχου του συγκροτήματος. Ο Pyle τραυματίστηκε αλλά επέζησε από το φρικτό αεροπορικό δυστύχημα το 1977 όπου έχασαν τη ζωή τους έξι άτομα, ανάμεσά τους τα μέλη του συγκροτήματος Steve και Cassie Gaines, αλλά και ο Ronnie Van Zant. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Artimus Pyle)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364110061?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364110061?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ο Artimus Pyle γεννήθηκε στις 15 Ιουλίου 1948 στο Λούισβιλ, το πρώτο του συγκρότημα ονομαζόταν The Thom Thumbs και μετά την αποφοίτηση του από το λύκειο, κατατάχθηκε στο σώμα των Πεζοναυτών. Ξεκίνησε να παίζει μουσική επαγγελματικά, συμμετέχοντας στο "Volunteer Jam" των Charlie Daniels Band. Σε δοκιμαστικό του για τους Lynyrd Skynyrd, ηχογράφησαν το κομμάτι "Saturday Night Special" και τα υπόλοιπα μέλη του σχήματος του πρότειναν την θέση του ντράμερ. Μαζί τους κυκλοφόρησε τρεις στούντιο και έναν ζωντανά ηχογραφημένο δίσκο, ενώ το 2006 εντάχθηκαν στο Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Το 1981, δημιούργησε τους Artimus Pyle Band. Το 1987 και ενώ διέμενε στα Ιεροσόλυμα, δέχτηκε τηλεφώνημα με σκοπό την επανένωση των Lynyrd Skynyrd. Παρέμεινε στο συγκρότημα μέχρι τον Αύγουστο του 1991. Επανήλθε στην δισκογραφία με τους Artimus Pyle Band το 2000, όταν κυκλοφόρησαν το ζωντανά ηχογραφημένο άλμπουμ "Live from Planet Earth".</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Συνέντευξη <a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΛΗΜΝΙΟΣ</a> / Μετάφραση ΣΑΒΒAΣ ΣΥΝΟΔΙΝΟΣ <a href="https://www.southernrock.gr/index.php/interviews/southern-rock/10589-artimus-pyle-southernrock-gr-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(Southernrock.gr)</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><u>Special Thanks: Artimus Pyle & Scott Sexton (2911 Media)</u></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Πριν πούμε για το άλμπουμ, πες μου μερικά πράγματα για το πως προέκυψε το όνομα, Αrtimus?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ναι το όνομα είναι ψευδώνυμο με το πραγματικό όνομα μου Τόμας, το "Άρτιμους" είναι ένα ελληνικό όνομα.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Νέο άλμπουμ, με μουσική των Lynyrd Skynyrd, ποια είναι τα μυστικά του ήχου των</strong> <strong>Lynyrd</strong> <strong>Skynyrd, και της επιτυχίας τους?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Λοιπόν νομίζω το κλειδί ήταν η ικανότητα του Ronnie ,να γράφει τραγούδια. Σκοτώθηκε στο αεροπορικό δυστύχημα πριν 46 χρόνια στο Μississippi, αλλά ήταν ένας εκπληκτικός συνθέτης και αυτά τα τραγούδια θα ακούγονται και σε 1000 χρόνια από τώρα.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Τι σου λείπει περισσότερο σήμερα, σε σχέση με την μουσική του παρελθόντος?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Στον παρελθόν πηγαίναμε και παίζαμε σε μεγάλα στάδια και σε φεστιβάλ, και περνάγαμε πολύ καλά, αλλά η ποιότητα του ήχου και ο εξοπλισμός, είναι πολύ καλύτερος σήμερα. Η τεχνολογία σου προσφέρει καλύτερες live εμφανίσεις. Μου λείπουν οι παλιές μέρες, τα πλήθη και οι μπάντες όπως Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, όλες οι μεγάλες μπάντες. Ακόμα αγαπώ το να κάνω συναυλίες, και αυτό είμαι, ένας live ντράμερ, και αυτό είναι που αγαπώ να κάνω, να παίζω live.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364109867?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364109867?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Νομίζω ήταν το Free Bird, διότι ήταν μεγάλο σε διάρκεια, και το παίζουμε στα live, εάν και για μένα είναι εύκολο μιας και το παίζω πολύ συχνά, και αυτό είναι μια καλή ερώτηση διότι όλα τα τραγούδια των Skynyrd είναι διαφορετικά, δεν έχουν ίδιο ακριβώς ρυθμό στα ντράμς, όλα είναι διαφορετικά. Όλα έχουν την δυσκολία τους, αλλά αγαπώ αυτό που κάνω, μου αρέσει να τα παίζω αυτά τα τραγούδια με οποιαδήποτε καταστάσεις." (Photo: Lynyrd Skynyrd)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>To νέο άλμπουμ, έχει 13 τραγούδια, πόσο δύσκολο ήταν να διαλέξετε αυτά τα τραγούδια?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">OK, λοιπόν η Dolly Parton αυτή η σπουδαία μουσικός, τραγούδησε το Free Bird, άνοιξε την πόρτα και στους άλλους μουσικούς, όπως ο Sammy Hagar. Ξέρεις όταν μια Dolly Parton μπαίνει σε ένα άλμπουμ, όλοι θέλουν να κάνουν το ίδιο….</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Η Dolly είναι μια σπουδαία φιλάνθρωπος, προσφέρει σε όλο τον κόσμο, δίνει πολλά χρήματα σε ιδρύματα και νοσοκομεία για παιδιά, και αφού η Dolly τραγούδησε το Free Bird και ο Sammy Hagar το Simple Man που είναι ένα σπουδαίο τραγούδι του Johnny Van Zant, για την μητέρα του και την γιαγιά του, ….ένα καλό τραγούδι και άλλο ένα καλό τραγούδι και φυσικά δεν μπορούσαμε να τα βάλουμε όλα από αυτά, έτσι έπρεπε να διαλέξουμε μόνο 13, ναι αυτή είναι μια καλή ερώτηση…Δεν το έχω σκεφτεί!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Ποιό ήταν το πιο δύσκολο τραγούδι των Skynyrd που έχεις παίξει?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Νομίζω ήταν το Free Bird, διότι ήταν μεγάλο σε διάρκεια, και το παίζουμε στα live, εάν και για μένα είναι εύκολο μιας και το παίζω πολύ συχνά, και αυτό είναι μια καλή ερώτηση διότι όλα τα τραγούδια των Skynyrd είναι διαφορετικά, δεν έχουν ίδιο ακριβώς ρυθμό στα ντράμς, όλα είναι διαφορετικά. Όλα έχουν την δυσκολία τους, αλλά αγαπώ αυτό που κάνω, μου αρέσει να τα παίζω αυτά τα τραγούδια με οποιαδήποτε καταστάσεις.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Έχεις συνεργαστεί με πολλές μπάντες: Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker, Atlanta R</strong><strong>h</strong><strong>ythm Section, και άλλες. Ποιά είναι η αγαπημένη σου Southern</strong> <strong>R</strong><strong>ock μπάντα, πέρα βέβαια από τους Skynyrd?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Πάντα θεωρούσα ότι οι Allman Brothers δεν είναι μόνο Southern, είναι μια κατηγορία από μόνοι τους, είναι Southern Blues, Southern Jazz, και άλλα. Πέρα από τους Skynyrd, αγαπημένη μου μπάντα, είναι ο Jimmy Hall και οι Wet Willie - ήταν από την Georgia, και αγαπώ την μουσική τους. Έχουν πολλές αφρικάνικές επιρροές και ξέρεις, αγαπώ όλους τους ανθρώπους, αγαπώ τους μαύρους, τους Ινδιάνους, τους Μεξικάνους, τους Ασιάτες, αγαπώ όλους τους διαφορετικούς ανθρώπους στον πλανήτη, και οι Wet Willie έχουν αυτές τις αφρικάνικές επιρροές; oπως είπα…. αλλά και οι Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special… αγαπώ την μουσική τους, αλλά οι Wet Willie είναι οι αγαπημένοι μου. Σ’ευχαριστώ για την ερώτηση!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Keep</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>Smilin</strong><strong>’ <em>(τραγούδι των</em></strong> <strong><em>Wet</em></strong> <strong><em>Willie</em></strong><strong><em>)</em></strong> <strong>….</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O ναι, παρακολουθώντας τον Jimmy Hall στην σκηνή, τραγουδάει και χαμογελάει σαν να πηγαίνεις στην εκκλησία, είναι μια θρησκευτική εμπειρία (γέλια)!!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364111497?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364111497?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Η οικογένεια, ξέρεις έχω 8 παιδιά και εγγόνια και παίζουμε μουσική μαζί, και τους ξεκίνησα μαθήματα ντραμς, όταν η οικογένεια παίζει μουσική, μένει ενωμένη, είναι πολύ δυναμικό. Ο ήχος των ντράμς, η οικογένεια, τα παιδιά και τα εγγόνια, αυτό είναι το κλειδί της ευτυχίας και φυσικά οι τέχνες: η ζωγραφική, η γλυπτική, η μουσική, και η λογοτεχνία, είναι η ιστορία του ανθρώπου, είμαστε όλοι ίδιοι, θέλουμε να κρατήσουμε τον εχθρό μακριά μας, να μεγαλώσουμε τα παιδιά μας, θέλουμε την τροφή μας, να αυξήσουμε τις καλλιέργειες μας, να ζούμε με ειρήνη σωστά?!!" (Photo: Artimus Pyle)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Θα ήθελα να σε ρωτήσω, ποια είναι η ισορροπία στην μουσική μεταξύ των τεχνικών ικανοτήτων και των συναισθημάτων (του “</strong><strong>feeling</strong><strong>”)?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Είναι όλα σε ένα για μένα, αγαπώ την jazz, αγαπώ το συγκρότημά Weather Report, και τον Herbie Hancock. Eίμαι γνωστός σαν Southern rock ντράμερ, όμως αγαπώ την κλασσική μουσική, τα blues, είμαι rocker αλλά κάποια country τραγούδια και καλλιτέχνες τους αγαπώ, όπως: Patsy Cline, Hank williams Jr, πολλά διαφορετικά είδη μουσικής και για μένα όταν παίζω την μουσική των Skynyrd είναι συναίσθημα, γιατί αγαπώ όλα τα μέλη. Eίναι φίλοι μου όλα αυτά τα χρόνια, και ο πρόσφατα εκλιπών Gary Rossington, ήταν ιδρυτικό μέλος της μπάντας, και εγώ είμαι το τελευταίο εν ζωή μέλος των Skynyrd … και αυτό δεν είναι καλό συναίσθημα, δεν είμαι χαρούμενος γι’αυτό, αλλά στην πραγματικότητα θέλω να συνεχίσω να κάνω αυτό που πάντα έκανα, να κάνω μια συναυλία και να παίζω μουσική, όταν παίζω την μουσική των Skynyrd πάνω στην σκηνή, είναι ένα πολύ έντονο συναισθηματικό συναίσθημα, μερικές φορές πολεμώ ανάμεσα στα δάκρυα, και προσπαθώ να κάνω τα δάκρυα διασκέδαση!!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Σου αρέσει περισσότερο να ηχογραφείς στο στούντιο, ή να είσαι με την μπάντα σε περιοδείες?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Μου αρέσουν και τα δυο πολύ, είμαι 75 ετών και είμαι με την μπάντα μου 50 χρόνια, μαζί παίζουμε την μουσική των Skynyrd και είμαστε η καλύτερη μπάντα στον κόσμο, έχουμε περάσει πολύ καιρό κάνοντας περιοδείες και μου αρέσουν όλα.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Ήσουν στρατιωτικός, τι είναι πιο δύσκολο να είσαι στο στρατό η στην μουσική βιομηχανία?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Στην μουσική βιομηχανία, για κάποιους λόγους κάνεις πράγματα πολύ δύσκολα, αλλά αξίζει, είδες κάναμε νέο άλμπουμ περνώντας μέσα από δύσκολες καταστάσεις μέχρι να γίνει, αλλά στο τέλος αξίζουν όλα. Η μουσική είναι η γλώσσα του σύμπαντος!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364110085?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364110085?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Στον παρελθόν πηγαίναμε και παίζαμε σε μεγάλα στάδια και σε φεστιβάλ, και περνάγαμε πολύ καλά, αλλά η ποιότητα του ήχου και ο εξοπλισμός, είναι πολύ καλύτερος σήμερα. Η τεχνολογία σου προσφέρει καλύτερες live εμφανίσεις. Μου λείπουν οι παλιές μέρες, τα πλήθη και οι μπάντες όπως Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, όλες οι μεγάλες μπάντες. Ακόμα αγαπώ το να κάνω συναυλίες, και αυτό είμαι, ένας live ντράμερ, και αυτό είναι που αγαπώ να κάνω, να παίζω live." <span>(Photo: Artimus Pyle Band)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Ποιες είναι οι ελπίδες σου, και ποιοι οι φόβοι σου για το μέλλον της μουσικής?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Νομίζω ότι η πραγματική μουσική, η καλή μουσική από τις μπάντες, θα επικρατεί πάντα! Nομίζω ότι η Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη, είναι από τους φόβους μου για το μέλλον, αλλά νομίζω ότι οι μπάντες θα επικρατήσουν. Oι άνθρωποι πιάνουν τα όργανα και παίζουν, δεν έχει σημασία που η μουσική πάει στην Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη, αν είναι ηλεκτρονική και βασίζεται στην Ηλεκτρονική Ανταλλαγή Δεδομένων (EDI), πάντα γυρίζεις στους μουσικούς και στα όργανα, εάν και δεν είναι απαραίτητο να είσαι επαγγελματίας ντράμερ, είναι διασκέδαση να παίζεις ντράμς ή κιθάρα ή πλήκτρα ή τρομπέτα, νομίζω είναι καλό για την ψυχή, είτε είσαι επαγγελματίας μουσικός ή όχι, η μουσική είναι η γλώσσα του σύμπαντος, είναι η μουσική της ψυχής και δεν σε αφήνει να γεράσεις!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Τι είναι ευτυχία, τι σε κάνει ευτυχισμένο, ποιο είναι το κλειδί της ευτυχίας για σένα?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Η οικογένεια, ξέρεις έχω 8 παιδιά και εγγόνια και παίζουμε μουσική μαζί, και τους ξεκίνησα μαθήματα ντραμς γιατί δεν έχει σημασία τι όργανο παίζει κάποιος, όταν η οικογένεια παίζει μουσική, μένει ενωμένη, είναι πολύ δυναμικό. Ο ήχος των ντράμς, η οικογένεια, τα παιδιά και τα εγγόνια, αυτό είναι το κλειδί της ευτυχίας και φυσικά οι τέχνες: η ζωγραφική, η γλυπτική, η μουσική, και η λογοτεχνία, είναι η ιστορία του ανθρώπου, είμαστε όλοι ίδιοι, θέλουμε να κρατήσουμε τον εχθρό μακριά μας, να μεγαλώσουμε τα παιδιά μας, θέλουμε την τροφή μας, να αυξήσουμε τις καλλιέργειες μας, να ζούμε με ειρήνη σωστά?!!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Αυτό είναι για μένα Οικογένεια και Eιρήνη, και ξέρω ότι ανησυχούμε για τον πόλεμο στον κόσμο, εύχομαι πρώτα και πάνω απο όλα να υπάρχει ειρήνη στον κόσμο για τα παιδιά</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Ποια ήταν η πιο διασκεδαστική στιγμή – που πέρασες - με τους Skynyrd?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Μια πρόσφατη ευχάριστη εμπειρία ήταν η συνεργασία με την Dolly Parton στο Free Bird. Παλαιότερα, είχαμε ανοίξει μια συναυλία για τους Rolling Stones στο Λονδίνο, και κάναμε παρέα με τον Paul McCartney των Beatles, τον Jack Nicholson, τον Mick Jagger, και τους Stones, …300.000 άνθρωποι, ήταν μια σπουδαία εμπειρία και ανάμνηση από το φημισμένο Knebworth Festival, μια μεγάλη συναυλία, με πολλά καλά συγκροτήματα!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://artimuspyleband.com/home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artimus Pyle Band - Home</a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364110461?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12364110461?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Lynyrd Skynyrd)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Florida blues-rocker musician J.P. Soars, new album shines a light on his multi-dimensional musical talents
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-26:1982923:BlogPost:491359
2024-03-26T09:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"I think it’s a fine balance; you can have all the skill, technique etc., but if it doesn’t have the feel, the soul, and the emotion, I don’t feel that it really says much or that it can touch somebody. For me, it has the have the feel, soul, and emotion. That being said, it’s good to have skill and technique in there as well. I think it’s important to know your instrument, to strive for perfection, and to continually try to get better. For me, the guitar…</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"I think it’s a fine balance; you can have all the skill, technique etc., but if it doesn’t have the feel, the soul, and the emotion, I don’t feel that it really says much or that it can touch somebody. For me, it has the have the feel, soul, and emotion. That being said, it’s good to have skill and technique in there as well. I think it’s important to know your instrument, to strive for perfection, and to continually try to get better. For me, the guitar and music is still a mystery. There’s so much that I don’t know."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>J.P. Soars: Brick By Brick,...music by soul! </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Several years ago J.P. Soars became aware that he was building his audience one </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">person at a time. He’d win a new fan, or several, every time he played and eventually </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">he knew he could create a healthy career if he stuck with it.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The new 11-tracks album by the Boca Raton, FL. musician is his first for Little Village </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>(release date: June 30, 2024)</em> <strong>and shines a light on the multi-dimensional musical </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>talents of Soars.</strong> <span>“It all seemed very natural,” says Soars, who titled his new album Brick By Brick as </span><span>a testament to his approach. <em>“The album is very reflective of how I have built my music </em></span><span><em>career, one brick at a time.” </em></span>In addition to his base of blues-rock, Soars displays his affection for </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the influences of gypsy jazz, country, Latin, rock and heavy metal. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Standout tracks include “Things Ain’t Working Out,” a guitar-driven lament to a </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">broken relationship while “Keep Good Company” features Soars on guitar and lyrics that </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">reinforce the need to be watchful of your own conduct. Soars also does a masterful job </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">on Little Milton’s “That’s What Love Will Make You Do,” <span>a supercharged, hillbilly-country rave up. Soars plays banjo on the song, with strong interplay with the rollicking fiddle of Anne Harris, and backing vocals by Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404361077?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404361077?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(JP Soars / Photo by Karyn Johnson Bradshaw)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Soars borrows from his gypsy jazz vocabulary on “Jezebel,” a sinewy beat that underscores the force attraction to an overpowering charm of a woman he can’t resist. To those who know Soars, his eclectic approach to music is no surprise. In fact, his ability to shift gears between musical styles has become a major thrust of his live shows. In 2009, Soars won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge, including the prestigious Albert King guitar award.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Interview by Michael Limnios </strong> <em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/an-interview-with-guitarist-songwriter-craftsman-jp-soars-i-think" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archive: JP Soars, 2022 Interview</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Kevin Johnson (Proud Papa Promotions & Publicity)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that Florida’s Blues/Rock/R&B music scene continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think the age demographic here has something to do with it. A lot of older folks come down here to retire. Most of the folks that listen to this kinda music seem to be older.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I try to eat healthy, I also try to exercise. I do a lot of swimming. I wake up every morning and pray. I am very thankful for the blessings I have. I also try to get plenty of rest. I usually take a good Power Nap before my gigs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>You’ve your debut release with Little Village. How did that relationship come about?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was introduced to Jim Pugh and the Little Village record label through Mike Kappus whom I met in Memphis at the 2022 Blues Music Awards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Brick By Brick”?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The title Brick by Brick was inspired by a saying that my drummer Chris Peet and I always say. Sometimes we’ll play a show where there’s a handful of people and we’ll gain two or three new fans. We always say we’re building our fan base “brick by brick”. It’s about perseverance and putting in the work. He and I have been playing together for almost 20 years now. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The instrumental song “In the Moment” was actually recorded on an I phone. I was just messing around improvising and my girlfriend started recording it on her phone. She sent it to me months later and at first I didn’t even recognize that it was me playing. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I decided to put it on the record. I gave the iPhone recording to my engineer and he added some reverb and a bit of EQ and that’s what you hear on the record. A lot of the material was written during the pandemic. I didn’t have any gigs for the first couple of months, so I’d go fishing on the weekends. That’s where the idea for “Down by the Water” came about. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(JP Soars & <span>The Red Hot with Anne Harris</span> / Photo by Laura Carbone)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404367260?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404367260?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I’ve been making my living solely playing music now for over 29 years. Last August I had almost three weeks off in a row. I realized during that time that I really don’t have much of a life outside of music. Music is my life. But I do get influenced by situations, by the news, by observation of other folks' situations. I try to draw from various places, scenarios and situations."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What touched you from Little Milton’s “That’s What Love Will Make You Do”?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My younger brother sent me that song. He loved the lyrics and the bassline. He was going through some difficult times in his relationship, and I think those lyrics spoke to him as they did me.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think it’s a fine balance; you can have all the skill, technique etc., but if it doesn’t have the feel, the soul, and the emotion, I don’t feel that it really says much or that it can touch somebody. For me, it has the have the feel, soul, and emotion. That being said, it’s good to have skill and technique in there as well. I think it’s important to know your instrument, to strive for perfection, and to continually try to get better. For me, the guitar and music is still a mystery. There’s so much that I don’t know.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I didn’t start making a living with music until I was well into my 30’s. But I’ve been playing in bands and trying to do music since I was in high school. Always with the hope, dream and desire to do music full time. So, I really appreciate that I get to do this for a living. I’ve known since I was a kid that this is what I wanted to do. I worked many odd jobs before I was able to make music my full-time profession. I went to school and got a degree in electronics when I was around 23 years old, so I’d have something to fall back on in case the music didn’t work out. I got my degree and landed a job working for Motorola. I didn’t like working for the big corporation and being caught up in all that. I had taken out a student loan which I would up paying back later on via my music.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve been making my living solely playing music now for over 29 years. Last August I had almost three weeks off in a row. I realized during that time that I really don’t have much of a life outside of music. Music is my life. But I do get influenced by situations, by the news, by observation of other folks' situations. I try to draw from various places, scenarios and situations.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://jpsoars.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JP Soars - Home</a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404364687?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404364687?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(JP Soars / Photo by Karyn Johnson Bradshaw)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Clarksdale, Mississippi native bluesman Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, learned the blues from the masters
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-26:1982923:BlogPost:491358
2024-03-26T08:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Clarksdale is the birthplace of the Blues. Most people who travel here are looking for something. And I really don't know what that something is, maybe the presence of the fellas who started it all, I'm not sure, but I heard there is a feeling when you come here. And a lot of people come here to chase that feeling or they want to stand where Robert Johnson stood."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Anthony “Big A” Sherrod: Bluesman's…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Clarksdale is the birthplace of the Blues. Most people who travel here are looking for something. And I really don't know what that something is, maybe the presence of the fellas who started it all, I'm not sure, but I heard there is a feeling when you come here. And a lot of people come here to chase that feeling or they want to stand where Robert Johnson stood."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Anthony “Big A” Sherrod: Bluesman's Time</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">International Touring Artist and multi-instrumentalist (Roy) Anthony "Big A" Sherrod personifies the authentic delta blues legacy that is still heard today in his native Clarksdale, Mississippi. As the godson of Big Jack Johnson, he learned all facets of his craft at the feet of a master. He has held standing gigs at all of the iconic Clarksdale venues: Sarah's Kitchen, Red's Lounge and Ground Zero <span>in addition to countless other performances throughout the region and beyond</span>. In 2022, Nola Blue Records celebrated the signing of Anthony "Big A" Sherrod with the re-release of his 2016 debut album, "Right on Time", remastered. Named "Best Debut Blues Album - 2016" by Living Blues magazine, Sherrod demonstrates his musical prowess as one of Clarksdale, Mississippi's native sons. The Cornlickers, band of the late Big Jack Johnson, Sherrod's godfather, provide the rhythm section for this masterpiece of Mississippi blues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404462669?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404462669?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Mississippi bluesman Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, <span>Ground Zero Blues Club</span> / Photo <span>© </span>by Sadie Robertson)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>Introduced to music in the church, his father, E.J. Johnson, was a gospel singer that performed with The Golden Stars. By the age of 6, he began playing and hasn't stopped. As a student of the after-school program at the Delta Blues Museum, Sherrod studied with Johnnie Billington. Sherrod wrote the title track and appeared in the 2012 documentary, We Juke Up In Here, an inside look at what little still remains of the juke joint culture of the south. </span>Clarksdale, Mississippi native bluesman Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, says:</span> <em style="font-size: 12pt;">"I would say my sound is similar to B.B. King, meaning that my sound is clean and clear. My lyrics come from life. And my lyrics are also inspired by other artists as well as my own experiences." </em></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Tameal Edwards (Ground Zero Blues Club)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have learned how to express myself through music, whether I am in a good mood or bad mood the Blues always fix whatever ails me. The Blues means the creative journey of life. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your sound and songbook? Where does your lyrics creative drive come from?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I would say my sound is similar to B.B. King, meaning that my sound is clean and clear. My lyrics come from life. And my lyrics are also inspired by other artists as well as my own experiences.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that Clarksdale Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Clarksdale is the birthplace of the Blues. Most people who travel here are looking for something. And I really don't know what that something is, maybe the presence of the fellas who started it all, I'm not sure, but I heard there is a feeling when you come here. And a lot of people come here to chase that feeling or they want to stand where Robert Johnson stood.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You can play it and you can write it, but you have to feel it to be successful! I also learned that when musicians work together no matter what type of music you can go far in your career.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404465083?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404465083?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"My hopes are for the Blues to keep going and growing. And some of my fears are that the meaning of the Blues is going to change, because Blues music was built off of the struggles of life and some of the younger generations have not had that many struggles." (<span>Anthony “Big A” Sherrod & Morgan Freeman, Ground Zero Arts Foundation launch party, Clarksdale MS 2023 / Photo © Ground Zero Blues Club</span>)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Honestly when I met my mentor Mr. Johnny Billington at the age 5 and when my dad put my first guitar in my hand is when my life changed. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have had so many things that I have done that I am proud of but one of my favorite things have been the travel that I am able to do. So far, I have been to France, Brazil, and Ireland just to name a few. And a new project that I have been blessed to be a part of is Ground Zero Blues Club's Blues-Symphonic Project. I get to play with an orchestra and it's a very different experience, but I love it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I miss all of the legends that I have had the chance to learn from; James "Super Chikan" Johnson, Johnny Billionton, my God-father Big Jack Johnson, Josh "Razorblade" Steward and so many more. My hopes are for the Blues to keep going and growing. And some of my fears are that the meaning of the Blues is going to change, because Blues music was built off of the struggles of life and some of the younger generations have not had that many struggles.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of blues music in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is important that we teach the younger generation so that Blues is never forgotten. I have taught the Blues for over 15 years, and I have carried on the teachings of my mentors to my students so that they will never forget where it started and so that they can keep it going so that it never dies.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The role of the Blues back then was to express yourself and not the role is to bring people together from all over the world. Blues is one of the oldest forms of music. We are not advertised like other music. But we have young artists coming out now that are keeping the Blues alive. They are making Blues cool and changing the sound a little bit. But they all started listening to all of the legends and they have created their own sound, such as myself.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://lnk.to/BigARoT2022?fbclid=IwAR3EJPwZgiIU7FqrDlxg4IXmfl4hSGWVVC563iLpqD_cVgsGpc-4_yGIvAs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony “Big A” Sherrod - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404346701?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404346701?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Mississippi-based bluesman Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, <span>he learned the blues from the masters</span>)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Nashville-based blues/rock singer Chris BadNews Barnes, a dynamic, high-energy performer with sense of humor
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-26:1982923:BlogPost:491163
2024-03-26T07:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"My hope for the future is that the Blues gets more attention than it does, even the Grammy Award for Blues is not considered primetime worthy; to me that’s unfair. My fear is programming is the demise of American Blues Music."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Chris BadNews Barnes: Aristophanes Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recent Nashville transplant Chris BadNews Barnes is a humorist, both by design…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"My hope for the future is that the Blues gets more attention than it does, even the Grammy Award for Blues is not considered primetime worthy; to me that’s unfair. My fear is programming is the demise of American Blues Music."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Chris BadNews Barnes: Aristophanes Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recent Nashville transplant Chris BadNews Barnes is a humorist, both by design and circumstance, and an astonishingly accomplished music artist. This dynamic, high-energy performer has spent the better part of his life marrying his love of blues and humor, developing a truly unique sound. In 2017 Barnes - under the moniker CHRIS ‘BADNEWS’ BARNES and backed by musicians featured on “Saturday Night Live” and “Late Night with Conan O'Brien” -released his full-length 14 track album, Hokum Blues. Two years later in 2019, Barnes collaborated with Grammy winning producer Tony Braunagel on his album LIVE which landed at #8 on the Billboard charts & #5 on Amazon. In 2021, Barnes released BadNews Rising produced by Nashville’s Tom Hambridge. <span><strong>Gulf Coast Records will released Nashville-based blues/rock singer Chris BadNews Barnes his label debut album, "BadNews Travels Fast" on the April 26<sup>th</sup></strong>.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404337688?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404337688?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Chris BadNews Barnes / Photo by Black Moon Media)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BadNews Travels Fast was produced by multi-Grammy winner Tom Hambridge, who also played drums on the sessions and co-wrote all of the songs on the new disc with Barnes. Joining in the recording fun was an “A-List” of Nashville musicians, along with such special guests as singers Jimmy Hall and Sugaray Rayford and guitarist Walter Trout. <em>“I’m honored to have found a home for my original songs with fellow artists who are also true friends,” stated Chris BadNews Barnes. “Gulf Coast has built a Castle for today’s cutting-edge Blues Artist and I’m grateful to be inside The Gates. Mike Zito and Gulf Coast… I Offer You My Sword, Now let’s Go Slay Some Dragons!</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Mark Pucci Media</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I feel the deeper I go into the Blues the deeper, I bear witness to the atrocities and injustice of slavery in this country, and the deeper I go into Rock, I see the power of rebellion.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your music philosophy songbook? Where does your creative drive come from? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, my background is in satire. I’m an alumnus of the prestigious Second City Comedy Theatre out of Chicago, Illinois; two alumni of what is referred to as The Oxford of Comedy in Dan Aykroyd and The Late John Belushi, so I am a descendent of this creative drive. I also have found my alignment with the 1920s & 30s Hokum Blues artists, like Tampa Red and Georgia Tom.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was walking into Terra Blues in Greenwich Village in NYC and the bouncer said everyone wants to hear your “Slow Dance with Joni Mitchell” song; you better play it. When I started seeing audience members singing my lyrics to my songs, that was a game changer; when I introduce a song and the audience gives recognition applause, that really moves me and tells me I’m on the right path. Last year I was booked for The Big Blues Bender and opened for Selwyn Birchwood, Mr. Sipp & Kenny Neal; the auditorium was packed and it was that star is born performance: everything just went right and the audience all came to their feet with a standing ovation and right after that Mike Zito offered me a Gulf Coast recording contract. That was a special performance and a turning point on my journey. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Chris BadNews Barnes / Photo by <span>Laura Carbone</span>)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404343487?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404343487?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"<span>If you want to be a movie star, you go to Hollywood, if you want to be a stage actor, you go to New York City, and if you’re a songwriter you must land in Nashville. The devoted following you speak of in Nashville is devoted to the song, the songwriting, they love it, they appreciate it, they want to hear the journey of the song, how it came about, what inspired it and how it all came together. It’s very rare and quite unique. And as a songwriter you feel like you have found your sanctuary, it’s quite magical</span>."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Currently you’ve one release with Tom Hambridge and Gulf Coast Records. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “BadNews Travels Fast”? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is the second record I’ve done with Tom. The first, <em>BadNews Rising</em> (nominated for Five Independent Blues Awards) was during covid so that was a lot of zoom conversations and writing back and forth, This album we had more time to collaborate in person and I really wanted a straight ahead contemporary blues sonic. At the same time, Walter Trout reached out to me praising the earlier album, <em>BadNews Rising</em>, and offered his talent on this album. Also Sugaray Rayford and Jimmy Hall have graced this album as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I just felt we are a great through line and I went much deeper as a lyricist and story teller, Tom always pushing me to the pain and we got that with “True Blues” with Walter adding a ferocious solo. This song was about the pain of infidelity by my father, and Jimmy Hall plays a haunting harmonica on “A Bluesman Can’t Cry,” about slavery. Ironically, recording artists commonly speak of finding one’s “sound;” Kenny Greenberg was Tom’s choice of guitarist (Kenny Chesney) and Kenny is a master baritone guitarist. I write very theatrically, and when I heard his first and second solos I was like, ‘what the Hell is that sonic’ and Kenny gave me his history with this instrument and Tom and I agreed we had certainly discovered The BadNews’ sound!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blues to me is about moving through the fire to the cooling waters, its primal life struggle; it exposes the hypocrisy and highlight gratitude of sometimes just breathing, because if one is breathing there is hope. Second City Satire taught us everything that happens is our business every time a new law is instituted it is our job to question and if need be challenge. We cannot be lemmings running off a cliff because that’s where everyone is running; we must challenge, we must exercise the power of our vote and we cannot be silent. Music is Not Silent; Music demands you listen and the words juxtapose to the music can be a very, very powerful way of communicating one’s message.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404338081?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404338081?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Well, my background is in satire. I’m an alumnus of the prestigious Second City Comedy Theatre out of Chicago, Illinois; two alumni of what is referred to as The Oxford of Comedy in Dan Aykroyd and The Late John Belushi, so I am a descendent of this creative drive. I also have found my alignment with the 1920s & 30s Hokum Blues artists, like Tampa Red and Georgia Tom." (Chris Barnes / Photo by Marilyn Stringer)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The only thing I think that is missing from the past was the amount of time you would let an original concept grow and mature, I think the industry/ studios/ labels, management rushes the creative process a tad. My hope for the future is that the Blues gets more attention than it does, even the Grammy Award for Blues is not considered primetime worthy; to me that’s unfair. My fear is programming is the demise of American Blues Music.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pay no mind to those making your journey more difficult. It’s none of your business what anyone thinks of you; you just stay on task. Everything is learned on stage; keep getting up on stage with the goal of getting more honest with each performance. The audience has to believe you and you get more honest with each performance. All that matters is that you’re dedicated to giving the audience your most authentic self; that what they want and that is what they deserve, and that starts with your writing. Your focus has to be on your original work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that Nashville (Music City) music scene continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you want to be a movie star, you go to Hollywood, if you want to be a stage actor, you go to New York City, and if you’re a songwriter you must land in Nashville. The devoted following you speak of in Nashville is devoted to the song, the songwriting, they love it, they appreciate it, they want to hear the journey of the song, how it came about, what inspired it and how it all came together. It’s very rare and quite unique. And as a songwriter you feel like you have found your sanctuary, it’s quite magical.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.chrisbarnesnyc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris BadNews Barnes - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404338281?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404338281?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Chris BadNews Barnes / Photo by Black Moon Media)</em></span></p>
Q&A with veteran Massachusetts-based Anthony Geraci, one of the best instrumentalists in the blues world today
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-26:1982923:BlogPost:491245
2024-03-26T07:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"I would recommend young musicians slow down! There is no easy path to being an artist in any genre. You start with nothing. Just like a baby taking its first step-you have to learn the first note…then the next note. I’ve taught The History of The blues, History of Rock and Roll, World Music on the college level. Learning the history of your art is something that has always been important to me."…</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"I would recommend young musicians slow down! There is no easy path to being an artist in any genre. You start with nothing. Just like a baby taking its first step-you have to learn the first note…then the next note. I’ve taught The History of The blues, History of Rock and Roll, World Music on the college level. Learning the history of your art is something that has always been important to me."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Anthony Geraci: Blues... In My Eyes & Soul</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Boston, Massachusetts-based Anthony Geraci’s seventeen Blues Music Award nominations and 2021 BMA win reflect four decades of musical excellence both in studio and onstage. Anthony Geraci won the 2021, and 2023 Blues Music Award for Instrumentalist-Piano/Pinetop Perkins Piano Award. His band The Boston Blues All-Stars were nominated for Band of the Year by The Blues Foundation in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Anthony was nominated for Traditional Male Blues Artist in 2019. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A native of New Haven, CT, Geraci witnessed the live performances of blues greats including B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers, providing a world class blues education at an early age that would later come full circle when he had the opportunity to perform with them, and many other blues icons. Geraci graduated from the Berklee College of Music with a B.A. and holds an M.A. from Skidmore College. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Anthony Geraci / Photo © by Roald Jungard)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404332296?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404332296?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">An original member of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones and Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Geraci has recorded extensively with both groups, in addition to a host of iconic traditional blues artists and leading contemporary acts. He received a 2000 GRAMMY® nomination as one of the studio musicians on Super Harps I (Telarc Blues) featuring Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, Billy Branch and Sugar Ray Norcia. <strong>Award-winning piano man Anthony Geraci pays tribute to the old masters as he calls them on his sophomore album on Blue Heart Records. <em>Tears In My Eyes (Release Day: April 19th, 2024)</em></strong><span><strong>, a collection of eleven new tunes, were recorded with his band, The Boston Blues All-Stars</strong>: guitarist Barrett Anderson, drummers Marty Richards and Kurt Kalker, and Paul Loranger on bass, along with special guests, violinist Anne Harris, and old friend Sugar Ray Norcia on vocals.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong><em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-massachusetts-based-anthony-geraci-four-decades-of-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archive: Anthony Geraci, 2022 Interview</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What's the balance in music between technical skills and soul/emotions?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I believe you can have technical skills without soul or emotions. It’s when both are present that real music happens. No matter what instrument you play, or genre of music you have to start somewhere. Lightnin’ Hopkins and Muddy Waters had to learn how to play their instruments just as much as Miles Davis, John Coltrane or Vladimir Horowitz did. I started taking piano lessons at a very early age. As I got older and started to play in bands that’s when the “soul searching” begins. Trying to learn songs from a record-maybe even the solo’s is a different set of internal skills that is very different than reading something off a printed music age. No matter how close you think you come to the “original” it’s you that brings the notes alive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>You have a new album</strong> <strong>by Blue Heart Records.</strong> <strong>Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album "Tears In My Eyes” (2024)</strong><strong>?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We recorded half of the recording at Studio Faust Records in Prague, Czech Republic while on a 5 week European tour. We finished the recording at Wellspring Sound near Boston, MA. I wrote all of the songs on the recording, and having my touring band play on all the cuts made it really special. We were able to really dig into the songs because we have been playing together for a few years. Having my old “boss” Sugar Ray Norcia sing on a few cuts is always exciting for me. Anne Harris adds some beautiful violins to “Memphis Mist.” I wrote that song while strolling along the Mississippi River in Memphis at dawn and watching a hypnotic mist floating over the river…wanting to speak, but not giving up any of its secret.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404447857?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404447857?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"We have been given this one life. We’ve all experienced heartache in some form or another. But we’ve also all experienced extreme joy in our lives. I believe in treating people with respect. I believe in being kind to all forms of life. I’m very fortunate to have had a loving family growing up, and to now have a beautiful family of my own. I’ll be 70 years old this year…I still play piano everyday, and cherish every moment…there is no alternative!" (Anthony Geraci / Photo <span>© </span>by Yaëlle D. / <span>CD Graphics by Debra Clark</span>)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Who are some of your very favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I listen a lot to Lightnin’ Hopkins. I just love the story telling and the constant hypnotic rhythm of his guitar. I’m inspired by everything around me…rain on my window, the subtle rhythm of my washing machine (!), watching Gene Kelly dance. Being a songwriter, as well as a pianist ideas come to me in different ways. Sometimes while I'm at the piano, sometimes out of the blue…you just need to know how and when to catch them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that Bostonian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There’s always been great musicians in the Boston locale. In the 1940’s and 50’s there were a lot of jazz clubs. Around 1945 The Berklee College of Music (where I graduated) started. So many great musicians started to come to Boston to study, and also to play at all the clubs throughout the city. In the 1960’s folk clubs and blues clubs were staring to have artists such as Joan Baez, Muddy Waters play at small intimate clubs. In the 1970’s bands such as the original Roomful of Blues were playing almost weekly around the Boston area. That band inspired a lot of musicians. Everyone in that band was a great musician-but they all also had huge record collections. That band swung hard! When I first joined Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Ronnie Earl was our guitarist. We would play 3 or 4 nights a week just in the Boston area. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have been given this one life. We’ve all experienced heartache in some form or another. But we’ve also all experienced extreme joy in our lives. I believe in treating people with respect. I believe in being kind to all forms of life. I’m very fortunate to have had a loving family growing up, and to now have a beautiful family of my own. I’ll be 70 years old this year…I still play piano everyday, and cherish every moment…there is no alternative!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404332697?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12404332697?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I believe you can have technical skills without soul or emotions. It’s when both are present that real music happens. No matter what instrument you play, or genre of music you have to start somewhere. Lightnin’ Hopkins and Muddy Waters had to learn how to play their instruments just as much as Miles Davis, John Coltrane or Vladimir Horowitz did."</em></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span>(Boston, Massachusetts-based Anthony Geraci’s seventeen Blues Music Award nominations and 2021 BMA win reflect four decades of musical excellence both in studio and onstage / Photo © by Marilyn Stringer)</span></em></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>From the musical and feeling point of view is there any difference between the great old cats bluesmen and the young generation of Blues musicians?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I would recommend young musicians slow down! There is no easy path to being an artist in any genre. You start with nothing. Just like a baby taking its first step-you have to learn the first note…then the next note. I’ve taught The History of The blues, History of Rock and Roll, World Music on the college level. Learning the history of your art is something that has always been important to me.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.anthonygeraciblue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Geraci - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with Mexican director of Cultura Blues, Jose Luis Garcia Fernandez: a passionate about the Blues culture
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-19:1982923:BlogPost:491244
2024-03-19T19:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It’s very important to preserve the blues, due to its historical role that it plays as a generator of many of the current rhythms and subgenres that have been derived from it, in popular music. It’s much more than just a musical genre and has become a culture throughout the world."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Jose Luis Garcia Fernandez:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Blues a la Carta & The…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It’s very important to preserve the blues, due to its historical role that it plays as a generator of many of the current rhythms and subgenres that have been derived from it, in popular music. It’s much more than just a musical genre and has become a culture throughout the world."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Jose Luis Garcia Fernandez:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Blues a la Carta & The Culture of Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>Jose Luis Garcia Fernandez born<strong> </strong></span>in Mexico City. He was ‘Palabra de Blues’ editorial director’s, compiler and author of the book: ‘Palabra de Blues: Antología I (2010)’. He's 'Cultura Blues' electronic magazine managing director and editor's (2011 - to date). <strong>Book’s author: "Blues a la Carta" (2024)</strong>. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Musician (keyboards and guitar) who has been part of the rock and blues bands: Super Lazy Blues Band, Los Buitres, La Rambla, Solaris Blue, La Gran Banda de Blues, Los Cerdos Lúdicos, Rhino Bluesband, Cultura Blues Project, and currently Blues Demons. He has participated in the album recording’s: Eres tú solo blues -La Rambla- (2009); Semilla de Blues -Solaris Blue- (2010); El Vuelo del Rinoceronte – Rhino Bluesband (2015); Rhino Bluesband Live (2016).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603697?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603697?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: José Luis García Fernández, Chicago Illinois 2023)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Executive producer of the series of compiled albums: ‘Nacidos Bajo un Buen Signo’ (six editions to date). Producer of the radio program on line: Cultura Blues Radio, which is broadcast through ‘Foro Intercultural Imagina’. He has held photography exhibitions about Chicago Blues Festival, among many other Blues promotion activities in Mexico. <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/interview-with-mexican-blusero-jos-luis-garc-a-fern-ndez-director" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archive: Interview 2014, José Luis García Fernández</a></em></strong></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Interview by Michael Limnios</strong> <em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/entrevista-con-director-de-la-revista-cultura-blues-jose-luis-gar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(Spanish Edition, 2024 Interview)</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Probably, the most personally important moment that changed my life was the death of my mother when I was six years old. I have always thought, who would I be as a person if my mother had been in my life more? But that doesn't mean I make less of my lovely family with whom I grew up and acquired all the basic knowledge and principles that made me the person I am.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the musical field, without a doubt, it was when I saw for the first time the Beatles film’s 'Let It Be', in the early 70s. That impact was what gave me the impulse to dedicate my life to musical aspects and to look for the root of all that music that finally led me to the blues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can divide the highlights of my life into two parts, the personal aspect and the aspect that has to do with the musical part. On the personal side, the highlight is having grown up in a loving family, having had the opportunity to study a professional career, having selected a good job in an Institution, which, until many years after my retirement, has given me the enough to live well. Having found a wonderful woman with whom I formed a family with three children who until today make up a stable and happy family. Now, I have the fortune to be a proud grandfather of an adorable little girl.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the recent musical aspect, the highlight is having met with the right people who have resulted in an 18-year career with many satisfactions, as a musician in 7 blues bands, with dozens of performances in blues venues and festivals on several states, throughout my beloved Mexico. I have participated in the recording of 4 albums. As a music producer I have compiled 6 albums with national and international bands and artists. As an editor of digital magazines I have been in charge of 'Palabra de Blues' and 'Cultura Blues. La Revista Electrónica'.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Currently, the ‘Cultura Blues’ project has published 154 monthly editions, that is, there have been almost 15 years of uninterrupted publications. I have published two books: 'Palabra de Blues. Antología 1 (2010)' as author and compiler and the most recent: 'Blues a la Carta (2024)' as author. I have been in charge of two radio programs: 'Palabra de Blues al Aire' and currently with 'Cultura Blues Radio' which has broadcast 70 weekly programs to date. I have carried out alternative activities to this musical vocation such as supporting and carrying out musical events, photographic exhibitions, conferences, conversations and film clubs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604065?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604065?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Undoubtedly, I believe that there is an audience for the blues. It has always existed and I’m completely sure that in the future there will be many more crazy people like you and me, who will continue to promote this beautiful primal genre." (Photos: José Luis García Fernández with Billy Boy Arnold, Bob Stronger, Nathan East, John Primer, Eric Gales & Billy Branch)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Currently you’ve published the book “Blues A La Carta”. When and how did the idea come about?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In 2009, as part of the ‘Asociación Mexicana de Blues', I proposed the digital magazine 'Palabra de Blues', a year later, I made a compilation of articles from the first 12 or 13 issues and published the book: 'Palabra de Blues' . Antología 1', I thought that these could be a series, but due to certain differences with the people of the ‘Asociación’, the project ended and I founded 'Cultura Blues'.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Throughout the years of ‘Cultura Blues’, it was always on my mind to publish a compiled book similar to that first one. During the pandemic, I dedicated myself to selecting the articles, I finished a draft, but it was saved since at the end of that chaotic period the financial resources were not adequate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At the end of last year, I returned to the project, updated it and decided that it wouldn’t be a compilation by several authors, but rather a project with my own material. This is how ‘Blues a la Carta’ was finally born, whose synopsis is the following:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“<em>Blues is, without a doubt, much more than just a musical style. Blues is a culture that has become the main influence of other important genres known in the development of popular music in the Western world. A passionate about this culture, José Luis García Fernández (director of the digital magazine Cultura Blues), has adopted it as his way of life, and in this book Blues a la Carta, he transmits to us his experience in this regard. He tells us about what the blues has permeated in the country of his residence: Mexico (history, recordings, festivals, radio programs, and publications).</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>He describes and documents with original photographs his experiences at the most recent editions of the Chicago Blues Festival and at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals. He introduces us to the artists and their works recognized by the Blues Foundation, the most important blues association in the world; listing those who have been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and those who have won the Blues Music Awards. It shows us a significant number of titles from the most recent published recordings of blues and related genres, and also from the catalogs of the two most important record companies of this original genre in Chicago: Delmark Records and Alligator Records</em>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>It encourages us to listen to music related to the chapters of this work. In general, he shares with us a blues banquet that he has put on the table to taste with singular love and passion, be sure to accept the invitation... bon appetit!”.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603877?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603877?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"The key to a good life I believe is finding a balance between inner peace and outer peace. Knowing how to make good decisions and enjoying them. Knowing that if those decisions have failed they will have negative consequences and the important thing is to know how to overcome them." (Photos: <span>Jose Luis Garcia Fernandez and his new book "Blues a la Carta")</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? Are there any specific memories that you would like to tell us about?!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My 18 years of experience in blues music had a pre-history. The meeting with Octavio Espinosa in those 70s was the beginning of everything. With him I started playing and started my first band: Super Lazy. Many years later in 2005, he was the one who introduced me to the blues people in Mexico, with whom I began my recent career.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All my bandmates have been important, but I could highlight Gilberto Casillas in La Rambla, Mario Martínez in Solaris Blue, Raúl de la Rosa (my teacher) for having proposed to form La Gran Banda de Blues, Charlie Rosete in Los Cerdos Lúdicos, Phil Daniels in Rhino Bluesband, Karla Porragas and Eduardo Peña in Cultura Blues Project and now in Blues Demons.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For the editorial part, all the collaborators have also been important. But it was significant to have been part of the founding of the ‘Asociación Mexicana de Blues, that was where I began the work of ‘Palabra de Blues’, the precursor magazine of ‘Cultura Blues’. The meeting with Michael Limnios through electronic media gave the Cultura Blues project an international image.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Specific memories of important experiences in my life and on my paths in the blues are in my book ‘Blues a la Carta’, which I have recently published, I invite you to read it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Undoubtedly, I believe that there is an audience for the blues. It has always existed and I’m completely sure that in the future there will be many more crazy people like you and me, who will continue to promote this beautiful primal genre.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Currently, it is undergoing an understandable and imminent evolution that in some cases leads to interesting fusions. I believe that many young and new musicians and fans of the genre have sympathized with this contemporary blues. And of course, artists and followers of traditional blues fortunately remain in good numbers. The sum of these two are what make up the current scene of the genre.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of Blues Culture / Music in today’s society? </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: José Luis García Fernández)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402253063?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402253063?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>It’s very important to preserve the blues, due to its historical role that it plays as a generator of many of the current rhythms and subgenres that have been derived from it, in popular music. It’s much more than just a musical genre and has become a culture throughout the world.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps its current state is not what it once was, given that the music industry has turned towards other frontiers, more towards financial issues than musical quality. I hope that very soon, in the future, the blues will have that strength again and rebuild something that seems lost to globalization and triviality. Hence, the dissemination of the genre that many of us do from our trenches and creating alliances to do so is of vital importance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths as magazine editor and musician?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Definitely, I’ve learned that dreams become reality, but that you must have perseverance, discipline and self-confidence to achieve them. That achieving goals is an important part of life, but the process to achieve them is also important.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That obstacles are part of the processes, that we have to learn from mistakes and setbacks and know how to enjoy the successes and triumphs to move forward. That the results are not immediate, that you’ve to sow good seeds to obtain a good harvest. That you always have to be patient.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music? What do you think is key to a life well lived?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I inherited my love for soccer from my father. Since I was little he took me to the stadium to see his favorite team, Atlante, and from there another of the passions of my life was born, other than music. Currently, every time this team, Atlante, plays in the stadium, I’m there enjoying their triumphs and suffering their defeats. But not only that, I also follow it on television or radio when there is no visual transmission. Atlante is the priority, but I also like to watch all the local and international soccer. It's an important influence on my life, not so much on my music.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The key to a good life I believe is finding a balance between inner peace and outer peace. Knowing how to make good decisions and enjoying them. Knowing that if those decisions have failed they will have negative consequences and the important thing is to know how to overcome them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I could say that I have had good luck in having a life well lived, but I think that is why I have mentioned from the beginning of this interview, I have made mostly right decisions that have contributed to getting me to where I am, living with a beautiful complete family, doing what I like, of course being persevering, disciplined and in a certain way patient. I’m so happy with what I have and what I do, what more could you ask for.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.culturablues.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cultura Blues - La Revista Electronica / Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604088?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604088?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: José Luis García Fernández)</em></span></p>
Q&A with West Coast harmonica player John Clifton, one of those rare musicians that has dedicated himself to the Blues
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-19:1982923:BlogPost:281400
2024-03-19T07:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It's interesting to see how the listener reacts to the music and how much they love the music in other parts of the world. It seems to be a universal music that moves people everywhere."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>John Clifton: Coast to Coast Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As a co-founder (w/ brother Bill Clifton) of Fresno's The MoFo Party Band, John Clifton has solidified himself as one of…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It's interesting to see how the listener reacts to the music and how much they love the music in other parts of the world. It seems to be a universal music that moves people everywhere."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>John Clifton: Coast to Coast Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As a co-founder (w/ brother Bill Clifton) of Fresno's The MoFo Party Band, John Clifton has solidified himself as one of Central California's most in demand Blues front men since he started in the late '80's. His from the gut vocal and harmonica presence and high energy performances have captivated audiences worldwide. In 2016, The John Clifton Blues Band performed on the Doheny Blues Festival, with Edgar Winter and Lynyrd Skynyrd headlining. With style and prowess on the level of Kim Wilson and Rod Piazza, John has always kept it real with his own voice and identity and never set out to be a copy of any of his musical heroes. As a showman he delivers straight from the heart, soul, and gut, staying clear of the typical clichés and novelties. He also keeps things fresh and exciting by effortlessly infusing styles from West Coast to Chicago Blues, classic R&B and Soul, to some hard driving vintage Rock'n'Roll. Formerly Clifton mixed selected covers with originals. <strong>On his new 4th full length release “Too Much To Pay” (2024) Clifton gives us ten new originals, three co-written with Roger Perry. Clifton, vocals, harmonica and acoustic guitar is joined by the Poish R&B boogie band The Boogie Boys. </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The album was recorded in Warsaw Poland and mixed at Wolfsound Audio in Fresno, California. In fact every track is a gem, an album with high voltage tapestry of style and sound. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Bill Clifton / Photo by Rick Horowitz)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402093484?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402093484?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">John's reputation and performances have earned him the respect of many of the greats as he has been invited on stage with the likes of James Cotton, Rod Piazza, Tommy Castro, John Mayall, Huey Lewis, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Luther Tucker, Kim Wilson, Billy Boy Arnold, James Harman, and Rusty Zinn. He was also given the honor of opening for BB King, winning the Modesto Area Music Awards, and receiving the "Declaration of Appreciation" from the State of California for his contribution to the arts. In addition, John was asked to tour and record as the featured harmonica player with Big Bill Morganfield, on release "Blood Stains On The Wall". John captured the attention of Scott Abeyta, owner of Rip Cat Records, and was added to a roster that included The Blasters, the 44's, and Kid Ramos among many other great names. He released his first solo album "Let Yourself Go" in 2015. In 2018 and 2019 brings two CDs on Rip Cat Records "Nightlife", and "I<span>n The Middle Of Nowhere".<strong> </strong></span>John Clifton, one of those rare musicians that has dedicated himself to the Blues and has found continued success and relevance by remaining dedicated, excited, hardworking, and focused.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><a href="http://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_self">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you learn about yourself from the Blues people and culture? What does the blues mean to you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think musically I've really learned to let out what is going on inside my head, and to have my own voice allow my influence to flow freely without being a carbon copy and still staying true to the form of the blues. I also believe its important to treat everyone with respect, especially fellow musicians no matter what level of expertise they are at. My stage is always open to friends and fellow musicians to come up and do their thing. To me that's what a musicians community is all about. Every show should be like a community event even if there's a beginning player than would like to try his or her hand at the stage I'm open to letting them try especially in a small club setting. I don't think there is enough of that kind of thing going on. Without this kind of thing cliques develop and that not good for anyone.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What were the reasons that you started the Blues researches? How do you describe your songbook and sound?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I was 6, I saw an old film of Leadbelly from the 50's It stuck with me. I was never really into the same thing the other young people I knew were into. I always liked Oldies like Fats Domino and Elvis, Soul and R&B, and Country Western. I was an avid record cover reader that's how I would discover new artists. I read song writing credits to Juke on a Charlie Musselwhite record when I was 15 That lead me to discovering Little Walter then a whole bunch of things were exposed to me. My songbook is primarily Chicago Blues at the core, but I'm influenced by lots of stuff and I incorporate it all I'm also not afraid to let the influences of some of the later day blues artists come out in what I do as well. My sound is just "My sound" I can't really pin point what it is and I'm comfortable with that.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1856504314?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1856504314?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I think just the sound got me turned on. The seamless moaning bending of notes and the rhythmic ability of the instrument. It really is a deep instrument. The secret is the harmonica is the instrument of life. Its the only instrument that you inhale and exhale to make sound just like breathing... It's living, so your true soul comes out of it when you play." <span>(Photo: Bill Clifton)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that Californian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">California is a melting pot of many cultures and with that comes many musical styles. The blues of most notably Chicago and Texas along with styles from all over the country were blended together to create a real hybrid blues style that is both fun and energetic. I think since there is so many elements to it appeals to a large group of the populous.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>You’ve one more release with a Polish band. How did that relationship come about?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I first met the Boogie Boys when Pianist Bartek Szopinski was a Tour Manager on my first tour in Europe. We’ve been friends ever since. We have worked together on a lot of recording projects and performed live many times. It just made since to use them on this record.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Too Much To Pay” (2024)?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The only interesting thing I can think of now is one of the songs from the album “It wouldn’t stop Raining” came to me in my sleep on 2 separate occasions while I was writing it. I deemed hearing sand singing the melody and some of the words, I drew a blank and had trouble finishing the song and needed more lyrics to finish it, on a separate night I dreamed singing the part of the song that was not finished and the lyrics I dreamed were perfect!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don’t think there was one moment, but the most important awakening I had was finding my own voice tone and style and being comfortable with it. Knowing your own voice and style is one of the key factors in growing as an artist. I believe you need both Soul and Technic and as much of both you let into your toolbox the better you will be... Some of us have more of one or the other, but without both you’re either style as an artist or a clown.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402092479?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402092479?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"California is a melting pot of many cultures and with that comes many musical styles. The blues of most notably Chicago and Texas along with styles from all over the country were blended together to create a real hybrid blues style that is both fun and energetic. I think since there is so many elements to it appeals to a large group of the populous." (Photo: <span>Bill Clifton)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Again, finding your own voice and tone. To me it’s the most important thing you can do, I also think working hard, as hard and as smart as you can on all aspects of the craft. Whether it be the Business, promotion, or the music, you have to work hard at it in order to stay on an upward trend.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think I just do it, I do warm my vocals up with exercise and try to take care of myself... but other than that, there is no mystery to it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Which acquaintances have been the most important experiences? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Playing Luther Tucker were probably the most profound musical experiences ever! He was the guitarist on all the records I loved. He was cool to me always and one of the greatest musicians I've ever known. Some guys Like Rod Piazza, Big Bill Morganfield, James Harman and Mark Hummel are guys who I am in contact regularly with and have done lots of projects together. They are real friends to me. the best advice I got was from Rod Piazza it was "Keep doing what you are doing" It took me awhile to figure out what he meant exactly, I wanted more quick fix technical answers, but once I figured out what he meant it was the greatest advice anyone has ever given me.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I used to sit in with a Piano Player named Dave Alexander AKA Omar "The Magnificent" Shariff. He held a Jam session at various clubs in Fresno CA where I'm from. He was the first real world class blues musician I played with. He was the best piano player I've ever seen. I knew everyone and introduced me to Albert King back stage at a show. he was the real deal... there were times he'd go off on a musical tangent it would be like he was in a trance and he's masterfully blend Chopin with Charles Brown, Ray Charles, Lloyd Glenn, Art Tatum and Albert Amonds all together it an amazing boogie woogie tinged jam... I've never seen anything like it to this day. He's a true nearly forgotten master of the blues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1856517843?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1856517843?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>I miss going to Festivals and seeing acts like Little Milton, Ruth Brown, Clarence Garlow and James Cotton all on the same bill. I hope people continue to make good music and I hope listeners find value in it and continue to understand the history of all music.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"My songbook is primarily Chicago Blues at the core, but I'm influenced by lots of stuff and I incorporate it all I'm also not afraid to let the influences of some of the later day blues artists come out in what I do as well." (Photo: John Clifton & James Cotton)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ownership, people are too quick to not want to own media... Streaming audio is really hard on the blue-collar musician. I hope people turn their thinking around and continue to buy CDs and records, and books too. When people own a record or CD, they tend to have a more endearing connection to the music, they put value on it... plus no one can take it away from you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What touched (emotionally) you from the sound of harmonica? What are the secrets of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think just the sound got me turned on. The seamless moaning bending of notes and the rhythmic ability of the instrument. It really is a deep instrument. The secret is the harmonica is the instrument of life. Its the only instrument that you inhale and exhale to make sound just like breathing... It's living, so your true soul comes out of it when you play.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you think there is an audience for roots music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think there always will be an audience for roots music of all kinds. There are some great young artists coming up that are no less than phenomenal, perhaps even better than a couple generations before them. The Young cats have a deeper understanding for the music and the future looks bright, at least that’s how I see it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It's interesting to see how the listener reacts to the music and how much they love the music in other parts of the world. It seems to be a universal music that moves people everywhere.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of Blues music and culture to the racial, political, and socio-cultural implications? </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Bill Clifton)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1856575133?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1856575133?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>I'm not sure how to answer this. First and foremost, blues is music that requires a certain taste. Aside the scene and society aspect it is still just a music genre it’s Important for the art to remember this. Plus, that's a lot of pressure for a music genre. Music in general can-do great things... I will say I think as long as people just tolerate each other we will never take a step forward the word tolerance needs to be replaced with love and acceptance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Most blues fans and very cool, and accepting and open people, unfortunately I still run into a few people who claim to be blues enthusiast that are still following racists beliefs, but with that being said perhaps blues music can educate people to embrace diversity. I think it does do that to a point and if it changes at least one person’s views then that's a beautiful thing.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.johncliftonmusic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Clifton - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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Entrevista con director de la revista Cultura Blues, José Luis García Fernández, nos transmite su experiencias en libro "Blues a la Carta"
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-17:1982923:BlogPost:491158
2024-03-17T09:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Es importante preservar el blues, por su papel histórico que juega como generador de muchos de los ritmos y subgéneros actuales que se han derivado a partir de él, en la música popular occidental. Es mucho más que solo un género musical y se ha convertido en una cultura a lo largo y ancho del mundo."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>José Luis García Fernández:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Blues a la…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Es importante preservar el blues, por su papel histórico que juega como generador de muchos de los ritmos y subgéneros actuales que se han derivado a partir de él, en la música popular occidental. Es mucho más que solo un género musical y se ha convertido en una cultura a lo largo y ancho del mundo."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>José Luis García Fernández:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Blues a la Carta Y Cultura Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">El blues es, sin duda, mucho más que solo un estilo musical. El blues es una cultura que se ha convertido en la influencia principal de otros géneros importantes que se conocen en el desarrollo de la música popular del mundo occidental. <strong>Un apasionado de esta cultura, José Luis García Fernández (director de la revista digital Cultura Blues), la ha adoptado como su modo de vida, y en este libro Blues a la Carta (2024), nos transmite su experiencia al respecto.</strong> Nos habla de lo que el blues ha permeado en su país de residencia: México (historia, grabaciones, festivales, programas de radio, y publicaciones). Describe y documenta con fotografías originales sus experiencias en las más recientes ediciones del Festival de Blues en Chicago y en los Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Nos da a conocer a los artistas y sus obras reconocidas por la Blues Foundation, la asociación de blues más importante en el mundo. Enlistando a quienes se han incluido en el Salón de la Fama y a los que han ganado los Blues Music Awards. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Foto: José Luis García Fernández)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603877?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603877?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nos muestra un gran número de títulos de las más recientes grabaciones publicadas de blues y géneros afines, y también de los catálogos de las dos más importantes compañías discograficas de este género primigenio en Chicago: Delmark Records y Alligator Records. Nos incita a escuchar música relacionada a los capítulos de esta obra. En general, nos comparte un banquete bluesero que ha puesto en la mesa para degustar con singular amor y pasión, no deje de aceptar la invitación… ¡buen provecho! <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/interview-with-mexican-blusero-jos-luis-garc-a-fern-ndez-director" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archivo: Entrevista 2014, José Luis García Fernández</a></em></strong></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Entrevista: Michael Limnios </strong><em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-mexican-director-of-cultura-blues-jose-luis-garcia-ferna" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(</a><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-mexican-director-of-cultura-blues-jose-luis-garcia-ferna" target="_blank" rel="noopener">English Edition, Interview 2024)</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>¿Qué momento cambió más tu vida? ¿Cuáles han sido los aspectos más destacados de tu vida y carrera hasta ahora?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Probablemente el momento más importante en lo personal que cambió mi vida, haya sido la muerte de mi madre cuando tenía seis años. Siempre he pensado ¿quién sería como persona si mi madre hubiera estado más tiempo en mi vida? Pero eso no quiere decir que haga menos a mi adorable familia con la que crecí y adquirí todos los conocimientos básicos y principios que me hicieron ser la persona que soy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">En el ámbito musical, sin duda, lo fue cuando vi por primera vez la película Let It Be de The Beatles, a principio de los años 70. Ese impacto fue lo que me dio el impulso para dedicar mi vida a los aspectos musicales y a buscar la raíz de toda esa música que finalmente me llevó al blues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Los aspectos más destacados de mi vida puedo dividirlos en dos partes, en el aspecto personal y en el aspecto que tiene que ver con la parte musical.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">En la parte personal, lo más destacado es haber crecido en una familia amorosa, en haber tenido la oportunidad de estudiar una carrera profesional, en haber seleccionado un buen trabajo en una Institución, que hasta muchos años después de mi retiro, me ha dado lo suficiente para vivir bien. En haber encontrado una mujer maravillosa con la que formé una familia con tres hijos que hasta hoy en día conformamos una familia estable y feliz. En tener la fortuna de ser también un orgulloso abuelo de una adorable pequeña.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">En la parte musical reciente, lo más destacado es haberme reunido con las personas correctas que han dado como resultado una carrera de 18 años con muchas satisfacciones, como músico en 7 bandas de blues, con decenas de presentaciones en diversos lugares, festivales y encuentros de blues en varios estados a lo largo del territorio de mi querido México. He participado en la grabación de 4 discos. Como productor musical he realizado la compilación de 6 discos con bandas y artistas nacionales e internacionales. Como editor de revistas digitales he estado al frente de dos: Palabra de Blues y Cultura Blues. La Revista Electrónica.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Actualmente, el proyecto de Cultura Blues ha publicado 154 ediciones mensuales, es decir han sido casi 15 años de publicaciones ininterrumpidas. He publicado dos libros: Palabra de Blues. Antología 1 (2010) como autor y compilador y el más reciente: Blues a la Carta (2024) como autor. He estado al frente de dos programas de Radio: Palabra de Blues al Aire y actualmente con Cultura Blues Radio que ha transmitido 70 programas semanales a la fecha. He realizado actividades alternas a esta vocación musical como el apoyo y realización de eventos musicales, exposiciones fotográficas, conferencias, conversatorios y cine club. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Foto: José Luis García Fernández, Chicago IL)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603697?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401603697?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Definitivamente, he aprendido que los sueños se convierten en realidad, pero que se debe tener constancia, disciplina y seguridad en sí mismo para conseguirlos. Que alcanzar los objetivos es una parte importante en la vida, pero el proceso para alcanzarlos, también lo es."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Actualmente has publicado el libro “Blues a la Carta”. ¿Cuándo y cómo surgió la idea?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">En el 2009, formando parte de la Asociación Mexicana de Blues, propuse la revista digital Palabra de Blues, un año después, hice una compilación de artículos de los primeros 12 o 13 números y publiqué el libro: Palabra de Blues. Antología 1, pensaba que estos podrían ser una serie, pero por ciertas diferencias con la gente de la Asociáción, el proyecto terminó y fundé Cultura Blues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A lo largo de los años de Cultura Blues, siempre estuvo en mi mente publicar un libro compilado parecido a aquel primero. Durante la pandemia, me dediqué a seleccionar los artículos, terminé un borrador, pero quedó guardado ya que al final de ese periodo caótico los recursos financieros no eran adecuados.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A finales del año pasado, retomé el proyecto, lo actualicé y decidí que no sería una compilación de varios autores, sino un proyecto con material propio. Así nació finalmente Blues a la Carta, cuya sinopsis es la siguiente:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>“El blues es, sin duda, mucho más que solo un estilo musical. El blues es una cultura que se ha convertido en la influencia principal de otros géneros importantes que se conocen en el desarrollo de la música popular del mundo occidental. Un apasionado de esta cultura, José Luis García Fernández (director de la revista digital Cultura Blues), la ha adoptado como su modo de vida, y en este libro Blues a la Carta, nos transmite su experiencia al respecto. Nos habla de lo que el blues ha permeado en su país de residencia: México (historia, grabaciones, festivales, programas de radio, y publicaciones).</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Describe y documenta con fotografías originales sus experiencias en las más recientes ediciones del Festival de Blues en Chicago y en los Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Nos da a conocer a los artistas y sus obras reconocidas por la Blues Foundation, la asociación de blues más importante en el mundo; enlistando a quienes se han incluido en el Salón de la Fama y a los que han ganado los Blues Music Awards. Nos muestra un gran número de títulos de las más recientes grabaciones publicadas de blues y géneros afines, y también de los catálogos de las dos más importantes compañías discográficas de este género primigenio en Chicago: Delmark Records y Alligator Records.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Nos incita a escuchar música relacionada a los capítulos de esta obra. En general, nos comparte un banquete bluesero que ha puesto en la mesa para degustar con singular amor y pasión, no deje de aceptar la invitación… ¡buen provecho!”.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604065?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604065?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"En el ámbito musical, sin duda, lo fue cuando vi por primera vez la película Let It Be de The Beatles, a principio de los años 70. Ese impacto fue lo que me dio el impulso para dedicar mi vida a los aspectos musicales y a buscar la raíz de toda esa música que finalmente me llevó al blues." (Fotos: José Luis García Fernández con Billy Boy Arnold, Bob Stronger, Nathan East, John Primer, Eric Gales & Billy Branch)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>¿Cuáles son algunas de las lecciones más importantes que has aprendido de tu experiencia en el camino musical como editor de revistas y músico?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Definitivamente, he aprendido que los sueños se convierten en realidad, pero que se debe tener constancia, disciplina y seguridad en sí mismo para conseguirlos. Que alcanzar los objetivos es una parte importante en la vida, pero el proceso para alcanzarlos, también lo es.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Que los obstáculos, son parte de los procesos, que hay que aprender de los errores y tropiezos y saber disfrutar los aciertos y los triunfos para seguir adelante. Que los resultados no son inmediatos, que hay que sembrar buenas semillas, para obtener buena cosecha. Que hay que tener siempre paciencia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>¿Crees que existe público para la música blues en su estado actual? ¿O al menos un potencial para que los jóvenes se conviertan en futuros espectadores y fans?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Definitivamente, creo que sí existe público para el blues. Siempre ha existido y estoy completamente seguro de que en el futuro habrá muchos más locos como tú y como yo, que seguirán promoviendo este precioso género primigenio.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Actualmente, sufre una comprensible e inminente evolución que lleva en algunos casos fusiones interesantes, creo que muchos jóvenes y nuevos músicos y fanáticos del género han simpatizado con este blues contemporáneo. Y desde luego, que los artistas y seguidores del blues tradicional, se mantienen en un buen número por fortuna. La suma de estos dos, son los que conforman el panorama actual del género.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>¿Por qué es importante preservar y difundir el blues? ¿Cuál es el papel de la Cultura/Música del Blues en la sociedad actual?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Es importante preservar el blues, por su papel histórico que juega como generador de muchos de los ritmos y subgéneros actuales que se han derivado a partir de él, en la música popular occidental. Es mucho más que solo un género musical y se ha convertido en una cultura a lo largo y ancho del mundo.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tal vez su estado actual, no es como lo fue en algún momento, dado que la industria de la música ha girado hacia otras fronteras, más hacia la cuestión financiera que a la calidad musical. Espero que muy pronto, en el futuro, el blues vuelva a tener esa fuerza y recomponga algo que parece perdido ante la globalización y la trivialidad.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">De ahí que la difusión del género que hacemos muchos de nosotros desde nuestras trincheras y creando alianzas para hacerlo, resultan de vital importancia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604088?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604088?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Podría decir que he tenido buena suerte en tener una vida bien vivida, pero creo que es por la que he comentado desde el principio de esta entrevista, he tomado en su mayoría decisiones acertadas que han contribuido a llevarme hasta donde voy, viviendo con una bella familia completa, haciendo lo que me gusta, desde luego siendo perseverante, disciplinado y de cierta manera paciente. Soy feliz con lo que tengo y con lo que hago, que más se puede pedir." <span>(Foto: José Luis García Fernández, Mexico)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>¿Qué encuentros han sido las experiencias más importantes para ti? ¿Hay algún recuerdo específico del que te gustaría contarnos?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Los 18 años de trayectoria en la música de blues, tuvieron una prehistoria. El encuentro con Octavio Espinosa en aquellos años 70 fue el inicio de todo. Con él comencé a tocar e inicié en mi primera banda: Super Lazy. Muchos años después en el 2005, él fue quien me presentó a la gente de blues en México con los que inicié mi reciente carrera.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Todos los compañeros en las bandas han sido importantes, pero podría destacar a Gilberto Casillas en La Rambla, a Mario Martínez en Solaris Blue, a Raúl de la Rosa (mi maestro) por haber inducido a la formación de La Gran Banda de Blues, a Charlie Rosete en Los Cerdos Lúdicos, a Phil Daniels en Rhino Bluesband y; a Karla Porragas y Eduardo Peña en Cultura Blues Project y ahora en Blues Demons.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Para el lado editorial, también todos los colaboradores han sido importantes. Pero fue significativo haber formado parte de la fundación de la Asociación Mexicana de Blues, ahí fue donde inicié los trabajos de Palabra de Blues, revista precursora de Cultura Blues. El encuentro con Michael Limnios a través de los medios electrónicos, le dio el giro al proyecto de Cultura Blues, hacia el lado internacional.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recuerdos específicos de experiencias importantes en mi vida y en mi camino en el blues están en mi libro Blues a la Carta, que recientemente he publicado, los invito a conocerlo.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>La vida es más que sólo música, ¿hay algún otro campo que tenga influencia en tu vida y en tu música? ¿Qué crees que es clave para una vida bien vivida?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">En mi caso, heredé de mi padre el gusto por el fútbol. Desde pequeño me llevó al estadio a ver a su equipo favorito el Atlante, y de ahí nació otra de las pasiones de mi vida, distinta a la música. Actualmente, cada vez que juega este equipo, mi equipo Atlante en el estadio, ahí estoy disfrutando sus triunfos y sufriendo sus derrotas. Pero no solo eso, también lo sigo por televisión o por radio cuando no hay transmisión visual. El Atlante es la prioridad, pero me gusta también ver todo el fútbol local e internacional. Es una influencia importante en mi vida, no tanto en mi música.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">La clave para una buena vida creo que es encontrar un equilibrio entre la paz interior y la paz exterior. Saber tomar buenas decisiones y disfrutar de ellas, Saber que si han fallado esas decisiones tendrán consecuencias negativas y lo importante es saber sobreponerse a ellas.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Podría decir que he tenido buena suerte en tener una vida bien vivida, pero creo que es por la que he comentado desde el principio de esta entrevista, he tomado en su mayoría decisiones acertadas que han contribuido a llevarme hasta donde voy, viviendo con una bella familia completa, haciendo lo que me gusta, desde luego siendo perseverante, disciplinado y de cierta manera paciente. Soy feliz con lo que tengo y con lo que hago, que más se puede pedir.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.culturablues.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cultura Blues - La Revista Electronica / Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604658?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401604658?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Foto: José Luis García Fernández)</em></span></p>
Q&A with drummer, songwriter, and producer, Joe Yuele: an veteran outstanding and impressive blues musician
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-17:1982923:BlogPost:491241
2024-03-17T07:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s1">“<em>So, I can always stay connected to the past for inspiration into the future. The music industry is ever expanding and I think the future looks bright. Young upcoming musicians have a lot to look forward to. I have no fears, the Blues are alive and kicking and will remain so.”</em></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><span class="s1">Joe Yuele: The Blues Beat Flag…</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s1">“<em>So, I can always stay connected to the past for inspiration into the future. The music industry is ever expanding and I think the future looks bright. Young upcoming musicians have a lot to look forward to. I have no fears, the Blues are alive and kicking and will remain so.”</em></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><span class="s1">Joe Yuele: The Blues Beat Flag Fly</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Joe Yuele is an American drummer, songwriter, and producer, best known as drummer and musical director with John Mayall. Yuele was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on January 26 1951. His father, himself a musician, sparked Yuele's interest in music at an early age with the recordings of Django Reinhardt. Yuele started playing drums at age 14 and cofounded his first band, The Vee Jays, with his bass playing cousin Dick Harrigan. As a teenager of 16 Joe left home and hitchhiked from Hampton Beach, New Hampshire to Hollywood, California with dreams of making it big. And even though he was faced with a rough start of being hungry and homeless, Joe would not be detoured from attaining his goals. A turning point came in Los Angeles in 1974 when he joined "The Juke Rhythm Band". This was a roots blues band based on traditional Chicago blues, and headed up by John "Juke" Logan, featuring Rick Vito on guitar. So when they came thru Los Angeles the "J.R.B" were kept busy backing up these traveling icons that included, Albert Collins, Lowell Fulson, Big Joe Turner, George "Harmonica" Smith, Big Mama Thornton and many more of the early greats. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span class="s1">(Photo: Joe Yuele)</span></em></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401591876?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401591876?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">From 1976 through 1977 he toured throughout America with Dobie "Drift Away" Gray. But it wasn't until 1985 that, thanks to the recommendation of good friend Coco Montoya, he started his long journey with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. While traveling around the world, and recording many albums. Other artists that have kept Joe busy playing drums over the years include, Larry Cooke and the Tribe, Debbie Davies, Walter Trout, Brian "Breeze" Cayolle, Doug McCloud, Mighty Sam McClain, Z Tribe, Bob Angell, and James Harman, among others.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1"><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><span class="s1">Special Thanks: Joe Yuele & Bob Angell</span></em></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">How has the Blues and Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">For me, playing the Blues has always been the music I gravitated towards. I have never considered it a lifestyle that has influenced my worldview, though I imagine it may be just that for many folks. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">What touched you from the drums? What's the balance in music between technique and soul/emotions?</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">I have played drums since I was a kid. I have to admit though that for me there has been very little technique in my playing. I never studied playing drums. I'm self taught and play by ear. However, the more technique one has the more opportunity they have to express themselves. I think it is important to learn how to play properly and then you can let your Freak Flag Fly.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">What moment changed your music life the most? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? </span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">In 1974 John "Juke" Logan asked me to join his band. This is the single most important musical moment that has changed my musical life the most. All the great gigs I got stem from the years I spent playing with "Juke" Logan including getting the drum chair with John Mayall. As for the best music advice I ever got, Carlos Santana told me one time, "always give it your all and always play from the heart".</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401591886?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401591886?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span class="s1">"For me, playing the Blues has always been the music I gravitated towards. I have never considered it a lifestyle that has influenced my worldview, though I imagine it may be just that for many folks." (Joe Yuele with friends and collaborators: <span>John Mayall, John ‘Juke’ Logan, Buddy Whittington, Debbie Davies, Ricky Cortex, Coco Montoya, Joe Sublett, Albert Collins</span><span>, Otis Rush, Luther Allison, Kim Simmonds, Mick Fleetwood, Walter Trout, and others / Photos courtesy by Inger Tellefsen, Debbie Davies & Ricky Cortex)</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">Are there any memories from gigs, jams, tours and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">There are so many good memories from gigs, recording sessions and jam sessions. One of my favorite memories was the time we played The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Doc Severinsen and his 6-piece horn section wrote charts for us and joined us live on the show. That remains one of the musical highlights! </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">I have a large record collection, mostly Jazz, Blues and guitar players that I inherited from my father's record collection. So, I can always stay connected to the past for inspiration into the future. The music industry is ever expanding and I think the future looks bright. Young upcoming musicians have a lot to look forward to. I have no fears, the Blues are alive and kicking and will remain so.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">I don't know how important it is to preserve and spread the Blues. It's been with us for a long time and it ain't going anywhere. People love listening to it and musicians love playing it. The role it plays in society is giving pleasure to all involved. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">One big lesson from making a living on the road is to stay clean and as healthy as you can and hopefully this will help facilitate longevity in your chosen path. It can be very difficult to maintain your health for years on the road. Your wellbeing is very important for longevity and success. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="s1">John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?</span></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, John Coltrane was a very unique individual and he seems to be a very spiritual musical person. My journey has been about enjoying playing music for the love of it and the happiness it has brought me to be able to make a living doing something I love. Being happy is the meaning of life.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401592481?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12401592481?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span class="s1"><span class="s1">(Photo: American drummer, songwriter, and producer Joe Yuele)</span></span></em></span></p>
Q&A with veteran British bluesman Mick Pini - lives, breathes, plays, and sings the blues with genuine passion
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-16:1982923:BlogPost:491350
2024-03-16T16:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Blues is a feeling not a historic artefact. Part of its development (and it’s the same in jazz), was that musicians became more proficient on their instruments, to the point of being virtuoso's."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Mick Pini: The <span>Best Kept Blues Secret</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you’re lucky enough to catch veteran British bluesman Mick Pini live you are guaranteed the real…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Blues is a feeling not a historic artefact. Part of its development (and it’s the same in jazz), was that musicians became more proficient on their instruments, to the point of being virtuoso's."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Mick Pini: The <span>Best Kept Blues Secret</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you’re lucky enough to catch veteran British bluesman Mick Pini live you are guaranteed the real deal; no pedals, no effects, just a (rare) 54 Strat (stroked) played by a bluesmeister. Oh - and how he makes it plead, bleed, sing, scream, cry – and smoke! With a life time in music you’ll hear echoes and influences from the whole tradition of the blues in Mick’s playing. His uncompromising adherence to a genuine belief in his music has never been deflected. Those distinctive raw, attacking riffs and phrases, often reminiscent of such legendary names as Freddie King, Albert Collins or T-Bone Walker hit you with aggression not unlike a ton of bricks, then in a moment, he’ll melt your heart with a sweeping phrase of pure beauty. <span>These are the hallmarks of Mick Pini: to encounter him live is a joy not to be missed - it’s a blues master class! Mick started playing guitar as a young boy back in 1960. Since then he’s paid his dues in pubs, clubs, festivals, concert halls - hell, even busking on the streets. Over a lifetime he’s worked with all sorts: Doctor Ross, Professor Longhair, Rich Grech, Mojo Buford, Louisiana Red, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Chris Farlowe, Mike Vernon, BB King, Luther Allison – and more than a few others. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Mick Pini / Photos by Horst Petri)</em></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400896294?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400896294?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Currently based in Germany, Mick has worked with Roy Estrada (Little Feat) and Jimmy Carl Black (Frank Zappa). His last three albums are the acoustic CD “Highfield Boy” (2017), EP "Best Kept Secret" (recorded April 2017 in the UK), and the 14-tracks album “Into The Distance” (August 2019), recorded between summer 2017 and spring 2019 in South Germany. Mick Pini's <span>new collaboration with the Croatian Blues musician Boris Zamba, was a single titled</span><span> “I am a bluesman” (2024).</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong> <em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/bluesman-mick-pini-talks-about-mojo-buford-peter-green-mike?overrideMobileRedirect=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archive: Mick Pini, 2019 Interview</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that the British Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following, since the 1960?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think the main reason is a historic lineage that continues to evolve. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Historically the two British Blues Booms changed music forever in the States.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">On the one hand they made American music fans aware of their black musical (blues) heritage and also it gave American club bands license to play their own music.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">So you had for example, The Byrds, instead of just playing covers of surf music covers, they forged their own folk rock, which was a result of blues influences, and the first British Blues boom in particular. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Rollin Stones drew on rhythm and blues and Chicago blues influences and molded them into something exciting and original.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Significantly they also credited where their influences came from and brought some of the Chicago blues artist on tour with them. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Since then, every few years there’s a lull and then it starts all over again. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">By the time I finally got signed up in 1989, I was part of a new blues scene, but a bit like old wine in new bottles.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">My producer Mike Vernon was an important part of the development British blues John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac, Clapton, Peter Green, etc., and I’d been playing pro for over 20 years before getting signed up.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The main difference was that the music had evolved. By the time of recording “Wildman Pini” there was a new generation of bands like The Hoax, Blues N’ Trouble, Big Town Playboys, The Blues Band, Nine Below Zero, Connie Lush’s Blues Shouter, Ruthless Blues, Norman Beaker, Otis Grand etc. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So I think British blues continues to survive because in its widest sense it continues to be a catalyst for new music. I’ve found myself doing the same thing by working with producer Craig Marshall (aka Audio 54), who has brought in loops and samples alongside my guitar playing. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(<span>Mick Pini / Photo by Robert Hansenne)</span></em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400900701?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400900701?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I think the main reason is a historic lineage that continues to evolve. Historically the two British Blues Booms changed music forever in the States. On the one hand they made American music fans aware of their black musical (blues) heritage and also it gave American club bands license to play their own music."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What's the balance in blues music between technique and soul? Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think the answer to that question is dependent on whether you write songs or you are an interpreter of songs, or an instrumentalist.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blues is a feeling not a historic artefact. Part of its development (and it’s the same in jazz), was that musicians became more proficient on their instruments, to the point of being virtuoso's.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">This in itself means you explore your feelings in a new way, whether through intensity or tonal qualities (think of Miles Davis in jazz and Ronnie Earl in the blues). </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then again if you are a singer and if you write your own material, the chances are you are going to have a more soulful approach.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It might not be important to preserve the blues as a genre, because as long as songs and music continue to illuminate that feeling that we call the blues, it will always be with us. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course having an appreciation of where the music comes from is very important, but it shouldn’t lead to drawing boundaries round musical innovation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A number of things really, but mainly finding people with the commitment and ability to approach music professionally and with passion. I’ve still got some great musician friends in Leicester where I come from, but it was very difficult trying to keep a blues band together when you have a bass player who wanted to be in David Bowie’s band, or a drummer who was into heavy metal etc. Also it helps when you get signed up, and work with a proper label, producer and get promo. Back then there wasn’t anything remotely like being an independent artist with your own label.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Are there any memories from the late great Louisiana Red, which you’d like to share with us?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yes!! <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Louisiana Red</em></span> was a very funny guy, meaning I had great fun backing him a few times and getting to know him and his wife. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He would go into 13 bar 15 bar blues and you really had to keep your eyes on him for the chords and changes. He could change it anytime in a song and I used to smile to myself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400897082?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400897082?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"It might not be important to preserve the blues as a genre, because as long as songs and music continue to illuminate that feeling that we call the blues, it will always be with us. Of course having an appreciation of where the music comes from is very important, but it shouldn’t lead to drawing boundaries round musical innovation." (<span>Mick Pini & Chris Farlowe / Photo by Richard Feilen)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>What has made you laugh from the late bluesman Mojo Buford and British legendary singer Chris Farlowe?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><em>Chris Farlowe</em> had a hell of a voice, but didn’t seem to know the best key for his voice until I went down the scale of the guitar and reached C, and then he said; “that’s it!” </span><span>I was surprised that when he sang 'Stormy Monday', he busked the words, but it was a real honour having him on the album.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was the same with <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Mojo Buford</em></span> when my band backed him at Banbury Blues Club in 1989. I got the songs from his record company on tape two weeks before the gig, so the band could rehearse them. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That night in Banbury the club was packed and we arrived a bit earlier to sort the running times and set up. I met Mojo and his agent who brought him over to UK. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As I walked in to the dressing room at about 7 o’clock, near to playing time, I said thank you to his man John (the agent who sent me the tape) and told him we had learned Mojo’s songs. Then John mentioned this to Mojo, about how we had learned his songs.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mojo turned around and said: “I don’t do them songs”.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">So you can imagine how the night was going to be. We wondered what Mojo was going to play. After our band played our set, I then introduced Mojo to the crowd From then on, none of my band had a clue as to what we were going to play, it was all ad libbed. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lucky enough I had a some competent guys in the band like Paul Martinez on bass Alan Hardman drums and Pete Bayliss on keyboards and myself. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When the moment of truth arrived, Mojo hit the stage, looked at me and said: “in the key of C. “So I let him start with his harmonica on a slow blues which we all picked up very quick and moved into the mood of the number. despite not knowing what it was.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">After we finished that number he announced ‘Deep Sea Diver’. We didn’t know the key, but Paul Martinez guessed A minor with a few change. It was quite a steady number and the band got a little more into it. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mojo was doing quite a long show, but we (the band) worked as a team and by the last number he told the crowd he really enjoyed my band backing him.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">You can imagine the relief at the end, but it turned out to be a great night and I think the fact we played two encores spoke volumes.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">In fact a great night was had by one and all... that’s the blues, people!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>What is the story behind nickname: “Wildman” and the studio sessions of album “Mick ‘Wildman’ Pini”, 1989?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think my “Wildman” nick name might have come from Mike Vernon and the fact I wore a beret. In fact I’m quite the opposite, though when I’m in the middle of a solo you might not want to get in the way (laughs). <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Mick "Wildman" Pini / Photo by Dave Peabody)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400896870?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400896870?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"<span>Art and Literature. </span><span>Art was my first love and I was always drawing when I was young and I always got on with art teachers who encouraged me to go into it. I really loved Turner, the Impressionists, early painters and 19<sup>th</sup> century painters. </span><span>By 1963 I heard Bob Dylan who made a big impression on me.</span>"</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think the biggest problem is access to mainstream media, or the lack of coverage for all roots music, blues, folk, jazz, etc. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As I said earlier blues is about shared feelings, something that doesn’t figure much in contemporary media. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">’d like to think that new generations of kids have the same enquiring minds that we had, to find out where the music came from, or the ideas etc.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Given access to the internet, there’s no real reason why a new generation of kids can’t pick up the baton, but the music has to be relevant to them.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you think of Hip Hop for example, Taj Mahal said it was the “new blues” and in a way he’s right. It’s a new generation molding the blues to their own experience.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">The thing that will define any new approach is whether the media go for it. Back in the 80’s blues was used to reinforce stereotypes, through the Blues Brothers film, and adverts selling beer and jeans by using blues imagery and music etc. But more generally, blues has had a very hard time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Art and Literature. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Art was my first love and I was always drawing when I was young and I always got on with art teachers who encouraged me to go into it. I really loved Turner, the Impressionists, early painters and 19<sup>th</sup> century painters. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">By 1963 I heard Bob Dylan who made a big impression on me. His songs and words were so profound. No one was writing like Dylan.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then there was John Lee Hooker a true blues master and I loved reading Camus, William Blake poetry and all the great Beat writers like Steinbeck.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then in 1963 The Rolling Stones came along and in 1965 The Yardbirds and by 1966 John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The big turning point for me in the blues was in 1973 when I saw Freddie King with his American Band at The Marquee in Wardour Street. I was thinking of packing it all in and then seeing that gig made me change my mind.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">He was totally unbelievable and completely open to many different influences.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then I got further into the blues with people like B.B. King Albert King and Luther Allison, while Peter Green was also a very inspirational player, I thought his phrasing was beautiful. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I also got to meet Peter a few times between1967 to 1977. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think generally speaking, by 1966 there was a lot more going on for young people. Musically speaking that would include the blues (both American and British Blues Boom’s) and the psychedelic stuff coming from the West Coast such as Quicksilver Messenger Service, and people like Frank Zappa, Janis Joplin and Captain Beefheart. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Everything seemed to shift from black and white to full colour, especially the blues!</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.mickpiniband.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mick Pini - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400897091?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400897091?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Mick Pini / Photo by Horst Petri)</em></span></p>
Q&A with unique musician Sweet Marta, the only female blues harmonica player in Spain, stomps hard on stage
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-14:1982923:BlogPost:491063
2024-03-14T14:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It shouldn't mean anything because the first blues were sung by women Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey etc. The vision from the point of view that it isn't to be a female artist in a man's artistic world, the vision and should be about a cultural and educational change in our society towards women. The status of a woman in music is the same as that of a man. The status of women in the world currently seems to be accepting their role."…</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It shouldn't mean anything because the first blues were sung by women Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey etc. The vision from the point of view that it isn't to be a female artist in a man's artistic world, the vision and should be about a cultural and educational change in our society towards women. The status of a woman in music is the same as that of a man. The status of women in the world currently seems to be accepting their role."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Sweet Marta: Tot Sobre el Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sweet Marta (Marta Suñé) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is the only female harmonica player on the blues harmonica scene in the entire Spanish state. She comes from Salt, a town in Girona located in the northeast of Catalonia. Her discovery of her genre is linked to that of the harmonica, at the age of 22, being a double passion and causing the artist to occupy a very prominent place in the field of state blues in a few years. Sweet Marta blows and stomps hard on stage, daring without complexes. That's why Sweet Marta has shared the stage and has been invited by great artists of the national and international blues scene such as Paul Orta, Greg Izor, Victor Puertas, Joan Pau Cumellas, Nico Wayne Toussaint, Knock Out Greg, among others. <span>Little by little, Sweet Marta is a referent for many harmonica lovers and receives good reviews from leading harmonica players that she herself follows.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400184493?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400184493?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Sweet Marta personifies humility, constancy and respect for what she does / Photo by Nacho Landeras)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Currently Sweet Marta is making her way through Europe and outside Europe. Two of her projects are: <span><em>Sweet Marta & The Blues Shakers</em>, a great domain of language and authenticity when transmitting it and they show us that the roots of blues are still alive, interpreting artists such as George Harmonica Smith, Koko Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland and Junior Wells; and <em>Johnny Big Stone & Sweet Marta</em>, one of the few acoustic duos in Spain playing "Old Blues" and representing the sound essence of the time.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, my views of the world doesn't change much for the better but now with the blues, with my blues, I've got found a place where I can take refuge!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What touched you from the sound of harmonica? How do you describe your sound and songbook?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The sound of harmonica is very expressive and deep is for that, I think, this instrument is ideal for the Blues also deep and expressive. I think in my case my love about this instrument is linked to the Blues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Spain?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because is passion and deep music and very cool music that always explains real feelings...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, mainly when I moved from my city of Girona to another bigger city Barcelona. Where there were good Blues musicians and more concerts and jam sessions for to learn...Later when I met my musical partner guitarist <a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-barcelona-based-johnny-big-stone-the-blues-workers-difer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Johnny BigStone</a>. With all this I became a professional because I was very well surrounded.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400185084?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400185084?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"The sound of harmonica is very expressive and deep is for that, I think, this instrument is ideal for the Blues also deep and expressive. I think in my case my love about this instrument is linked to the Blues." (Sweet Marta aka <span>Marta Suñé </span>& Johnny BigStone on stage / Photo by Nacho Landeras)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In reality nothing because the blues keep still alive...I think I miss most the kind of people before! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My fear is that there are no young people who will one day be replaced by blues musicians in Spain (and I think it is the same in almost the entire world). Although I have hope that good music never disappears.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I reaffirmed that humility is everything and gives you everything you need.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It shouldn't mean anything because the first blues were sung by women Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey etc. The vision from the point of view that it isn't to be a female artist in a man's artistic world, the vision and should be about a cultural and educational change in our society towards women.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The status of a woman in music is the same as that of a man. The status of women in the world currently seems to be accepting their role.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What's the balance in music between technique and soul? <span>What is the role of Blues in today’s society?</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In my case more soul than technique. The Blues is a feeling...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Role of the Blues in today's society? I don't know. It isn't a style of large masses of people who love blues. But all Blues lovers are very loyal. The rest of society doesn't know.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.sweetmarta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sweet Marta Harmonica - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400187257?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400187257?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Sweet Marta, the only female blues harmonica player in Spain / Photo by Juan Luis Garcia)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Croatian blues rock musician Boris Zamba of Voodoo Ramble, movin' from blues to rock and back to blues
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-14:1982923:BlogPost:491142
2024-03-14T06:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">“<em>Nowadays blues is leaning on more modern expression. Guitar solos tend to be faster, almost shredd, which I don't really like, but we have to accept it.“</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><span class="s2">Boris Zamba: The Blues Man & His Blues</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">Voodoo Ramble is a Croatian blues rock band founded in 2010 by Boris Dugi-Novački aka…</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">“<em>Nowadays blues is leaning on more modern expression. Guitar solos tend to be faster, almost shredd, which I don't really like, but we have to accept it.“</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><span class="s2">Boris Zamba: The Blues Man & His Blues</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">Voodoo Ramble is a Croatian blues rock band founded in 2010 by Boris Dugi-Novački aka Boris Zamba. </span>Throughout the years a repertoar was movin' from blues to rock and back to blues. With a considering amount of live gigs on a biker parties, blues festivals and other events band has earned a status of a reliable, quality band. After years of playing covers, and songs of other songwriters band now has a materials of it's own written entirely by Zamba. In 2023 album "Home Again" was a launching point for the band. First place on a 5th Croatian Blues Challenge was a reward for a years of dedication to music. Band played on 30th International Blues Challenge in 2014. in Memphis and European Blues Challenge in Tuscany, Italy in 2016. We enjoy in our performance and we try to transfer that to our audience. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Boris Zamba / Photo by John Bull/Rockrpix)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400085498?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400085498?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>‘I’m A Blues Man Baby’ (2024) is a brand new single from Voodoo Ramble featuring British blues guitarist Mick Pini. It's a taste of the band's forthcoming 5th album and marks a return to the blues basics.</strong> Following the well received previous album, band leader Boris Zamba hooked up with guitarist Mick Pini at his House of Happiness studio in Germany. The two guitarists immediately connected with their love of the blues. They plugged in, jammed and the sparks flew on a sparkling shuffle blues. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The single features Boris Zamba on guitar and vocal, Mick Pini on guitar, groove drummer Damir Somen, and Neven Resnik on Hammond. It was mixed and produced by Dragutin Smokrovic-Smokva.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Mick Pini</em></span></span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 12pt;">What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you? </strong></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">Well first of all one has to live through blues in life. I'm not saying that you can't feel or play the blues without that</span><span class="s2">,</span> <span class="s2">but it surely makes things different for you.</span> <span class="s2">You change your perspective, and the music you write becomes more mature. There is an anecdote. We were playing at International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and I met really inspiring older bluesman, and he said: “There ain't no blues there (among players). Their biggest trouble is when they forget a charger for their phone“. Well that was so funny, and it was also a mind opener for me. Maybe modern life took some of that traditional values in the Blues, but for me it's still there. I started with the blues, and probably gonna end with one.</span></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?</strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">First „serious“ song I've learned on my old guitar was Allman Brothers „Southbound“. I was around 12. After that everything changed. I was hooked on that southern blues rock sound, and that was my „basis“ for creating of my own sound. After that I played a lot of British blues, to learn how to „feel“ more of it. When I write I don't think about the market, the publishers etc. I only want to tell what I feel through my music, that's my only goal. If it makes less „income“, I'm not worried about it, cause I would never sacrifice my music for the sake of money. I want it to be honest, and the listeners to</span> <span class="s2">feel that</span> <span class="s2">it is</span> <span class="s2">honest.</span> <span class="s2">You can't fool people, it's been like that for centuries and it will go on forever. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Boris Zamba & Mick Pini, <span>House of </span>Happiness Studio, Germany 2023)</em></span></span></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400085285?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400085285?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span class="s2"><span class="s2">"Croatia is still performing on International Blues Challenges, and many of such events. Young musicians are exploring the blues, and are starting to realise the importance of it. I think we can sleep with ease, cause we have youngsters who will continue the legacy."</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">It's hard for me to speak about it, but my life changing situation was when my son had an accident, which turned our lives upside down. I'm sorry for putting it that way, but it</span> <span class="s2">really changed it. In personal and off course in professional way much more.</span> <span class="s2">When you go through such things, you</span> <span class="s2">sort out your priorities.</span> <span class="s2">My sense for my music was intensified, and I could tell when I'm on the right path in writing it. And that somehow became my creative drive. It's full of blues, and it's the place where I can express my emotions, and also ease my mind. Much more intense for creating music, than a lost phone charger.</span></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Croatia?</strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;">Things about the blues started to change in Croatia, when the Blues Challenge Competition has been introduced. It was incredible to see so many blues performers emerging from the “underground“ scene. And that scene is evolving all the time. Croatia is still performing on International Blues Challenges, and many of such events. Young musicians are exploring the blues, and are starting to realise the importance of it. I think we can sleep with ease, cause we have youngsters who will continue the legacy.</span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;">It is so „normal“ for things to evolve, and develop. Nowadays blues is leaning on more modern expression. Guitar solos tend to be faster, almost shred, which I don't really like, but we have to accept it. Technically, you see so many equipment available today, which is good, but it also tends to move the focus from the song itself. I mean about writing the song. In the past players had the guitar-cord-amp situation, and everything else was about the creativity. Maybe that's why we love those old songs. But every generation has its way, and I respect that. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: <span class="s2">Croatian blues rock musician, Boris Zamba)</span></em></span></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400087261?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400087261?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span class="s2"><span class="s2">"My sense for my music was intensified, and I could tell when I'm on the right path in writing it. And that somehow became my creative drive. It's full of blues, and it's the place where I can express my emotions, and also ease my mind. Much more intense for creating music, than a lost phone charger."</span></span></em></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">I have learned to adapt to things on the go. Cause, when you're in the music business, nothing stays the same for long. You need to find your place in the sun, sort of speaking</span><span class="s2">. Todays music production is hyperactive, there are so many new songs released every day</span><span class="s2">, and so many ways to reach out to the audience. Technology is making it available for everybody, which is good and bad, cause it makes it bigger in numbers but not necessarily in quality. If we want to have the music which we can listen to even 100 years from now, it needs to be „created“, and not factory pressed.</span></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What's the balance in blues music between technique and soul? What is the role of Blues Music in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">As I mentioned before, the Blues is much more about the technique than soul today. The players are less a working man who grab their instruments in their free time, and are much more experienced musicians with lot of gigs, and practicing hours. But one thing you can't practice is feeling The Blues</span><span class="s2">. And I would say that today we need the blues even more then in the past, cause the times we live in are hard as much as before, if not harder, but in a different way, of course. But don't forget there are some other genres people can relate to. The Blues needs more exposure.</span></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?</strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="s2">The only way The Blues is gonna reach younger audience is through younger performers. And I think the situation is developing in a right way, cause there are new performers</span> <span class="s2">who gather new fan base, and that is wonderful to see. And those younger performers tend to play on more traditional instruments which is amazing. The Blues started it all, and doesn't need some kind of a „special“ place for itself. It's like you would</span><span class="s2"> erase number one from the number list. It's been here from the beginning, it started it all, and it will last for a LONG time, that's for sure.</span></span></p>
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<p class="s3"><a href="https://www.voodooramble.com/index.php/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Voodoo Ramble - Home</strong></span></a></p>
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<p class="s3"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400086280?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12400086280?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></strong></span></p>
<p class="s3"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Boris Zamba / Photo by Aigars Lapsa)</em></span></p>
Q&A with veteran bluesman Studebaker John, an original harmonica virtuoso and electrifying slide wizard
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-13:1982923:BlogPost:491345
2024-03-13T08:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"I think that blues music is a release, from today's problems [I define blues as a sad story that when combined with the right music is uplifting], for the people and that's why its important. I feel that it was the same generations ago and as it has been around a long time there is a historic side of it that I hope will continue to grow in today's society."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Studebaker John: Nothin But The…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"I think that blues music is a release, from today's problems [I define blues as a sad story that when combined with the right music is uplifting], for the people and that's why its important. I feel that it was the same generations ago and as it has been around a long time there is a historic side of it that I hope will continue to grow in today's society."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Studebaker John: Nothin But The Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">John Grimaldi, better known by his stage name Studebaker John is an American blues guitarist and harmonica player. He is a practitioner of the Chicago blues style. Studebaker John's father was an amateur musician, and he played early in life at the Maxwell Street flea market. Grimaldi began playing harmonica at age seven. In the 1970s he put together his band, the Hawks, and worked as a construction worker while recording and performing on the side. He recorded extensively for Blind Pig Records in the 1990s. Grimaldi counts Hound Dog Taylor as the reason he began playing slide guitar. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Studebaker John was born in an Italian-American section of Chicago and started playing harmonica at age 7. Under the spell of music he heard on Maxwell Street, Chicago’s famed blues melting pot, Grimaldi began performing as Studebaker John and the Hawks in the ‘70s. The band name referenced the Studebaker Hawk, a car Grimaldi still owns today, and was also intended as a tribute to his friend, J.B. Hutto and the Hawks. John began playing guitar after a life-changing experience of seeing Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers perform. After playing at various Chicago clubs, John records his first record, Straight No Chaser, released on Retread Records.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839057?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839057?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(John Grimaldi aka Studebaker John / Photo <b>© </b>by Alain Broeckx)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>His second recording, Rocking the Blues, is released in 1985 on Avanti Records. </span>John continues to work clubs and concerts in Chicago and the mid-west region. His album "Songs For None" (2017) was originally conceived as a tribute to guys like Mississippi Fred McDowell, Lightnin' Hopkins, Jukeboy Bonner, Big Joe WIlliams and later musicians like R.L. Burnside. These compositions grew into more contemporary blues/ folk/ songwriter mentality. They are simple songs of truth about everyday life. His latest recordings were The Resonator (2021), and Jumping from Limb to Limb (2023). <span>As a songwriter and musician, Studebaker John has emerged as a major creative force in the world of the blues today. Ahead of the pack, with vision and foresight, creating a new standard and landscape for this music’s future with John at the wheel, the future is now!</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Interview by Michael Limnios </strong> <em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-chicago-pioneer-studebaker-john-emerged-as-a-major" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A</a><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-chicago-pioneer-studebaker-john-emerged-as-a-major" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rchive: Studebaker John, 2018 Interview</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well I started as a child; I was very young about 5 to 7 years old just fooling around with the chromatic harmonica. I always liked doing that it was fun & I would make up my own melodies with the harmonica. It just progressed from there as I played drums & then guitar in grade school & high school bands. Then playing harmonica and singing, as I had seen Big John Wrencher & others on Maxwell Street playing blues. So, I started playing house parties and later coffee house's with friends who also played music. I then started going to the Checker Board lounge & Theresa's lounge on 43 street on Chicago's Southside sitting in on harmonica and listening to the great blues musicians who played there Then when I became old enough I started playing clubs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The thing that remained the same was the desire to do it! When I first started playing the clubs everyone was playing the same songs, so this started me thinking of writing my own songs, and ever since then I just do my own material on recordings that I make. I have played as a sideman on many records also, and then I play their songs [or covers] or whatever they want me to. When I was young, I played kind of wild, and it took me some time to develop a style of my own & a less is more mindset. The music making process, when I write a song is just sitting down with my guitar and playing and if something comes to me, I try to remember it or record a bit of it and keep on working at it. That has not changed since early on.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think that the driving force behind my continued support for my music is the love I have for it. I think that keeps me going.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839464?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839464?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I think that there is an audience for it although it seems to be an older crowd now. Its current state is not really getting much exposure to the younger generations, but if the record companies would promote it there is an opportunity for it to become more popular with a younger audience. We must hope for the best." (Photo: <span>John Grimaldi, better known by his stage name Studebaker John)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Where does your creative drive come from? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I believe my creative drive comes from God or a Higher Power, and is strongly influenced by all the great musicians and artists that came before me. When I was young, I loved seeing the older musicians playing, it was like, real life I was learning more than I ever could at school.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The balance between technique and soul. A certain amount of technique is needed, but how much? Too much technique on an instrument can take away from the song that the musician is playing. Soul is more important, feeling and depth is how I would define soul. Technique is great when it is done tastefully. When it is over the top it has no feeling or depth to it and does not serve the song. I believe in less is more. [That's my opinion]</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you have any interesting stories about the making of previous albums: The Resonators, and Jumping from Limb to Limb?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Resonator was recorded by myself and Earl Howell [drums] in a big open warehouse. We cut everything live and later I added a bass track to it! It has a big kind of open sound! Jumpin' from Limb to Limb is my newest recording [not as yet released] that I also recorded by myself with Earl Howell [drums], Rick Kreher [guitar] and Mike Azzi [bass] it was recorded [with help from Bob Shurley] during the second shut down of the pandemic at the Legendary Harlem Ave Lounge. [unfortunately, the owner of the club just passed away and the club is closed for good]. We turned it into a recording studio for a week or so and did this new Maxwell Street Kings record. It will hopefully be released this year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think that there is an audience for it although it seems to be an older crowd now. Its current state is not really getting much exposure to the younger generations, but if the record companies would promote it there is an opportunity for it to become more popular with a younger audience. We must hope for the best.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839680?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839680?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"The balance between technique and soul. A certain amount of technique is needed, but how much? Too much technique on an instrument can take away from the song that the musician is playing. Soul is more important, feeling and depth is how I would define soul. Technique is great when it is done tastefully. When it is over the top it has no feeling or depth to it and does not serve the song. I believe in less is more." <span>(Blues multitalented musician John Grimaldi / Photo <b>© </b>by Stefan Meekers)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of blues in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think that blues music is a release, from today's problems [I define blues as a sad story that when combined with the right music is uplifting], for the people and that's why its important. I feel that it was the same generations ago and as it has been around a long time there is a historic side of it that I hope will continue to grow in today's society.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your life the most? With such an illustrious career, what has given you the most satisfaction musically?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There were 2 moments that changed my life musically [as well as in general] the first was seeing Big John Wrencher playing harmonica on Maxwell St. the second was seeing Hound Dog Taylor playing with J.B. Hutto in an all-age club called Alices revisited. I think that to define Chicago blues you have too combine slide guitar with the harmonica. I think writing songs is the most satisfaction for me musically.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>From the musical and feeling point of view is there any difference between the old-cats and great bluesmen and the new young generation of blues musicians?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The old cat's had styles, different styles, today more people sound the same and the Chicago blues that I speak of is not the Chicago blues of today. That is kind of a mixture of rhythm and blues, and popular music. I think that the musical feeling side of blues has gone away, somewhat I don't hear the depth in the blues music of today, like I used to hear when the older guy's were around. This of course is what I think. I must say that I do not blame the musicians as they are just trying to be a success [and to survive] in the music business, part of this is due to the radio stations unwillingness to play this older style of blues along with the short-sighted record companies only willing to back this version of what passes as Chicago Blues. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I would like to say thank you to the blues fans around this whole world for their support of this music that we call blues. The reality is without your support, it would be lost.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://studebakerjohn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Studebaker John - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839494?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399839494?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(John Grimaldi aka Studebaker John, a Chicago Blues pioneer</em></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em> / Photo <b>© </b>by Leo Gabriels)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Piper & the Hard Times (Al "Piper" Green & Steve Eagon), an eclectic and entertaining roots music group
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-13:1982923:BlogPost:491237
2024-03-13T07:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Man, I think music can help people heal and get through the ups and downs of life, and bring people together. We’ve all seen music bring about social change and impact the world. I truly hope our music is able to touch people."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Piper & the Hard: Fun<span>, L</span>ove & Passion</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The eclectic and entertaining roots music group Piper &…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Man, I think music can help people heal and get through the ups and downs of life, and bring people together. We’ve all seen music bring about social change and impact the world. I truly hope our music is able to touch people."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Piper & the Hard: Fun<span>, L</span>ove & Passion</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The eclectic and entertaining roots music group Piper & the Hard Times deliver intense, rhythmically dynamic music. Each member enjoys a wide array of musical genres, and they bring those diverse influences into their performances. The blues are one of the foundations that buttress their work, along with an instrumental prowess that enables them to improvise with flair, while still creating music that has a melodic appeal and can immediately connect with audiences that want both a high degree of musical competence and songs with a strong groove, familiarity and sensibility. Piper & the Hard Times enjoy doing original music, but also are comfortable with established blues, R&B, rock and soul standards. Their shows mix contemporary and classic influences and material, and the band is known to improvise for the crowd, but never so that they become self-indulgent. <span>Each principal member has an interesting and intriguing personal story to tell. Al "Piper" Green's lead vocals combine the flamboyance and earthiness of blues with the power and authority of gospel and represent the two biggest influences in his life.</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Nashville based band of Piper & the Hard Times)</em></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399827473?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399827473?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Growing up in a very musically inclined family in Bolivar, Tennessee, he sang in a gospel choir growing up while also hearing the best of soul, pop and rock on radio. But Green remembers perhaps his biggest influence, as well as mentor from a sensibility/style approach, was his uncle. Green contributes to the band's original songs with lyrics based on personal stories and experience. Guitarist Steve Eagon grew up in Northern Ohio and has been playing guitar since his teen years. Unlike Green, Eagon did not grow up in a musical family but was drawn to the guitar because of its “coolness factor.” A multitude of artists have served as influences from Muddy Waters' blend of electrified Delta blues to B.B. King's more urban stylings and the dynamic, power approaches of Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray Vaughan. As the band's principal composer, his writing style meshes multiple elements into an engaging and captivating personal group sound. That collective firepower is also indicative of the closeness shared by Eagon, Green, and drummer Dave Colella. Piper & the Hard Times take the 1<sup>st</sup> place in 2024 International Blues Challenge, Memphis TN! The band just finished their recording for a new album, will be release this summer. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues music influenced your views of the world ? What does the blues mean to you? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Steve:</strong> As a guitarist, songwriter, and performer, blues has shaped my life by showing me that storytelling and playing an instrument is about passion, emotion and simplicity. As a young guitarist I thought playing revolved around a lot of notes and flash. The same with songwriting. I thought you had to write like McCartney, Lennon, and Dylan. The blues taught me differently. It’s a perfect form of music to communicate passion, sadness, happiness, and social messages in a direct heartfelt way for ALL to connect. The blues has influenced my views of the world by being respectful and empathetic of its heritage, and accepting and open to its evolution over time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues and Gospel influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken? What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Piper:</strong> For me, all music is therapy for my soul. It truly helps me through the bad times and allows to celebrate the good times. Blues music takes a person through one’s life and draws you in through relatable stories.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399827877?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399827877?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I absolutely believe there is an audience for the blues in its current state, but I believe people need to push the boundaries to reach younger audiences to keep it alive. Today’s blues audiences are predominantly older and that’s not sustainable. Who’s to say you can’t take the sound and feel of Muddy Waters and combine it with rap or non-traditional instruments." <span>(Photo: Piper & the Hard Times)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe band’s sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Steve:</strong> Piper & The Hard Times sound can be described as emotional, energetic, relatable, and full of love and passion. Our sound is guitar and groove driven with lyrics that tell heartfelt and fun stories. We have a deep admiration and respect for the blues, yet we approach it with hooks, twists and turns to keep it fresh and exciting. Our influences cover gospel, traditional blues of all styles, rock, and soul. Piper & The Hard Times is so lucky to have incredibly competent players who are able to use technique to enhance the soul and passion of our music. The soul of the band’s music never takes a backseat to technique or egos.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Piper:</strong> The band’s sound is one of energy, emotion, while keeping it focused on the history of the blues. We try and create different ideas to keep things fresh. My creativity in writing lyrics comes from keeping it real about what I’m living.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Steve:</strong> While in college playing a festival, a local respected blues and jazz guitarist approached me after a gig, paid me a compliment, and asked me to meet him at his record shop the next day to chat. The next day he told me, “Steve, you’ve got tons of technique and flash but you’re not playing with any passion. You need to slow down and say more with less.” He then gave me two albums, told me to dig into them, and then wanted to get together and mentor me about finding soul and passion in my playing. Those two albums were Muddy Waters’ “Fathers and Sons” and B.B. King’s “Live at the Regal.” Listening to those records were life-changing for me.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Career and life highlights have been numerous. Marrying my wife, Ellen, and raising our two beautiful kids are at the top. I would not have begun playing the guitar if not for the support and encouragement of my parents. From there the number of memorable gigs have been too many to mention. That being said, the past year with Piper & The Hard Times have seen the band grow into a fine oiled groove machine. Winning the 2024 IBCs with this group was beyond memorable!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399828255?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399828255?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"In my opinion, the blues has lost some of it’s original essence over time. I yearn for the authentic and unadulterated blues music of the past characterized by its raw and soulful nature. While I want our band to push the boundaries to define our sound, I don’t want to lose that sense of heritage." <span>(Photo: Piper & the Hard Times, the band take the 1<sup>st</sup> place in 2024 International Blues Challenge, Memphis TN)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span>Piper:</span></strong> My music career started in Nashville many years ago. I was sitting in a blues club close to the stage and singing out loud to the band. The singer liked what he heard, called me up on stage to sing with him, and I got the bug. That’s also how I met Steve Eagon, our guitar player. The highlight of my career was winning the IBC this year with the band.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Steve:</strong> When listening to old blues records, I love how raw everything sounds and how they’re not “perfect”. The limited technology, especially recording equipment, didn’t allow for everything to be dissected and perfected. I hope that the future embraces all types of blues. Like everything I believe we need to allow the blues to evolve and experiment while keeping the key pillars of the music intact.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Piper:</strong> In my opinion, the blues has lost some of it’s original essence over time. I yearn for the authentic and unadulterated blues music of the past characterized by its raw and soulful nature. While I want our band to push the boundaries to define our sound, I don’t want to lose that sense of heritage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Steve:</strong> I believe it’s important to preserve the history of the blues to understand its roots and essence, and then use it as a launching pad to grow its appeal. Here’s an example of how we want our music to affect people. Piper & The Hard Times recently had a show in which a woman came to tears after we played our original, “Preacher Blues.” Shortly after that moment we had people dancing on tables. A recent show at a college frat party had students hanging on everything we did and shouting at Piper’s stories. That’s what the blues should do – elicit emotions and appeal to all ages!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399829263?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399829263?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Piper & The Hard Times sound can be described as emotional, energetic, relatable, and full of love and passion. Our sound is guitar and groove driven with lyrics that tell heartfelt and fun stories. We have a deep admiration and respect for the blues, yet we approach it with hooks, twists and turns to keep it fresh and exciting. Our influences cover gospel, traditional blues of all styles, rock, and soul. Piper & The Hard Times is so lucky to have incredibly competent players who are able to use technique to enhance the soul and passion of our music. The soul of the band’s music never takes a backseat to technique or egos." (Photo: Al "Piper" Green & Steve Eagon of Piper & the Hard Times)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Piper:</strong> Man, I think music can help people heal and get through the ups and downs of life, and bring people together. We’ve all seen music bring about social change and impact the world. I truly hope our music is able to touch people.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Steve:</strong> First, have fun! Music is supposed to elicit various emotions and you don’t have to master an instrument to get there. Do what moves you! Second, when playing in a band surround yourself with people you like and respect. A great band checks their egos at the door, listens to each other, and plays to the song. Third, not gigging during Covid taught me to play every show as if it were possibly my last.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Piper:</strong> Just be true to yourself and what you believe in. It’s as simple as that.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Steve:</strong> I absolutely believe there is an audience for the blues in its current state, but I believe people need to push the boundaries to reach younger audiences to keep it alive. Today’s blues audiences are predominantly older and that’s not sustainable. Who’s to say you can’t take the sound and feel of Muddy Waters and combine it with rap or non-traditional instruments.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Piper:</strong> Yes. I believe there is an audience for the blues, but we have to make an effort to educate people, especially the younger audience.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.piperandthehardtimes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Piper & the Hard - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399830862?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399830862?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Al "Piper" Green of Piper & the Hard Times)</em></span></p>
Q&A with rock n’ roller Boone Froggett, frontman/guitarist of OTIS, staying connected to their Kentucky roots
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-12:1982923:BlogPost:491235
2024-03-12T16:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>"Southern rock takes all the best of the American roots music forms and cooks it all down to one flavor. So, depending on the listeners music taste & knowledge you can start to pick up on all the different influences. I can’t think of any other genres that can encompass that many styles. It’s a passing down of our culture and makes you feel like you’re part of something."</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>OTIS: Kentucky Grown…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>"Southern rock takes all the best of the American roots music forms and cooks it all down to one flavor. So, depending on the listeners music taste & knowledge you can start to pick up on all the different influences. I can’t think of any other genres that can encompass that many styles. It’s a passing down of our culture and makes you feel like you’re part of something."</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>OTIS: Kentucky Grown Rock & Roll! </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rock n’ rollers OTIS, hailing from the genre blending pot of Kentucky USA make a warm welcome return with a new groove laden, swampy single and video ‘There’s A Break In The Road’ (2024). Bringing their unique and spiced recipe to the Betty Harris soul classic, Boone Froggett (frontman/guitarist) tells the tale, <em>“A few years back I bought a New Orleans soul compilation LP for three bucks at Habersham Records, a cool spot in Macon, Georgia specialising in used blues, soul, and gospel records. I threw it in my collection and didn't think too much more about it.”</em> While it would be easy to categorise them as southern rock, their musical palette is clearly much broader. Alongside Boone, John Seeley (bass), Alex Wells (guitar), and Dale Myers (drums), the tight-knit guys stay connected to their homegrown roots having been around traditional instruments from a young age in piano, fiddle, and guitar instilling in them an appreciation of country-rock, bluegrass and folk music.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399660657?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399660657?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Otis: Boone Froggett, John Seeley, Alex Wells, Dale Myers / Photo by Megan Morrison, MM Photography)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recorded in a live full band take at The Rock House in Franklin Tennessee, the single features electric piano and mixing by renowned Grammy Award winning musician Kevin McKendree (Brian Setzer, George Thorogood) and mastering courtesy of Ty Tabor of the acclaimed US rock band Kings X. Previously, a chance meeting with Billy F Gibbons led to the legend listening and becoming a fan of the band - even handing their albums off to the likes of Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck and previous US/UK tours have included sharing bills with ZZ Top, The Kentucky Headhunters and Blackberry Smoke. With new original music in their pockets to come later this year encompassing melodic howling vocals, slick intertwining guitars, soulful grooves and a band steeped in musical heritage…that’s OTIS.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Wes O'Neill (O'Neill PR)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Rock n’ Blues music influenced your views of the world? Where does your creative drive come from?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Being in a blues rock band has not only influenced my views of the world, it’s shown me the world. It’s taken me to places I would’ve never dreamed of going. How does a band from rural Kentucky end up playing a castle in Wales UK?! It just goes to show you that people have more common threads than you think, and music is truly a universal language. Ultimately, I’m driven by the people who listen and support what we’re doing. When we have the opportunity to play in front of people “who get it” it takes this band to heights that we couldn’t reach without the singular energy of everyone in the room.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe OTIS sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">OTIS is four guys playing for our lives, we’re the strongest we’ve ever been and we deeply understand what we want to be as a band. Hitting on human emotions is the goal for us, when people come up to us after a show and say “your music helped me through a tough time or hardship” we know we’re hitting the mark! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That’s what B.B. King, The Allman Brothers & the rest of our heroes have done for us, so it’s nice to cosmically pay back the favor. On the scale of technique & soul we try to weigh heavier on the soul element. Technique can be taught over time but you either have soul or you don’t. The ability to make someone else feel what we feel is an amazing gift and we don’t use it carelessly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399660667?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399660667?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"In my opinion blues is a sacred American art form and so many things have grown on the roots of blues & jazz. It had the power to bring people together when the world was more divided, which isn’t surprising considering all the gospel and folk influences that drive the blues." (Otis: Boone Froggett on guitar and vocals, John Seeley on bass, Alex Wells on guitar, Dale Myers on drums / <span>Photo by Megan Morrison)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that Southern Rock music continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Southern rock takes all the best of the American roots music forms and cooks it all down to one flavor. So, depending on the listeners music taste & knowledge you can start to pick up on all the different influences. I can’t think of any other genres that can encompass that many styles. It’s a passing down of our culture and makes you feel like you’re part of something.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Getting the new line-up of the band solidified was a big moment for me. We had lost two members, and it was just John & myself figuring out what was next. John & I had gone to see Gov’t Mule and we had the opportunity to visit after the show. The first thing Warren said was “Alright boys, when is Otis firing back up?” Getting that kind of encouragement from someone we look up to really put the wind back in us.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As you can probably tell, we love to jam and that’s brought along some really special experiences for us. Back in December we played a regional benefit show for the Son Rhea foundation called “Jambodians” in Bowling Green, KY and Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters sat in with us for the whole set and it was an amazing experience having a three-guitar version of the band and he took us to a whole new territory musically. It was one of those moments where you come off stage and wonder “How did we do that?” Playing with people of his caliber can really make you reach. Greg and all of The Headhunters have been great mentors and helped keep our heads above the water, haha!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399661052?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399661052?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"On the scale of technique & soul we try to weigh heavier on the soul element. Technique can be taught over time but you either have soul or you don’t. The ability to make someone else feel what we feel is an amazing gift and we don’t use it carelessly." (<span>Boone Froggett of The Otis Band, staying connected to his Kentucky roots / Photo by Megan Morrison, MM Photography</span><span>)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The thing that really gets me about music from the 60’s & 70’s was the talent level of the performances and the songwriting. Bands were constantly breaking new ground and delivering a new sonic experience. It was an album-oriented movement and a really special time in music. Now we’re creating one-minute videos and hoping that thirty seconds gets viewed before someone scrolls to the next thing. The devaluation of recorded music has made it a challenge to garner attention and focus in the modern world. But, live shows are booming, vinyl sales have risen so there’s still a lot of “real” people out there keeping the rock & roll dream alive for all of us. Tickets and T-shirts are what makes it viable to be in the game these days!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of the Blues and Jazz on the racial and socio-cultural implications? How do you want it to affect people? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In my opinion blues is a sacred American art form and so many things have grown on the roots of blues & jazz. It had the power to bring people together when the world was more divided, which isn’t surprising considering all the gospel and folk influences that drive the blues. Events like Wattstax in 1973 and B.B. King playing Sing Sing Prison in 1972 really made the world a lot smaller and brought blues back to the forefront of culture along with help from English rock bands like The Stones, Foghat & countless others.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Music has taught me so many powerful lessons in how people should be treated. So many turn to music when their chips are down or they want to forget about the world for a while. So, we try to take everyone in and treat them like family during our shows. We love visiting with people after the show. We’ll still be hanging out and signing albums while they’re sweeping the floors at the venue. Without the crowd music is powerless, this whole experience is driven by us all getting together and becoming as one.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://theotisband.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Otis Band - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399660889?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12399660889?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Otis: Boone Froggett, John Seeley, Alex Wells, Dale Myers / Photo by Megan Morrison, MM Photography)</em></span></p>
Q&A with British multi-instrumentalist Mark Cole, a powerful and passionate musician who covers all types of roots music
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-09:1982923:BlogPost:491138
2024-03-09T06:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It’s (Blues) music that speaks to us all and connects us all - people will always be able to relate to it. It is a music and art form that has a rich history and important heritage but will always be relevant, whatever society brings in the future."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Mark Cole: Blues & Roots Music with Soul</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A powerful, passionate vocalist, Mark also plays a…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It’s (Blues) music that speaks to us all and connects us all - people will always be able to relate to it. It is a music and art form that has a rich history and important heritage but will always be relevant, whatever society brings in the future."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Mark Cole: Blues & Roots Music with Soul</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A powerful, passionate vocalist, Mark also plays a pretty mean harp, honest uncluttered slide and rhythm guitar, a little mandolin and accordion, and loves experimenting musically with other instruments and found objects. His many talents keep him in demand at studio sessions covering all types of roots music. Both in the studio and on stage he has played with or supported a great many artistes including Pinetop Perkins, Willie King, Kent DuChaine, Alison Moyet, Dr. Feelgood, Chris Jagger (Mick's brother), Roy Wood, Ian Dench (EMF), Steve Gibbons, Mike D'Abo, Phil Beer (Rolling Stones session man), the Gutter Brothers, Richard Thompson, Australian blues maestro Mojo Webb, guitar legend Alvin Lee (at the Glastonbury Festival in 1994) and Chicago Blues legend Eddie C. Campbell. Over the years he has received critical acclaim for his vocal performance and songwriting which has been described as having "a quality and professionalism that sets it apart from so many" with an "assured melodic delivery and ability to constantly impress" (Rock 'n' Reel magazine). He writes songs across many styles for himself, the bands that he plays in and other performers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398797701?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398797701?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Mark Cole, <span>covering all types of roots music</span> / Dubbel Xposure Photography)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mark regularly performs with his blues duo/band Sons of the Delta, with americana band The Jigantics and with harmonica maestro Liam Ward. He also performs occasionally with his blues and soul band Maxwell Street, solo and as a 'gun for hire' with other bands and musicians. <span>Mark's</span> debut solo album COLE was released in July 2018 and features eleven songs across the various genres. Blues and Americana duo Mark & Ward,<span> they deliver an entertaining and diverse show of Southern American music styles and a set from these two takes a "pass-the-parcel" approach with each given a chance to share their own styles and songs, with a growing number of co-written songs from their debut album, "Blues and Other Truths" is released on Friday 29th March).</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues influenced your views of the world? What does the blues mean to you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you think about it, the blues is in every man and woman. The stories it tells are the stories of everyone, whether it’s about heartbreak or hard times, all people of all walks of life go through these at some point. So, for me, in influencing my views, it reminds me to be tolerant and appreciate that deep down we are all the same. It’s a shame not everyone can see that. We all need to reflect on that and try and live in harmony. So that’s what the Blues means to me – shared feelings and a common bond that we can all relate to.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For me, when it comes to blues and roots music, soul is more important than technique. They are stories of pain, of joy, not a mathematical problem to be solved. A certain level of technique is important, because you can’t give free reign to your soul in a way the majority people will understand unless you have that foundation to build on. At the end of the day, we all want to build an audience, so your sound has to be accessible or you’ll be playing to an empty room. Personally, I also like the sound to reflect the story, help to build the mood and narrative. I very much believe the mantra of “serve the song”.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398797885?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398797885?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"The best advice I ever had as a musician was what I mentioned above – serve the song. The song is the most important thing, not your ego or how fast/loud you can play. Just do what the songs needs to get it across in the best light. There are no specific rules apart from “less is more”, usually." (Photo: Mark Cole)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that the British Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think, because of the boom of blues influenced bands in the 60s and 70s here in the UK, we have a historic reputation for innovation and experimentation and that seems to attract listeners. The bands that get it right and have a certain special something about them build a strong following. The fact that there’s no language barrier helps too – most of the blues listening world can speak pretty good English whereas, sadly, many great bands who sing in a less well-known language might not get as many fans as they deserve.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meeting the person who loaned me my first blues album to listen to. From the first time I listened, I was totally hooked. It spoke to me like no other music. I can’t remember the guy’s name, but the album was Sonny Boy Williamson 2’s “Portraits In Blues Vol. 4” on the Storyville label. Also, every trip to Mississippi has a profound effect on me – like plugging myself in to the wall and recharging my soul. I always learn something new, see things in a new light.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The best advice I ever had as a musician was what I mentioned above – serve the song. The song is the most important thing, not your ego or how fast/loud you can play. Just do what the songs needs to get it across in the best light. There are no specific rules apart from “less is more”, usually.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of Blues in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s music that speaks to us all and connects us all - people will always be able to relate to it. It is a music and art form that has a rich history and important heritage but will always be relevant, whatever society brings in the future.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us? </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Mark Cole & Pinetop Perkins)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398798667?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398798667?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>I think my favourite day and possibly most important musically was when Rick Edwards (my Sons of the Delta partner) and I recorded an album in one day at Delta Recording Studio (no longer there) in Clarksdale, Mississippi. We were fortunate enough to get some amazing musicians in the studio with us: Jeff Hayes on drums, Eric Lanier on bass and the wonderful Pinetop Perkins (who was then 92) on piano. On a few tracks we also had Robert Nighthawk’s son, Sam Carr, on drums. I had to pinch myself all day long, being in the room with two legends of the music. After the session Rick and I went to Red’s juke joint where T Model Ford was playing that night, and we had a fantastic evening. Pinetop came in at some point, looking very smart in a denim suit, and everyone stood up and clapped. Wonderful. Rick and I left sometime after midnight and Pinetop was still there til 3:00am apparently. Best day ever. There’s a funny story from the morning after concerning Pinetop, but I’ll save that for another time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I listen to the old masters there’s a subtlety and rawness to the music that is not as evident nowadays. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but a lot of bands today think rawness means aggression and volume. To me, it doesn’t. You can have a raw and honest sound and still be subtle and dynamic in how you play and how the song is arranged. Maybe the heart and soul element isn’t as present as it used to be?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My fear is that blues music becomes even less heard on the radio and television because how else will young people hear it? Yes, there’s the internet but you need to look for it to find it, and how do you find it if you don’t know it exists? My hope is that enough new young bands come along and somehow get younger audiences on board. I can see that today with bands like the Cinelli Brothers, who even though they are young they have great heart and soul in what they do and how they sound. They do attract a young audience as well as us oldies, and that’s important.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In terms of playing and writing, the things I’ve mentioned above – less is more and serve the song. Also, be respectful of those you perform with as you are just one part of the whole sound, and it all needs to fit together and still leave space to breath. Listen! In terms of the business side, assume nothing will probably come from offers made but still see where they lead. Know your worth and try to not undersell yourself. You’re not a diamond, so don’t oversell either, but what you and how you do it has a value to it.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.markcolemusic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Cole Music - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398798870?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398798870?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Mark Cole & Liam Ward)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Romanian singer Canaf, the first gypsy blues singer in Eastern Europe, everything is about the soul
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-08:1982923:BlogPost:491342
2024-03-08T12:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“<i>Somewhere in the Universe, all musics meet in a point of light. Both blues and gypsy music are the only ones that do not deceive, they are a form of human nature... Both types of music come from the depths of the human soul, from the pains and joys of man.”</i></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><b>Canaf: Music from the Planet Blues</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Canaf is the first gypsy blues singer in Eastern Europe. Winner of…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“<i>Somewhere in the Universe, all musics meet in a point of light. Both blues and gypsy music are the only ones that do not deceive, they are a form of human nature... Both types of music come from the depths of the human soul, from the pains and joys of man.”</i></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><b>Canaf: Music from the Planet Blues</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Canaf is the first gypsy blues singer in Eastern Europe. Winner of the Sibiu Jazz Festival Grand Prize, he took part in many relavant European festivals, such as: World Music Festival Fivizzano Italy, Miscolk Festival Hungary, Focsani Blues Festival, Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi, Gărâna Jazz Festival, Panonic Festival Poland 2022, Valby Kulturhus Festival Copenhagen 2022. “</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The virgin soul of the Blues” is the name of his first 100% live album, launched at Hard Rock Cafe in 2016 and followed by the 2018 record "ENDLESS.BLUES". While working on his third, he simultaneously devoted this year to the extended European Tour co-headlined by the renowned Fanfare Ciocârlia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398582672?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398582672?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Canaf, the first gypsy blues singer in Eastern Europe)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>With successful collaborations with the renowned Fanfara Ciocârlia, including the award-winning tracks "I put a spell on you" and "It Wasn't hard to love you," CANAF has solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of blues music. </span>His songs are featured on hit albums such as Onward to Mars (2019) and “It Wasn’t hard to love you”, recently awarded in the BBC Songline Music Award 2022.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Interview by Michael Limnios</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the music influenced your views of the world? What does the blues mean to you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think that the music, the sounds, formed the planets in the universe... And the blues, for me, is like a special planet, a planet that I call Freeloveland...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technical skills and soul/emotions?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There must be a balance in everything, but, in my opinion, everything is about the soul... Skill comes, then, by itself...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was a child and I listened to the great blues singers... In the area where I was born, Eastern Europe, the blues was like a bridge to the planet Freeloveland... And the highlights... Anytime I'm on stage, these are the highlights... I don't care about career.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today, exactly those who made the blues are missing, they left behind an empty space in which time seems to have frozen. I don't hope for anything, I don't want to remain with the hope and I fear every second that follows.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are the lines that connect the Blues music with Gypsy Music? Why do you think that the Blues & Gypsy music continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398583052?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398583052?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>Somewhere in the Universe, all music's meet in a point of light. Both blues and gypsy music are the only ones that do not deceive, they are a form of human nature... Both types of music come from the depths of the human soul, from the pains and joys of man.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I think that the music, the sounds, formed the planets in the universe... And the blues, for me, is like a special planet, a planet that I call Freeloveland..."</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Canaf)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of music n the racial and socio-cultural implications? How do you want it to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The blues is about us, about every person, regardless of the culture they belong to... The blues can be the bond that brings all people together regardless of skin color...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Let a good time roll, this is what I learned from blues music until now...</span></p>
Q&A with the music traveler Markus K, passionate about inner peace and conscious living, busking around the World
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-07:1982923:BlogPost:491052
2024-03-07T07:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"There are good people everywhere, in all countries and cultures."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Markus K: The Blues Looper Man </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Markus K born in Holland; 30 years in England; Now travels the world, playing on the street and connecting with people; Main instruments: guitar, vocal, percussion; Looper Master; Mostly originals; some drastic reworks of classics; Main influences:…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"There are good people everywhere, in all countries and cultures."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Markus K: The Blues Looper Man </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Markus K born in Holland; 30 years in England; Now travels the world, playing on the street and connecting with people; Main instruments: guitar, vocal, percussion; Looper Master; Mostly originals; some drastic reworks of classics; Main influences: blues and anything with real soul, warts and all; Passionate about inner peace and conscious living; We Are All In This Together. <strong>Markus K new album titled LIVE with LOOPER No.2 (2024). Selected from over 50 busking sessions in over 15 countries, between October ‘22 and September ‘23. 13-tracks of new release are the best of the best of all the recorded tracks. </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Markus says: <em>"My main influences are JJ Cale, Daniel Lanois, Tony Joe White, Eric Clapton and anyone who can play with real feel and do something exciting and new." </em></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Markus had a stable job, a family and a successful blues band called Giles and<span> recorded 4 acclaimed albums. </span>But the musician packed up his life and left England to become a globe-hopping busker in 2011, living out of a tent on an olive grove in Spain and touring the world as a street performer. Since 2015, Mark has jammed with Cobra Gypsies in India, written an album with a Spanish didgeridooist and performed to tourists in Prague as-well-as returning to his spiritual Lancashire home to play the odd gig.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398264281?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398264281?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">(Markus K have been entertaining fans all over the world / Photo by Remigio Flammia)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Markus K (Mark Koehorst), says: <em>"When you play on the street, you connect with people in a completely different way. People seem to snap out if their routine and open up. A beautiful experience. I guess my music is a reflection on my outlook on life. I look for the positive in everything." <span>Markus K and Marga Fernandez, his partner in life and music, have been entertaining fans all over the world.</span></em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you play on the street, you connect with people in a completely different way. People seem to snap out if their routine and open up. A beautiful experience.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I guess my music is a reflection on my outlook on life. I look for the positive in everything.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can’t actually think of one particular thing that might have influenced me most. It’s a constant flow of give and receive. The general direction has been one away from the intellectual and towards the intuitive. Music has taught me that this is where the rewards are.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don’t miss anything. Music is constantly changing and evolving. There will always be great music and I can’t imagine this will ever stop. In the sixties and seventies, the change was promoted by record companies. Now it is a complete free for all. Record companies are not needed any more and I think they just get in way. Musicians are now directly in touch with their fans, which encourages change and fluidity. If I have a good busking session today, I could mix my favourite track in the evening and post it the same day, both as a video and a download. No interference from anyone. The fans will let me know if it’s any good. That’s as real as it gets.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398266894?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398266894?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some people tell me my music makes them feel good, positive, calm, gives them energy. That’s an amazing feeling when people tell you that.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Music is constantly changing and evolving. There will always be great music and I can’t imagine this will ever stop." (Markus K / Photo by Javier Rudman)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experiences as buskin musician around the world?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Stay rested, eat well, give the location a change to show you its magic, and the people to show you their goodness.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music? What do you think is key to a life well lived?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I learned Transcendental Meditation when I was 18. I do my meditation twice a day. It keeps me rested, grounded and inspired. Everyone should do it. It’s my secret weapon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>You have traveled all around the world. What are your conclusions about the local folk, traditional music’s?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are good people everywhere, in all countries and cultures.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://linktr.ee/markus_k" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Markus K - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with Canadian writer/poet/traveler Brian Hassett, an iconic counterculture figure and Prankster in our days
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-07:1982923:BlogPost:491049
2024-03-07T07:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><em><span class="font-size-3">"Some people are lighthouses that guide you for a long time, but others are just helpful buoys along the way. Let each light guide you to the harbor of your own destiny."</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Brian Hassett: Further of Brainland's Nest</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Canadian writer, <span>poet, essayist, critic, columnist, reviewer, and songwriter </span>Brian Hassett is the author of the new Hitchhiker’s…</span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-3">"Some people are lighthouses that guide you for a long time, but others are just helpful buoys along the way. Let each light guide you to the harbor of your own destiny."</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Brian Hassett: Further of Brainland's Nest</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Canadian writer, <span>poet, essayist, critic, columnist, reviewer, and songwriter </span>Brian Hassett is the author of the new Hitchhiker’s Guide to Jack Kerouac about the historic ’82 super-summit in Boulder, and also helped put together The Rolling Stone Book of The Beats, and wrote two of its keynote essays. He’s produced many Kerouac and Beat-related shows in Manhattan at The Bowery Poetry Club, The Bitter End, The Living Room & other clubs; he inducted Kerouac into the Counter-Culture Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, and performed Jack’s words live from there to London to Toronto; and he produced the two “50th Anniversary of Jack Writing On the Road” shows in 2001—in New York on the day he started it, and L.A. on the day he finished. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Brian Hassett / Photo by Rick Melnick)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250852?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250852?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Performer of spoken-word-with-music shows at writers conferences, festivals, nightclubs, schools, bookstores and such in the U.S., Canada & Europe. Stage manager at “On The Road – The Jack Kerouac Conference” in Boulder, CO, 1982; the Bear Mountain Folk Festival; all the Music Business & Technology concerts at NYU, etc. After touring with Yes and other major bands at age 17, moved from Winnipeg Manitoba to NYC, was on the road with The Rolling Stones by 19; lived in Manhattan for next 27 years; appeared on numerous TV & radio programs. He also became close friends with Carolyn Cassady, Edie Kerouac, Henri Cru, Walter Salles and many other Beat notables, and maintains an active web site of his ongoing adventures at <em>BrianHassett.com</em>. <strong>Here's a list of his books: <i>The Hitchhiker's Guide to Jack Kerouac; How The Beats Begat The Pranksters & Other Adventure Tales; On The Road with Cassadys & Furthur Visions; Holy Cats! Dream-Catching at Woodstock; </i>and <i>Blissfully Ravaged in Democracy: Adventures in Politics, 1980–2020</i>.</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong> <em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/canadian-writer-poet-traveler-brian-hassett-talks-about-the-rock" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archive: Brian Hassett, 2016 Interview</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has Jack Kerouac, Ken Kesey and the counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, they changed everything. When I was a teenager growing up in the isolated Western Canadian town of Winnipeg in the early/mid-'70s, it was difficult to find sources of the magic I knew had to be out there in the world. I luckily had one older friend who knew about this stuff, and believe it or not Rolling Stone magazine circa 1973 to '78 provided a lot of leads. A bunch of articles and interviews kept mentioning this guy with a strange name — Jack Kerouac — and his book On The Road. So, I sought that out. They also published Kesey and Hunter Thompson and had articles about scenes happening from San Francisco to Greenwich Village that were sure unlike anything happening in Winnipeg. I learned there was a whole world out there that I had to get myself to. So, as soon as high school was over, I got a job, bought an old '67 Dodge Fargo window van, and hit The Road.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And sure enough I found, and continue to find, massive communities of like-minded people who are creating art and having fun, and are working together to express the playfulness of the joys of life. There's no dogma, or prejudice, or mean spiritedness, or pimping for popularity — but just pure love-filled joy in celebrating life. And once you've seen that light, even for a weekend, you realize there's tons of people out there like yourself. The Beats, Kesey & and the Grateful Dead were the first communities I found it in, but that began a domino tumble finding like-minded people the world over. There's the glass blowing art community, political activists of various stripes, there's the Swifties who are full of love and celebrating joy. Jack & Ken & Jerry were the first hosts ... but they just taught me there are a lot of scenes in the world that celebrate the best of the human spirit.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Kesey was asked how somebody becomes a Merry Prankster, and he answered, "We just recognize each other." And that's what I've found. You see it in someone's smile, in the twinkle in their eye, in the stories they tell, in how they listen and respond to yours. It's part of who humans are. It's in people who speak every language on earth, who live in every country. Yeah, there's mean and selfish people everywhere — but there's also people playing and having adventures and searching for and living in the light of life. The Beatles, for instance. When you meet somebody whose eyes light up at their mention or when a song comes on, and you can see them almost melt and start exuding love out of their being, Boom! You're home. "There's another one!" It's all about the journey and meeting people channeling magic. There's hundreds of millions of us. And Jack & Ken & Jerry were the first to hip me to it. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Brian Hassett & Ken Kesey)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250859?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250859?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"As Kesey signed my Cuckoo's Nest copy — "The boys produce the spirit." — meaning the Grateful Dead. The Dead became an extension of Kesey's spirit. If you wanna get into it, the whole festival culture in the world really spilled out of Ken Kesey's living room. Robert Stone said that before me, but it's true. This idea of "the collective." It's existed since probably the caveman days — the idea of working together."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How important was/is music in your life? How does music affect your mood and inspiration?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I first came of age and discovered rock n roll in 1972 or so, I immediately knew this was insanely great. Whereas all my friends just loved the buzz of it, my question was, "Where did this COME from?!" I immediately went back to Chuck Berry & Buddy Holly and the guys who birthed it. I spent a lot of time studying 1955 to the present. But since then I've gone all the way back to the symphonic composers, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart etc., and up through the birth of chamber music which was really the birth of the rock band — four musicians on stringed instruments playing together in small rooms. And then ragtime in the 1890s was really the birth of the music I love — syncopated, rollicking, uptempo, playful, dance-inspiring. And then there's gospel. Learning that Aretha and Ray and even Elvis got their start there, I began looking into that, and I've come to the conclusion all music is gospel music. It's a channeling of a spirit greater than ourselves. I'm very anti-religion — once people start putting names on it and rules and thinking they're right and everybody else is wrong, I'm out. But when music is played channeling something beyond — that's the magic of the artform and why it resonates with people. Tom Waits said "Music is a great thing to do with air," which I loved. It's intangible. You can't hold it in your hand. Like a higher power. Like love. Like a memory. There's something magic about it. And when I write books, I wanna take people to that place. Take them on a journey so they forget they're holding a book, and they just enter another world and you take them along for the symphony.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Was there something specific you experienced that made you first begin thinking about counterculture, or was it more of a compilation of experiences?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My experience was much like the Dead's upon meeting Kesey. There was this band and scene in little ol' Winnipeg that put on full-fledged acid tests in the mid-to-late '70s. I became part of the scene, and it was wild. There were some people from my high school who came, and I realized, a-ha! They get it. Then I met all these older people — in their 20s — who were living this life. "Holy heck! There is this whole world out there of people who not only see life as I do — having fun in a colorful creative way — but they're proactively creating scenes for everyone to participate and play in. Wow!" I was home. There was a whole life there. It was a really small community in Winnipeg — but I knew it had to be out there in a much bigger way in the world. So, I left and went and spent my life in that world — mainly in Manhattan where I became part of, geez, everything — the folk scene in the Village, the Off-Broadway world, the art world, the rock n roll world. There are entire worlds within our world that you can live in and find community and common purpose. And, gosh, it's fun! I learned in the memoirs after Jerry Garcia died that apparently, he'd always say to the rest of the band whenever some idea would come up, "Will it be fun?" It's so simple, but it's really the truth. Allow yourself to be drawn to the fun. If you follow 'fun' you're gonna end up in good places surrounded by good people. And as you soak that in, it emboldens that part of you. Then you become fun, and you're exuding it every day, and other people pick up on it, and pretty soon you're surrounded by fun. That's the joy of this journey. Once you start living with fun in your life, negative people just seem so ridiculous and they evaporate. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I'm partial to proactive creators of art and fun, but someone can be a shy non-creative introvert and still exude it. Again, you see it in their eyes and how they respond to you. I'm in my 60s now, but I have a lot of friends who are teenagers or in their 20s. They don't have the historical perspective, they don't know how we got here, but they have the same wide-eyed openness that Chuck Berry had when he first put three chords and a rhythm together, or when John & Paul wrote a song in their bedroom or when Jackson Pollock danced over a canvas. The joy of experiencing creation exists whenever a person channels something from beyond, when they write a poem in their room all alone, or all the way to the back row of people in a football stadium dancing to the music they love. As the joke in the Grateful Dead world goes, "Weir everywhere."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250880?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250880?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"And sure enough I found, and continue to find, massive communities of like-minded people who are creating art and having fun, and are working together to express the playfulness of the joys of life. There's no dogma, or prejudice, or mean spiritedness, or pimping for popularity — but just pure love-filled joy in celebrating life." (Brian Hassett / Photo by Brett Sigurdson)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>In your opinion, what is the biggest revolution which can be realized today? What do you think the major changes will be in the near or far future of the world?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, I'm with Michael McClure on this one — if you're not political, nothing else matters. Fascism and authoritarianism is ascendant in our world and I think everybody needs to be engaged in fighting back against that. And we need to be positive about the good people — not just negative about the obviously bad people. I was at both Clinton and Obama's first inaugurations, and boy, those were battery chargers!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I'm empowered by young people, and old people who never lost their joy of life and optimism. I often see in our world — say at a music festival or a political rally — people from 18 to 80 who all have curiosity and passion and proactive engagement that got them out of the house and away from their devices to experience life in the flesh. This is the future. It's engagement. And it can also happen online. I have close friends I've been engaging with for 15 or 20 years who I've never met! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">People can now create their own art that millions can experience — TikTok or YouTube videos, or blogs, or social media sharing that gives people today the same thing I was lucky enough to find in person in the '70s — a knowledge that there's people out there who 'get it.' And this connectivity we have would be so unfathomable to the entire history of humanity before now. Like, imagine if Van Gogh had a YouTube channel. He woulda sold a lot more than one painting! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, the major changes you ask about are going to come from connectivity. We can find kindred spirits easier now — and the good forces within humans can find others like them — and I think humans, in the aggregate, are more good than bad.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience on the road as a hitchhiker?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As I said, it's about finding out that people are good. And different. Hitchhiking is the same as talking to the person next to you on the subway or in an aisle at a store. I love that about life. We all have our friends, but I love talking to random people on the street or wherever. That's the same as hitchhiking — you have NO idea who the person is who picks you up. Hitchhiking doesn't really exist anymore, but the experience of meeting and engaging with strangers exists every time you leave your house. And it's the same sort of random survey — are people good or bad? And about 99% of the people I encounter randomly are good kind curious friendly people. And that's the basis of humanity. And that's why I'm optimistic about our future. People in the main are kind to others. There's this stereotype of New Yorkers being cold and uncaring — but it's the opposite. If someone slips and falls on the sidewalk, a half-dozen people rush to help them. I've travelled extensively and I find people, in the main, want the best for others. That's what I learned from hitchhiking. People are very different, but at their core, your average human is a kind and interesting person.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250897?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398250897?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"So, the major changes you ask about are going to come from connectivity. We can find kindred spirits easier now — and the good forces within humans can find others like them — and I think humans, in the aggregate, are more good than bad." (Photo: Brian Hassett <span>hit The Road from Denver to San Francisco)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to preserve and spread the Merry Pranksters? What is the role of Ken Kesey's legacy in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As Kesey signed my Cuckoo's Nest copy — "The boys produce the spirit." — meaning the Grateful Dead. The Dead became an extension of Kesey's spirit. If you wanna get into it, the whole festival culture in the world really spilled out of Ken Kesey's living room. Robert Stone said that before me, but it's true. This idea of "the collective." It's existed since probably the caveman days — the idea of working together. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the counterculture, it really didn't exist before he did it. There were those Alan Freed rock n roll jubilee concerts, but there wasn't a grassroots creation of the counterculture until Kesey started doing the acid tests in 1965. Then only two years later there was the Human Be-In in San Francisco, and the Monterey Pop Festival where tens of thousands of people were suddenly getting together. So, the whole thing started with his house parties in La Honda. I know the vast majority of people attending mass music festivals today have never heard his name ... but then most people don't know about chamber music or ragtime, just like most graffiti artists don't know about Jackson Pollock or Peter Max. I wish there was more of a consciousness in our species to want to know how we got here, and I do my best to share that, but it doesn't seem to be a dominant trait. I think it's frickin fascinating. As Abbie Hoffman used to say, "We're not talking about the Peloponnesian Wars here." This is recent history! I'm surprised people don't want to know, but it connects to when I first discovered rock n roll as a pre-teenager. I wanted to learn how the hell this ever came into existence! But it seems like that's not that common a desire for most humans I meet. But so many millions are living in a world Ken Kesey created. They're living it, but they don't know it. So that's his legacy in our society. Just like people don't know Garrett Brown invented the Steadicam. We all live a life appreciating what he & Ken & others created — but don't know the names of the guys who started it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you think is key to a life well lived? Happiness is…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, of course, it's inner peace. And that takes some practice and focus, but if you work on it you'll get it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The meaning of life to me is to create good art and to inspire people and to live with enthusiasm for this marvel of human existence. I was happily surprised to read Taylor Swift say this in her Time Person of The Year profile — "My response to anything that happens, good or bad, is to keep making art."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Happiness is waking up grateful you're alive and can make the most of another day. We've only got a short time to be here — live each day like it's your last. Tell everyone you love that you love them while they're still alive. End every phone call that way. Be kind to everyone so you don't have regrets. Find what skills you've got that'll pay the bills, and find joy in that, but always be looking at the horizon and the goal of joy you're heading towards. Don't get distracted by people who don't 'get it' but rather surround yourself with people who do. Embrace them when you find them. And know that your surrounding choir is temporary. Next year, or 5 or 10 years from now, there will be different people in your choir. And that's the way of the human experience. Somebody said our life guides are like what buoys are to a ship — they're pointing you in the right direction, but then once you've passed them, they're behind you. Some people are lighthouses that guide you for a long time, but others are just helpful buoys along the way. Let each light guide you to the harbor of your own destiny.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://brianhassett.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brian Hassett - Home</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398251078?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12398251078?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Brian Hassett)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Dani Klein of Vaya Con Dios, a renowned Belgian band, has left a mark on the international music industry
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-05:1982923:BlogPost:491046
2024-03-05T12:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Music is a way to express oneself but it talks to people, they can identify with what it expresses, they can sing along, cry, dance to it. Without music the world would be a sad place."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Dani Klein: Music ... Shades of Joy</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vaya Con Dios, the renowned Belgian band, has left a mark on the international music industry with their unique blend of…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Music is a way to express oneself but it talks to people, they can identify with what it expresses, they can sing along, cry, dance to it. Without music the world would be a sad place."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Dani Klein: Music ... Shades of Joy</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vaya Con Dios, the renowned Belgian band, has left a mark on the international music industry with their unique blend of soulful sounds and captivating melodies and over 11.000.000 albums sold. Led by the mesmerizing vocals of Dani Klein, the band has enchanted audiences around the world, delivering unforgettable performances that transcend borders and languages. With their distinctive musical style and heartfelt lyrics, Vaya Con Dios has become a household name synonymous with passion, soul, and musical excellence. Formed in Brussels in 1986, Vaya Con Dios emerged as a musical force to be reckoned with. The band, initially consisting of Dani Klein, Dirk Schoufs, and Willy Lambregt, began honing their craft in the local music scene. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of genres, including jazz, blues, and pop, they crafted a sound that defied categorization and resonated with listeners from all walks of life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12397664887?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12397664887?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Dani Klein / Photo by Dirk Alexander)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Over the years, Vaya Con Dios evolved both musically and artistically, exploring new territories while staying true to their roots. Their discography is a testament to their versatility, with songs spanning multiple languages and embracing a diverse range of musical influences. From intimate ballads to upbeat, energetic anthems, Vaya Con Dios continuously pushed the boundaries of their sound, captivating audiences with their unwavering commitment to musical excellence. With their poetic lyricism and heartfelt performances, Vaya Con Dios has proven that music has the power to transcend cultural barriers and unite people in a shared emotional experience. Today, Vaya Con Dios' music continues to resonate, timeless and evocative. Their songs remain a staple in playlists and radio rotations, their influence reverberating through the works of contemporary artists. <strong>Their latest album “Shades of Joy” released in November 2023 by CNR Records Belgium.</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Dani Klein & Gary Richmond</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the music influenced your views of the world? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music/songs?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Music made me feel less lonely, I was struggling with emotions I couldn’t express, and I found out that musicians from all around the world were expressing those same feelings in their music.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>1988 - 2024 Shades of Joy: How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started and what has remained the same about your music-making process?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The way I create new songs remains the same, I get together with a couple of musicians, we jam, when a melody we like comes out of it, we give it a structure, I write lyrics to it, we work together on the arrangements. I don’t think I’ve grown as an artist, but I think I’ve grown as a person.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that Vaya Con Dios music continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don’t know really, maybe because I have never cheated nor compromised. My music reflects what I truly feel. I have always liked traveling and discovering other cultures, that‘s also why my music has so many different influences.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12397662055?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12397662055?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"<span>The way I create new songs remains the same, I get together with a couple of musicians, we jam, when a melody we like comes out of it, we give it a structure, I write lyrics to it, we work together on the arrangements. I don’t think I’ve grown as an artist but I think I’ve grown as a person.</span>" (Vaya Con Dios: <span>Led by the mesmerizing vocals of Dani Klein, the band has enchanted audiences around the world. </span>Dani Klein on<span> vocals, </span>Thierry Plas<span> on guitars and </span>François Garny<span> on contrabass </span>/ Photo by Dirk Alexander)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The moment I became famous changed my life completely. I started to travel a lot for my work, spending much time on the road, away from home, I became some sort of a star, a public person and if I liked the recognition it gave me it was also very tiresome. I started to make money and it was perceived as a treason by some of my friends and family. My son was small, I was a single mom, I was dealing with a lot of stress and without the help of my parents I would have never managed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don’t miss anything from the past, we have to respect the new generations, they have things to say, and they say it. If I want to listen to music from the past, I can, it’s still available.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Music is a way to express oneself, but it talks to people, they can identify with what it expresses, they can sing along, cry, dance to it. Without music the world would be a sad place.<br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No matter how famous you get you are nothing more than anybody else. It gets lonely at the top. Money doesn’t fill the emptiness one may feel Inside. Nothing lasts forever.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12397673252?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12397673252?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"<span>Music made me feel less lonely, I was struggling with emotions I couldn’t express and I found out that musicians from all around the world were expressing those same feelings in their music.</span>"</em></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span>(Dani Klein & Dirk Schoufs, 1990 / Photo by Roger Dijckmans)</span></em></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Being a woman in a man's world isn’t easy for anyone. Women have come a long way, but the road is long. In some cultures, a woman who sings is considered a whore. For those, and that are many, who think a woman was created to serve, to be a housewife and to have no personality of her own, an independent woman represents a danger. It was not different in the music business. I have asked my musicians a million times not to play too loud on stage, they couldn’t care less. Some of them drank way too much or did drugs to a point they couldn’t perform properly, nobody cared. So to get heard a woman has to insist, to shout, to become angry and then they are considered to be a pain in the ass.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://vayacondios.be/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vaya Con Dios - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with Canadian singer/songwriter Ndidi O, raw and powerful voice has breathed fire into her heart-on-the-sleeve songs
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-04:1982923:BlogPost:491044
2024-03-04T18:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Some of the most important lessons I have learned is to be consistent, persistent and to never stop trying to achieve your creative dreams. Music has great power and to choose to create from a place of authenticity is the most impactful and beautiful thing you can do."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Ndidi O: Songs for Complicated Times</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ndidi O has never been one to pull her…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Some of the most important lessons I have learned is to be consistent, persistent and to never stop trying to achieve your creative dreams. Music has great power and to choose to create from a place of authenticity is the most impactful and beautiful thing you can do."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Ndidi O: Songs for Complicated Times</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ndidi O has never been one to pull her punches. A true force of nature, her raw and powerful voice has breathed fire into her heart-on-the-sleeve songs for more than two decades now. <strong>For all of her many accomplishments over the years, Ndidi’s never given us a record quite like “Simple Songs for Complicated Times”, will be released on April 19th, 2024.</strong> Born and raised in Burns Lake, British Columbia, music has always been part of Ndidi’s life. As a young woman, she left her rural town for New York and Toronto to find her voice and develop her distinctive style. Over the years, she’s recorded 5 solo albums, earning her 2 Juno nominations and WCMA Blues Artist of the Year accolades. In search of her musical holy grail, she’s experimented with roots, blues, soul, and trip-hop as a solo artist, and with Boga, Sankova, (featuring Allison Russell) and The Lightning 3 amongst others. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ndidi’s previous project, 2022’s The Blue and the Gold, with Trish Klein of The Be Good Tanyas, paid tribute to under-appreciated female creators in blues music, and laid the foundation for her new album, where with characteristic bravery, Ndidi O takes on a subject rarely covered in popular music. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The deceptively titled Simple songs for Complicated Times is a thematic tour de force, a song cycle that illuminates the choices of women who neglected to follow ‘the plan,’ and missed the boat that picked up their peers to sail into the waters of domestic bliss.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395854087?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395854087?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Ndidi O, hailing from the wilds of British Columbia)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If the territory sounds intimidating, Ndidi’s soulful, uplifting performances smooth over the rough edges and encourage her audience to listen deeply. With a voice that exudes the rawness of Etta James one moment, and Dionne Warwick’s delicate soul the next, listening to Ndidi O (Onukwulu) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is a master class in phrasing. Every breath and nuance that comes from her serves the songs and brings them home. A truly masterful performer, this is the record Ndidi has been in training for a lifetime to make. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Simple Songs for Complicated Times was primarily recorded live off the floor in the intimate confines of Steve Dawson’s Henhouse studio in Nashville. The whole band flows effortlessly with Ndidi’s electricity and unique delivery.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://ndidio.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the music influenced your views of the world? What does the blues mean to you?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am not sure how music has influenced my views on the world, because music for me, unless it is accompanying a visual medium, it's an emotional way of understanding the world. It hasn't shaped my view, but it has helped me to understand the human condition a bit better. The blues to me is the music of the earth. It is a form of storytelling and spiritualism when done right. It is just rooted in such soul that is why it has always been a genre I identify with.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What characterize your sound and music philosophy? How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My sound is rootsy blues with a tinge of soul and country. My music philosophy is just to enjoy yourself and always write from a place of connection to your heart. I have grown exponentially as an artist, my vocal ability is much stronger, my performance and songwriting more intentional and my understanding of music and how to create it has deepened.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In music, what moment changed my life. Hmm there have been many, perhaps The Gap in the last fall denim campaign in 2019 they used one of my original songs, it was an amazing usage and a great ad. That has also been a highlight.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395854658?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395854658?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I think music used to be important in terms of socio-cultural implications, it used to be used to protest injustice thus helping usher in change now it creates trends and not necessarily in a good way. I would like music to provide relief and energetic healing to listeners once again." (Photo: <span>Ndidi O)</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Where does your lyrics creative drive come from? Is there a message you are trying to convey with your music/songs?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My drive to write small stories comes from my heart and from my soul and from the experiences I am going through or have gone through. As a woman of middle age, I am trying to encourage other women in this very strange and often lonely, scary and dramatic time of life to remember their dreams and to start going for them step by step little by little. On my new album it is my love letter to the peri menopausal/menopausal women as it's a journey I am on and one we do not talk about enough. Hopefully the message of acceptance and love translates out through these new songs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What I miss now is the attention to storytelling in songs that used to be the standard in the past is now oft, overlooked and not invested in. I hope that people do not start to rely on AI to create music and that people start to recognize the value in music and the value in the artists creating it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think music used to be important in terms of socio-cultural implications, it used to be used to protest injustice thus helping usher in change now it creates trends and not necessarily in a good way. I would like music to provide relief and energetic healing to listeners once again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As a woman in music that has been in the business for almost 20 years, it's been an interesting journey. One in which I had to learn to advocate for myself It's a slice of the entertainment world that is still quite misogynistic and racially biased in many ways. Women in music are slowly starting to get more recognition, support and respect but we have a way to go.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395854883?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395854883?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I am not sure how music has influenced my views on the world, because music for me, unless it is accompanying a visual medium, it's an emotional way of understanding the world. It hasn't shaped my view, but it has helped me to understand the human condition a bit better. The blues to me is the music of the earth. It is a form of storytelling and spiritualism when done right. It is just rooted in such soul that is why it has always been a genre I identify with."</em></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Two-time Juno nominated Ndidi O is a larger than life figure, a force of nature with a voice that sounds and feels like a long lost friend.)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some of the most important lessons I have learned is to be consistent, persistent and to never stop trying to achieve your creative dreams. Music has great power and to choose to create from a place of authenticity is the most impactful and beautiful thing you can do.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://ndidio.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ndidi O - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with British musician and composer Milton Reame-James, his creative drive is internal on any aspect of music
tag:blues.gr,2024-03-03:1982923:BlogPost:491041
2024-03-03T16:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Always stay true to yourself and avoid negative people and influences."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Milton Reame-James: <span>Musical Journeys</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">British Milton Reame-James, musician and composer was the original keyboard player with Cockney Rebel. Milton has also played with Bill Nelson's Be Bop Deluxe, Leyton Buzzards and Modern Romance. Composer for Oor Wullie, Venus…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Always stay true to yourself and avoid negative people and influences."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Milton Reame-James: <span>Musical Journeys</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">British Milton Reame-James, musician and composer was the original keyboard player with Cockney Rebel. Milton has also played with Bill Nelson's Be Bop Deluxe, Leyton Buzzards and Modern Romance. Composer for Oor Wullie, Venus and Superkid and film sountrack Lords of London starring Ray Winstone. <span>The single Trümergold released in 2020. </span><span>Milton has continued to work with Guido and his band, both recording and playing live in Germany. König Von Nichts (2022) is the new album from Guido Dossche, where Milton </span><span>played keyboards on many of the tracks on the album and wrote the music for the song "Der Letzte Horizont". </span>His album Lunar Seas is an ambient musical journey through the lunar landscape. It sees Milton's return to cutting edge technology and synth programming. The album takes you through an imaginary tourist trail visiting the moon's seascapes while contemplating the names given to them. Milton says: <em>"My creative drive is internal it's how I function when working on any aspect of music. I am also a scientist, and I embraced the new digital way of working which I love. Some artistes still love to work in the older more analogue way. That's cool too."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12393193264?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12393193264?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: British musician and composer Milton Reame-James)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In 2017 Milton wrote two numbers for a large scale musical "Cardinal Sins" which premiered at the Centrestage Theatre in Seattle USA. It was enormously well received and all concerned are hopeful for future productions. In 2010 Milton composed the soundtrack for the award winning film "Lords of London". It premiered in Cannes in May 2013 and appeared in the Toronto Film Festival in September 2013. Released in the UK in 2014, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, Australia and New Zealand and USA releases. <span>Milton was approached in 2018 to add some keyboards to a Track for Guido who knew Milton's work and purchased the most recent CD's The collaboration worked so well that he recorded on 4 more tracks released on Sony on CD titled Trost. Milton first visited the band in Cologne and got on so well they asked him to join them on stage for a gig. This was September 2019 and it was such a success, Guido and the band </span><span>have asked him to be a permanent part of the set up.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>Where does your creative drive come from?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My creative drive is internal it's how I function when working on any aspect of music. I am also a scientist, and I embraced the new digital way of working which I love. Some artistes still love to work in the older more analogue way. That's cool too.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What characterize your music philosophy?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was so fortunate to find myself at University when a revolution in arts was happening. Our Theatre director was Chris Parr. He was married to Peter Ustinovs' daughter Tamara and he bought in so many totally brilliant new writers and directors to our theatre company. He was completely free thinking and encouraged us all to think out of the box. I was encouraged to work in so many genres. When I was 22 Richard Crane came on the scene and I wrote my first full size musical score Tom Browns Schooldays. Was even considered for a West End run. Chris Parr sadly died last year but had an outstanding career in Theatre and Television drama. He was a real force of nature.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395788252?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12395788252?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"The change away from the rip off streaming services would be very welcome. I am aware the world is different now; young people have many more interests. Also, musical education is neglected. Venues are closing, I don't know where the hope is." (Photo: Milton Reame-James with <i>Guido Dossche Band</i>)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think playing in a great soul band with a brilliant guitarist Frank Dudley, I was at school with Robert Plant (yes Led Zeppelin) He was always a star. We were jamming together one day in the school canteen, until the head threw us out.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My only other Rock great was Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, I had a brief flirt with fame and met Paul Jeffreys a bass player. His sister was Peters' girfriend throughout the early Fleetwood Mac period. We tried to form a band to tour the US, but at the first rehearsal it was obvious Peter was unwell. Sometimes the old brilliance would shine through, and it was real magic, then sadly the clouds would descend.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My later band days were with Leyton Buzzards. They had a great hit "Saturday night beneath the plastic palm trees". They were great fun, then rebranded as Modern Romance having success with Salsa tracks here and in the States. I had to quit since my dad died and I needed to support my mother. I got a job in science education and bought my first place and started to develop my recording business.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I had some success in the Theatre with a West End show Venus and Superkid with Richard Crane. He was then the first writer in residence at the national theatre. I also had success with a show based on the cartoon character Oor Wullie from the Scottish Sunday Post.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have recently fully revised and recorded the score to Venus and Suoerkid and hope for a revival, Money is tight in the theatre world at present. I also have a recent recording connection with a lovely German based singer Guido Dossche and his band, also happy days.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I arranged and recorded all the music for a just completed movie Bonnie and Clive. The soundtrack also contains some of my own material. This is with K4 films who I have contributed to before.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recently, I have recorded a few tracks with co-producer Jeff Ellis for the Music For Sport library. Very different electronica mostly. So much fun to create.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12393193289?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12393193289?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em><span>"I would like to believe it is still important, but I'm not sure it brings people together in quite the same way. I recently started to work on music for film, this is always effective if you get it right." </span></em></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photos: Up - After that Milton teamed up with local guitarist Frank Dudley and soon had a soul band called The Jump, firstly a four piece: Eddie Edwards on Bass and Paul Plympton on Drums and later joined by Phil Savage on Vocals. This was a great little band and were rapidly working. Down - British Milton Reame-James, musician and composer was the original keyboard player with Cockney Rebel. Milton has also played with Bill Nelson's Be Bop Deluxe, Leyton Buzzards and Modern Romance)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the music influenced your views of the world? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I loved music from childhood, I learned classical piano, and this still is my main love.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be? What are your hopes and fears for the future of music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The change away from the rip off streaming services would be very welcome. I am aware the world is different now; young people have many more interests. Also, musical education is neglected. Venues are closing, I don't know where the hope is.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Skiffle (Lonnie Donegan), Jazz (Chris Barber), Blues (Alexis Korner), Progressive, Folk, Pub & Art Rock, John Barry’s score etc. What were the reasons that made the UK -since 1960s- to be the center of music researches and experiments?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The freedom to work in so many genres, today if you present an album of work every track has to be the same style! Not so in the 60's.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I would like to believe it is still important, but I'm not sure it brings people together in quite the same way. I recently started to work on music for film, this is always effective if you get it right.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Always stay true to yourself and avoid negative people and influences.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yes the positive people in my life.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.miltonreame-james.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milton Reame-James - Home</a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12393193662?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12393193662?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Milton Reame-James)</em></span></p>
Q&A with intelligent blues artist Katie Henry, part of a new generation of talented and passionate young musicians
tag:blues.gr,2024-02-29:1982923:BlogPost:491137
2024-02-29T07:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It’s as if the Blues is at the roots and Music, is the tree. We need to preserve the roots and keep them watered so that more and more music can grow from them!"</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Katie Henry: Goin' to the Heart and Soul</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Katie Henry is part of a new generation of talented and passionate young artists currently reshaping the blues landscape. The New Jersey-born…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"It’s as if the Blues is at the roots and Music, is the tree. We need to preserve the roots and keep them watered so that more and more music can grow from them!"</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Katie Henry: Goin' to the Heart and Soul</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Katie Henry is part of a new generation of talented and passionate young artists currently reshaping the blues landscape. The New Jersey-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist broke out with On My Way, the critically acclaimed release that earned her a spot-on Blues Rock Review’s list of the Top 20 Albums of 2022. But that record, in retrospect, merely scratched the surface. <strong>Henry’s exciting new project "Get Goin" (2024/Ruf Records) produced by Ruf label-mate Bernard Allison, shows off a whole lot much more of what this intelligent and charismatic blues singer has to offer.</strong> It drops her square into an unfamiliar musical setting and sees her rise to the occasion. Backed by the crack band of celebrated bluesrocker Bernard Allison (who produced the album and contributed a pair of songs), Henry raises her game and delivers her finest performances to date. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Henry sees this album as the next big step of a journey that began when she learned her first piano chords around the age of six.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391372257?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391372257?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Katie Henry / Photo © by Tina Sieland)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">She later added guitar to her arsenal and set her sights on nearby New York City as soon as she was old enough to hit the clubs. While attending college in Manhattan she became a favorite on the local live music scene, winning over audiences with a blend of influences that included blues, rock, R&B, funk, pop, soul and country – a stylistic mix still reflected in the music she is making today. Her self-released debut High Road (2018) was universally well-received. The follow-up On My Way saw Henry sign with Germany’s Ruf Records and hit the road on the label’s annual Blues Caravan tour. The subsequent live CD Blues Caravan 2022 featured her jamming with tourmates Ghalia Volt and Will Jacobs. Though she’s surrounded by experienced players on Get Goin’, her growing abilities as a singer, guitarist and keyboard player, not to mention her adept songwriting and magnetic personality, are the heart and soul of the album.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: Doug Deutsch & Ruf Records</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In my view, Blues and Rock music is an expression of freedom. It rebels against oppressive forces in society and brings us together to embrace how we truly feel and what we truly think. The music makes me feel hope in the world and it has greatly influenced my journeys because I want to create and share it with as many people as possible!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think of my sound as a bluesy modern classic rock sound. It fuses together the different styles of music I grew up listening to and adds my own flavor. When I hear my music described as “New Blues” or “Hippie Rock’ (that’s a new one!) I think that is accurate. But to be honest, I struggle with naming my sound because I find that it can be limiting. To simplify it for myself, I just create music that I feel and that resonates as true for me. And while technique is critical, I think that audiences feel the music more than they are thinking about it, so in that sense the soul and feel of the song is what it’s all about. When I was recording Get Goin’, my team and I reminded ourselves that “simplicity reaches the heart” and ultimately, that is my aim in the music I create- to reach the heart.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391373893?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391373893?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"<span>Well, I recently finished the 30 years of Ruf Records tour with Bernard Allison and Ally Venable and it was a blast! I never wanted the show to end because it was like a party on stage where we all got to enjoy each other's playing. My favorite memories were the audience's cheers for an encore. It’s amazing to feel that shared energy and rush of excitement before walking back out on stage for one more.</span>" (Katie Henry, <span>New Jersey-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist</span> / Photo <span><b>© </b></span>by Aigars Lapsa)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most? You’ve one release with Ruf Records. How did that relationship come about?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That’s a big question because my music journey has had so many important moments and people that have impacted it! But yes, a big step was meeting Thomas Ruf in March of 2020, right before the pandemic hit. He took the last flight to the US, as the pandemic was starting, to see a few artists perform, myself included. It was the last show I played before everything shut down, so I thought that was significant timing. When we connected and decided to work together, I saw my path forward and knew that a new level of my music journey was unfolding.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, I recently finished the 30 years of Ruf Records tour with Bernard Allison and Ally Venable and it was a blast! I never wanted the show to end because it was like a party on stage where we all got to enjoy each other's playing. My favorite memories were the audience's cheers for an encore. It’s amazing to feel that shared energy and rush of excitement before walking back out on stage for one more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I miss the musical risks that artists and bands were taking in music from the past. It feels like they were really innovating. They were reaching for something and pushing the boundary of what is possible. Some music nowadays plays it too “safe” in my opinion. We think we want “perfection” in it, but we really don’t because that is not natural or real.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My fear is that the emphasis that is placed on the outcome of the music will sabotage the actual process that it takes to create something original and new. My hope is that society and the music industry can recognize this and better support artists and bands in the creative process. This can mean bigger budgets for more musicians to collaborate with or for more studio time, for example.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391372276?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391372276?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"In my view, Blues and Rock music is an expression of freedom. It rebels against oppressive forces in society and brings us together to embrace how we truly feel and what we truly think. The music makes me feel hope in the world and it has greatly influenced my journeys because I want to create and share it with as many people as possible!" (Katie Henry / Photo <b>© </b>by G-M Rock 'n Blues)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s not easy to navigate at times, but I’m glad to be a part of a wave of music where I feel there are more and more women making their voices heard. My hope for the future is to see more women being represented in all facets of the music industry, which means more women owning venues, festivals, producing and engineering albums, radio DJ's, etc.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are so many, but a big one that I learned is that you need to surround yourself with people you can trust. Having a team around you that wants to see you shine, and vice versa, is everything!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another important lesson I learned and advice I want to give to anyone reading this that is pursuing a music path: yes this path requires a lot of sacrifice and compromise, but never compromise your own voice!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s as if the Blues is at the roots and Music, is the tree. We need to preserve the roots and keep them watered so that more and more music can grow from them!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Music is what makes sense of our experiences and connects us. It expresses what words cannot. When we listen to it, we realize our individual experiences and feelings are shared and that we aren’t so different from each other. I think it’s our hope for creating peace in the world! I could go on and on because I think the role it plays is so incredibly important. So let the music play on!</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://katiehenrymusic.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Katie Henry - Home</a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391377867?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391377867?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><span>(Katie Henry / Photo © by Tina Sieland</span>)</em></span></span></p>
Guitar master Duke Robillard talks about the album Six Strings of Steel, the Blues and his abstract artwork
tag:blues.gr,2024-02-29:1982923:BlogPost:491332
2024-02-29T06:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>“<em>The blues is a long standing tradition that was for a decade or two mostly created for, and appreciated by the black American public but the spirit of it's magic caught on with people of all races world wide.”</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Duke Robillard:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>The Duke of Six Strings of Steel</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On June 2024,…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>“<em>The blues is a long standing tradition that was for a decade or two mostly created for, and appreciated by the black American public but the spirit of it's magic caught on with people of all races world wide.”</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Duke Robillard:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>The Duke of Six Strings of Steel</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On June 2024, M.C. Records released Six Strings of Steel by guitar master Duke Robillard. The record represents all his influences including swing, blues, and rock. You’ll hear Link Wray’s “Rumble”, Dylan’s “Watching The River Flow”, Fats Domino’s “I’m Going To Be A Wheel Someday,” and of course several Duke originals. Six Strings of Steel is the second record Duke has recorded with M.C.Records. The first was 2017’s Duke Robillard and His Dame’s of Rhythm. Duke says<em>: “I am really excited about the release of Six Strings of Steel on M.C. Records. It's a look back at many guitar and song styles that have been important to me along my journey in this world of ever-changing tastes and sounds.”</em> Duke is joined by his long-time band mates Mark Teixeira, Bruce Bears, Marty Ballou, and Doug James that helped him create an infectious sound and grooves here, and the most recent band member, vocalist Chris Cote belts out the tunes, no matter what the genre, with style and power. A special guest on the record is Katie Shore of Asleep at The Wheel on Fiddle.<br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391368295?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391368295?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Duke Robillard / Photo <b>© </b>by David Lee Black)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Duke Robillard has carved out one of the Blues' most illustrious legacies. He founded Roomful Of Blues with pianist Al Copley in 1967. He replaced Jimmie Vaughan in The Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1990. He recorded on Dylan's "Time Out Of Mind" and later toured with him. He also has toured with Tom Waits and Robert Gordon. Duke's prolificity has included producing albums by Joe Louis Walker, Jimmy Witherspoon, Jay McShann, and Otis Clay. Another highlight of Duke's is recording two collaborations with Herb Ellis. Duke's resume is decorated with Grammy nominations, Handy Awards and Blues Music Awards, and other honors for his artistry, recordings, and productions within the United States and internationally.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Interview by Michael Limnios </strong> <em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-legendary-duke-robillard-has-been-at-the-forefront-of-bl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archive: Duke Robillard, 2020</a> <a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-legendary-duke-robillard-has-been-at-the-forefront-of-bl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a></em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-legendary-duke-robillard-has-been-at-the-forefront-of-bl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><em>Special thanks: Duke Robillard & Mark Carpentieri (M.C. Records)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Blues, Swing and R&B music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In a big way. The world was a different place when the music I love was developing. Many things are better today because of advancements in medicine and technology but for all that we have gained. A lot has been lost. It's just the way of the world I guess. I prefer things being slower and more meaningful. Everything is fast paced today. It wears me out trying to keep up, but I guess you can't go backwards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have changed dramatically since I was young and learning my craft. The thing that has remained the same about me, as far as music goes I still am most creative when I am inspired by something new to me. Whether it's a song, a style, a genre, a person, a movie or a book. When something gets me excited I get a spark from it and have to create something. Whether it be a song, a painting. Anything creative. <br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391369054?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391369054?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Art is very important to me, especially painting. I paint a bit myself and love it but my schedule does now allow enough time for it. When I had my first shoulder operation, I couldn't play guitar for a year and a half. I spent all the time teaching myself to paint and painted at least 60 pieces. I still love to paint but I find it hard to make the time." (Duke Robillard / Photo <b>©</b> by<b> </b>Pat Quinn)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Six Strings of Steel: one more release with M.C Records. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any stories about the making of the new album?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I met Mark Carpentieri many years ago and he expressed interest in recording me if the time was ever right. I was interested in a tradition style jazz album and he had the idea about doing an album of female guests. I thought that was a great idea, so that's how I got started with M.C Records.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I suppose having my first record released with Roomful of Blues was a life changing experience. <br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The highlights of my career have been backing people like Jay McShann, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Turner, Cleanhead Vinson, Muddy Waters, BB King Billy Boy Arnold etc. in many cases I've had the opportunity to produce many of these great artists.<br/></span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 12pt;">What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?<br/></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It's important to develop technical skills but it's so much more important to learn how to turn your skill into stories and express emotion though those stories.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?</strong><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The blues is a long standing tradition that was for a decade or two mostly created for, and appreciated by the black American public but the spirit of it's magic caught on with people of all races world wide. The blues sound and feeling is truly an international feeling that has spawned may other styles of music from jazz to Rockabilly, Country, Rock and Roll and R&B and more.<br/></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391369471?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12391369471?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"In a big way. The world was a different place when the music I love was developing. Many things are better today because of advancements in medicine and technology but for all that we have gained. A lot has been lost. It's just the way of the world I guess. I prefer things being slower and more meaningful. Everything is fast paced today. It wears me out trying to keep up, but I guess you can't go backwards."</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Duke's abstract paintings. Duke Robillard is a man of many talents. Best known as a master of jazz and blues guitar, Robillard is also an avid photographer and an abstract visual artist)</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 12pt;">Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Art is very important to me, especially painting. I paint a bit myself and love it but my schedule does now allow enough time for it. When I had my first shoulder operation, I couldn't play guitar for a year and a half. I spent all the time teaching myself to paint and painted at least 60 pieces. I still love to paint but I find it hard to make the time.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.dukerobillard.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Duke Robillard - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with Ronnie Riddle, frontman of southern rock n’ rollers Preacher Stone, kicking boots out of North Carolina
tag:blues.gr,2024-02-28:1982923:BlogPost:491229
2024-02-28T16:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Southern rock n’ roll music touches people. People relate to the stories. It makes them want to have a good time, it makes them remember, and it helps them to forget. It’s honest and powerful and that’s what we write about."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Preacher Stone: Pure Southern Rock</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">US southern rock n’ rollers Preacher Stone released their butt kicking good time new…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Southern rock n’ roll music touches people. People relate to the stories. It makes them want to have a good time, it makes them remember, and it helps them to forget. It’s honest and powerful and that’s what we write about."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Preacher Stone: Pure Southern Rock</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">US southern rock n’ rollers Preacher Stone released their butt kicking good time new single ‘Ain’t As Easy As It Looks’ on February 23. <strong>The track is lifted from their highly awaited super-charged emotive and inspiring new album ‘V’ due for release March 29 available for pre-order on CD/vinyl.</strong> The album was recorded at the legendary Gat3 Studios in Charlotte North Carolina, produced and engineered by the multiple Grammy winning Glenn Tabor. Kicking boots out of North Carolina USA, their high-octane, 200 proof, rock-n-roll guitar-driven songs about the common man with heart-wrenching smoky bar frequenting tales, and the swagger of their live performances have earned them a legion of faithful fans known as “The Congregation”. <strong>Alongside frontman Ronnie Riddle (vocals) and founding member Marty Hill (lead guitar), the band of brothers are steeped in musical heritage with Ben Robinson (guitar), Jim Bolt (bass), the since passed away and sorely missed Johnny Webb (B3 & piano) and Wyatt (drums).</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390421699?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390421699?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo/Preacher Stone: Ronnie Riddle, Marty Hill, Ben Robinson, Johnny Webb, Josh Wyatt, Jim Bolt)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The album cover art pays tribute to the since passed Johnny and honours him bearing his signature. Their song ‘Not Today’ was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy and 2023 saw them embark on debut UK shows to rapturous acclaim from fans and critics alike. Previous tours include across the United States and Europe having shared the stage with legendary acts Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Deep Purple and more. This year sees the band make a warmly welcomed return to UK shores for an exclusive run of shows that culminates in a main stage appearance at the much loved Maid of Stone Festival Mote Park, Kent. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Whilst Preacher Stone are rooted in southern rock history, authenticity and well travelled, with ‘V’ they assure that they’re never a band to rest on laurels. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Special Thanks: </em></span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><em>Wes O’Neill (O’Neill PR)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the rock culture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The rock culture opened up to cultural diversity and made me receptive to all people. My experiences travelling and seeing the world as a musician have fostered a “live and let live” attitude to humanity. I trust the mainstream news media less. I may be naïve, but my experience has been that most people are good at heart. That’s what we write songs about and tales of the common man, you can hear that all on our new album ‘V’ that’s out March 29.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe band’s sound, music philosophy and songbook?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Preacher Stone is a hard rock band with a southern twang that draws on classic rock influences. We write songs that we enjoy playing with lyrics about real life. Our songbook consists of Marty Hill and/or Ben Robinson riffs that were hammered into a song structure and given lyrics about real life. The various influences of Marty, Ben, Bolt, Wyatt, and I make the Preacher Stone sound what it is. We work really well together. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390422285?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390422285?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"The love of the process of writing, recording, rehearsing, travelling, and performing is the only thing that will sustain you. Write and play music because you love it and do not quit! Play the music that you love for the people who enjoy it as trends come and go. You’ll be up and you’ll be down, but you won’t stay up or down. It’s all about the journey." (Ronnie Riddle of Preacher Stone / <span>©</span> Woodys Photography)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>... and what is the story behind band’s name: Preacher Stone?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As for the name, we had a list of terrible band names! One night after midnight, I get a call from Marty and he says, “I have the band name. It’s Preacher Stone.” To which I responded, “Hell yeah, it is!” Marty was partaking in the “Devil’s Lettuce” and watching the Clint Eastwood movie “Pale Rider.” He liked the way everyone called Eastwood’s character, Preacher. He then looked at his stone fireplace and said, “Preacher Stone.” The name was perfect. It’s sounds southern and strong!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What moment changed your music life the most and what´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I come from a musical family and everyone sang in church. In fact, my dad still sings in a gospel quartet. I have always loved music, but when I heard ZZ Top’s “Thunderbird” on my sister’s boyfriend’s car stereo… it was game on! I had to have that in my life!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The highlights to me are meeting people that connect to our music and meeting other artists that I admire. I’ve made real friends through music. Quick list: Ted Nugent, Billy Gibbons, Scott Gorham, Malcom Young, John Prine, Dan Baird, Warner Hodges, and there are many others. I have been blessed to meet so many of my idols.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that the Southern Rock n Roll music continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Southern rock n’ roll music touches people. People relate to the stories. It makes them want to have a good time, it makes them remember, and it helps them to forget. It’s honest and powerful and that’s what we write about.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past and what are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I miss the days when you had one chance to see your favorite band every year or so. You HAD to be there. Nowadays, you can catch someone’s phone video on youtube. I guess I fear that kids will stop learning how to really play their instruments and sing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390433862?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390433862?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">People would spend more time and money supporting up and coming acts.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Preacher Stone is a hard rock band with a southern twang that draws on classic rock influences. We write songs that we enjoy playing with lyrics about real life."</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>(Ronnie Riddle, frontman of southern rock n’ rollers Preacher Stone and the founding member Marty Hill / <span>©</span> Bosk Photo)</em></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The love of the process of writing, recording, rehearsing, travelling, and performing is the only thing that will sustain you. Write and play music because you love it and do not quit! Play the music that you love for the people who enjoy it as trends come and go. You’ll be up and you’ll be down, but you won’t stay up or down. It’s all about the journey.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://preacherstoneband.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Preacher Stone - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with New Orleans-based singer songwriter Lynn Drury, "NOLAmericana", sultry, sweet songs turn funky
tag:blues.gr,2024-02-28:1982923:BlogPost:491330
2024-02-28T07:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Because music brings people together from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, it holds the power of understanding and also compassion for one another. I think compassion is important today, it erases the divisiveness that's permeating our world."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Lynn Drury: Greetings from New Orleans</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Celebrated New Orleans-based singer…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Because music brings people together from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, it holds the power of understanding and also compassion for one another. I think compassion is important today, it erases the divisiveness that's permeating our world."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Lynn Drury: Greetings from New Orleans</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Celebrated New Orleans-based singer songwriter Lynn Drury is poised to release her 10th album of original songs, High Tide, on April 5, 2024 by Nolamericana music.</strong> Produced by Papa Mali (Ruthie Foster), the album was recorded over three days last year at Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana and features 11 new songs. High Tide’s tunes, in Drury’s inimitable fashion, run the gamut from plaintive to soul-searching and sexy and some thunderous Rock and Roll too. Recorded mostly live at Dockside Studio by Justin Tocket, the band is a who’s who of New Orleans luminaries. For more than two decades Lynn Drury has honed her singing and songwriting skills in New Orleans. Steeped in Mississippi country and rooted in the groove, Lynn’s self-penned style “NOLAmericana” is New Orleans Americana, created in a town that moves to its own groove. Captivating, edgy and sweet, her distinct voice and melodies get in your head and under your skin - sultry, hot and funky, they stick to you and with you like a long night out on the town. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in her catchy tunes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390296253?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390296253?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Lynn Drury / Photo by Kaitlin Hanrahan)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lynn Drury has been performing, in one arena or another, her entire life. At the ripe old age of five she won a 4-H state competition in Mississippi in pole bending. If you don’t know what pole bending is, it’s a little like barrel racing, Lynn says. That’s horse talk. In a word, rodeos. Once you know that much about Lynn, you understand her approach. She picked up the guitar at 26, went at it like a pro, and she’s never stopped working. Her inspiration is her environment and since the late nineties, that environment has been New Orleans. The transition for the Yazoo City-born Drury was smooth. She says jasmine smells like honeysuckle, and you believe her. Sultry, sweet songs turn funky, and it’s all in the same neighborhood.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, music is universal - where words fail, music begins. It renews my faith in humanity. A song has the power to heal and bring folks together from different walks of life, and that brings us all to a higher level of consciousness! Now, more than ever we need the healing that music can bring.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I get inspired by art, human interaction and nature, to name a few. My sound is a mixture of southern roots and blues and country with some laissez-faire New Orleans groove thrown in. I'm driven by my passion to communicate through music and my love of performing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that NOLA music continues to generate such a devoted following? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We do "what we wanna" down here "on a corna" haha! (to quote Rebirth Brass Band) and I think the music here is a microcosm of the world, you can find just about everything here. New Orleans folks are open-minded, in my humble opinion, and the music is always evolving with new sounds mixed with the old, and that's in part because of the big revolving door of musicians who come here.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390296267?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390296267?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"<span>Because there exists here a level of tolerance. In that, you can dream up whatever your heart desires and pursue it and there are folks here who will cheer you on! We are a city of wild characters, misfits, dreamers and disruptors, and I think, as some have called it "the last bohemia." Why are people still coming to a city that is sinking?? If you know you know. And I have yielded and proclaim that "I'm going down with this ship" that is New Orleans. Please send us some sand. ha!'</span> (Lynn Drury<span>’s NOLAmericana has honed her singing and songwriting skills in New Orleans</span> / Photo by Kaitlin Hanrahan)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don't really miss anything, except maybe a cover charge. haha! Maybe because we have music on demand nowadays, it had cheapened it in some way. We don't have the same respect for it that we did when we had to go to the store to purchase, unwrap the album, and then experience a feeling when the needle hits the groove. My hope is that live performance will continue to make a comeback and artists will band together and demand a fair wage. Part of what makes it fulfilling for me as an artist and a fan is the community that we create. There is power in finding your own tribe. I would be nothing without the support of my tribe!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want it to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because music brings people together from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, it holds the power of understanding and also compassion for one another. I think compassion is important today, it erases the divisiveness that's permeating our world.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think we're doing pretty good! I have always held the belief that if you believe you are less than, then you are. I know there exists discrimination in this business, but I have chosen to rise above it. My advice to other women is to go where you are loved and appreciated and don't let the bastards wear you down.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390296887?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390296887?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>Exactly right, when you are driven to create something, you embody it and you become it. My music is an extension of my spirit and my love that I'm called to share to the world. A career in music is not for the faint of heart.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I get inspired by art, human interaction and nature, to name a few. My sound is a mixture of southern roots and blues and country with some laissez-faire New Orleans groove thrown in. I'm driven by my passion to communicate through music and my love of performing."</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Lynn Drury / Photo by Kaitlin Hanrahan)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>A meeting point for musicians, New Orleans is ahead of its time as it embraces. Why this city was/is a Mecca of avant-garde people and artists?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because there exists here a level of tolerance. In that, you can dream up whatever your heart desires and pursue it and there are folks here who will cheer you on! We are a city of wild characters, misfits, dreamers and disruptors, and I think, as some have called it "the last bohemia." Why are people still coming to a city that is sinking?? If you know you know. And I have yielded and proclaim that "I'm going down with this ship" that is New Orleans. Please send us some sand. ha!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.lynndrury.com/calendar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lynn Drury - Home</a></strong></span></p>
Q&A with veteran Canadian multitalented Bluesman Al Lerman, cooking up country-fried blues with his new album
tag:blues.gr,2024-02-28:1982923:BlogPost:491130
2024-02-28T06:30:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“<em>To me, playing with soul, feeling it, is more important than technique. Naturally, you've got to have some chops in order to pull this off, but a technical performance without feeling would sound bland.”</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Al Lerman: Country-Fried Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Veteran Canadian Bluesman Al Lerman is cooking up country-fried blues with his new album “Country-Fried…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“<em>To me, playing with soul, feeling it, is more important than technique. Naturally, you've got to have some chops in order to pull this off, but a technical performance without feeling would sound bland.”</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Al Lerman: Country-Fried Blues</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Veteran Canadian Bluesman Al Lerman is cooking up country-fried blues with his new album “Country-Fried Blues” will be released on April 5th, 2024</strong>. Al Lerman is a veteran bluesman with highly personal musical style. Possessing a great knowledge of the blues tradition on both harmonica and guitar, he brings that sensibility to songs that he’s written about his own contemporary life and times. For two days, he and an amiable group of A-list musicians hunkered down in an 1830s farmhouse, which had recently been converted into a studio known as the Ganaraska Recording Company. They hung out, laughed, played, and carried on into the wee hours. That joyful mood made its way onto this recording. The songs were recorded live-off-the-floor, with minimal overdubs added in one final session.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390293677?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390293677?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Al Lerman / Photo by Nick Harding)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Acoustic instruments prevail here - a nod to the early rural blues styles, while a rock-steady rhythm section keeps things moving with modern vitality. Multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Bowskill shines throughout, colouring the mix with mandolin, fiddle, and guitar. Al’s guitar is sometimes plugged into a tremolo effected amp, conjuring up swampy, aural imagery. It may surprise listeners to learn his fluid harp work was played on a rack while simultaneously playing guitar. Over the years, Lerman’s masterful prowess on the harp has earned him several prestigious Maple Blues Award nominations for Harmonica Player of the Year. Produced by Alec Fraser, Country-Fried Blues features nine greasy-good original songs peppered with a handful of covers bearing Lerman’s unmistakable stamp.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Interview by Michael Limnios </strong><em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-canadian-multi-instrumentalist-bluesman-al-lerman-an-eng" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A</a><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-canadian-multi-instrumentalist-bluesman-al-lerman-an-eng" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rchive: Al Lerman, 2019</a> & <a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/an-interview-with-canadian-bluesman-al-lerman-of-fathead-there" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2011 Interview</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><em>Special Thanks: Al Lerman & Sarah French Publicity</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There's nothing like longevity to make one feel very confident in what they are doing. I've always had a passion to play music and that hasn't diminished. It drives me to play, to get better, and it inspires me to continue writing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why do you think that the acoustic sound continues to generate such a devoted following?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">lt's a pure and organic sound. Songs written and played on an acoustic bring it down to its most basic level. Adding to that is where the fun starts!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Country-Fried Blues” in Ganaraska Recording Company?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I've lived out in the country for the past fifteen years, and going to GRC was a very comfortable fit. Alec Fraser produced, and I always have a ball working with him. He's a great player and really understands what makes my stuff tick. Along with Jimmy Bowskill, Chuck Keeping and Steve O'Connor, we played all day and into the night. We weren't watching the clock. I'd played quite a bit in the past with Chuck and Alec, but never with Jimmy or Steve. Playing with new people seems to invite some spontaneity. The vibe was very positive and everybody was into it. There was lots of laughing and carrying on too. It had been a long while since I stayed up to 4am, but it was so much fun, nobody wanted to go to bed. I think that funky, old farmhouse somehow contributed to the mood of this record as well. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Al </em><em>Lerman / Photo by Drew Monrad) </em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390293483?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390293483?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>There's a song that says "I feel so damn good, I forgot that I have the blues". I've been with the sweetest woman in the entire solar system for thirty-seven years! We live in a beautiful secluded spot on a river. I'm happy, and that's how I feel when I play. That's how I hope people will feel when they hear me.“</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Early on, I developed a thick skin. As a musician, you get a lot of negative things coming your way. It's a very competitive business where everybody wants those best gigs. Trying to solicit work for yourself, you'd hear the word "no" more than anything... if you heard anything at all. I realize as a career musician that there are ups and downs. As far as "has this made me a better blues musician?", I don't know. It certainly keeps me humble. I think the years spent playing is really the thing that has made me a better musician.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What's the balance in music between technique and soul? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To me, playing with soul, feeling it, is more important than technique. Naturally, you've got to have some chops in order to pull this off, but a technical performance without feeling would sound bland. It wouldn't move you. Some of those old blues recordings might be considered crude, but man, they had something going on! Robert Johnson had soul AND technique! Guys like him, Ray Charles and BB King, possessed both soul and technique... that's genius.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blues music has been changing since it was first played, and that keeps it current. Genres have to evolve, or you are just repeating licks. I try and do my own take on things, but I'm sure the blues will always influence my music. It was the music I've been listening to and studying for decades. In my younger days, I got to sit in with giants like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and would hang out all day with Carey Bell learning how to play harp. Those guys encouraged me and inspired me. I hope I might inspire somebody to dig deeper and check out the pioneers of this great music.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There's a song that says "I feel so damn good, I forgot that I have the blues". I've been with the sweetest woman in the entire solar system for thirty-seven years! We live in a beautiful secluded spot on a river. I'm happy, and that's how I feel when I play. That's how I hope people will feel when they hear me.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><a href="https://allermanmusic.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Al Lerman - Home</strong></a></span></p>
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<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390293494?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390293494?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Al Lerman / Photo by Drew Monrad)</em></span></p>
Q&A with multitalented artist Francis Kuipers, singer/songwriter, ethnomusicologist, composer, writer and actor
tag:blues.gr,2024-02-27:1982923:BlogPost:491126
2024-02-27T17:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Sublime Art never stops influencing me positively, perhaps because it was continually derided by persons around me during my youth. Art and music are essential for every civilised society."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Francis Kuipers:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>The Art of Life, The Life of Art</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>ALIENS IN THE NECROPOLIS (2024) is a…</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Sublime Art never stops influencing me positively, perhaps because it was continually derided by persons around me during my youth. Art and music are essential for every civilised society."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Francis Kuipers:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>The Art of Life, The Life of Art</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>ALIENS IN THE NECROPOLIS (2024) is a new collection of short stories by Francis Kuipers.</strong> These tales evolved from various escapades by the Anglo-Dutch expatriate while living in Italy. Loosely fictionalized explorations mixed with almost verbatim non-fictionalized accounts of the folk music revival of the 1960s. Born in 1941, Anglo-Dutch singer/songwriter, ethnomusicologist, and composer Francis Kuipers, nicknamed `Superguitar,' was guitarist for Beat Generation poet Gregory Corso from the 1980s until the end of Corso's life. His film credits include Godfrey Reggio's Anima Mundi, Naqoyqatsi and Evidence, with Philip Glass, and musical compositions for Abel Ferrara's Mary, Go Go Tales, 4:44 Last Day on Earth and Napoli, Napoli, Napoli. His conducted radio broadcasts include series programmes for NZBC New Zealand and for RAI III Italy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390115683?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390115683?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Francis Kuipers / Photo © by Massimo Scognamiglio)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">From 1992 to 1996 he directed the Music & Sound Department at Fabrica, the Multimedia Communications school founded by Luciano Benetton and Oliviero Toscani. His recorded music has been released by Red Records, Fonit-Cetra, and Gypsy Records, among others. His novel Disaster Blues (2017) was published in the UK by Barncott Press.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a> </strong> <em><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/the-guitarist-and-composer-francis-kuiper-talks-about-his-travel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A</a><a href="https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/the-guitarist-and-composer-francis-kuiper-talks-about-his-travel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rchive: Francis Kuipers, 2017 Interview</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Currently you’ve one book published by Golda Foundation of Robert Yarra. How did the idea of “Aliens in the Necropolis” come about? What do you love most about the act of writing?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Aliens in the Necropolis” is the title of one of the stories in the book. It narrates an event that happened not so long ago in a remote part of Tuscany, when a stinking horde of beetle-like aliens streamed out of a spacecraft and entered an over 3000-year-old Etruscan necropolis. After that, they invaded the nearby town for a about a month before abruptly disappearing. The experience was so traumatic and embarrassing that local people prefer not to talk about it. Furthermore, this story reveals some of the darkest mysteries of professional tomb-robbers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A sound environment grows on you in the same manner as a painting explains itself when you’ve learned to stretch your eyes. Stretching your ears, you gradually hear more and more. While writing you can stretch your imagination as far as it will go, and not much can get better than that!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe the philosophy of project “MIO CARO ICARO”?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">MIO CARO ICARO was a multi-media event staged in a Rome cellar by artist Marco Fioramanti! I improvised on the acoustic guitar while Marco pasted wax onto beautiful wings in preparation for Icarus’ mythical doomed flight. Marco’s prophetic and totemic art is a signal from the future and, simultaneously, a timeless shamanic signal from the remote past. What we feel and hear is mostly the result of who we are and what we think, but our references are imbedded in antiquity. Ancestral art, magic and primordial music constitute our roots and continue to influence existential and fragile human endeavours. Mythical cultures still affect us constantly. For millennia, we loved pagan Stone Age music, and we still have it deep inside of us, those of us who can remember how to listen.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you did something crazy and out of control in ancient times you were not responsible for your actions as pagan gods could manipulate humans like puppets. Possibly, life was then seen in Byzantine pre-perspective perspective. How did people see before the discovery of perspective in the Renaissance?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390116856?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390116856?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"Music enables one to connect to a magical state of consciousness. Once upon a time, singing was considered to be a discipline that explored telepathy and the occult significance of language." (Francis Kuipers, <span>MIO CARO ICARO a multi-media event staged in a Rome cellar, 2023</span> / Photo <span>© </span>by Paola Spinelli)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><strong>What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your art?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In reply to your question about driving force.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">‘Those who desire but act not, bring pestilence.’ William Blake said in the Proverbs of Hell. I’m drawn to artistic risk and adventure and I’m passionate about quality. I like creative effervescence to be pumping through my veins. In contrast, there can also be flashes of doubt and a profound and clinging sense of solitude, of standing utterly alone, engulfed in blackness without idea or hope. Then, all at once, a miraculous solution springs up and everything becomes clear! The answer is often there, hidden right under your nose. Suddenly, a seemingly insurmountable problem turns out to be a guiding beacon. New York artist Jeffrey Lew used to say, ‘Art is like a monkey on your back , you can’t get rid of it.’</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better musician?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m involved with now and the future present. I haven’t time to dwell on the past or on past obstacles, definitely not on the most painful, and I avoid nostalgia. Occasionally, I wake up clashing with windmills again, it seems some obstacles will never be overcome, and I regularly fight dragons of all kinds. Pinned to the wall near my bed there’s a postcard reproduction of Paolo Uccello’s St George and The Dragon, the version in London’s National Gallery. It serves as a reminder to me to be vigilant and remain on my guard. The dragon of sloth was certainly one of the hardest I had to slay. I fought it for ages, attacking repeatedly, but I finally defeated it and nailed its oozing and stinking hide to a wall. After that life has been plainer sailing. As Gregory Corso happily used to sing, “Tra la lee, tra la lee, an artist’s life for me!” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course, I aspire to being a better musician, it depends a lot on time, energy and emotions. Attending the school of hard knocks for years helped me eventually cope with creating music in a mad rush on a minimal budget, desperately orchestrating, not sleeping, working under threat etc.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390116875?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390116875?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"A sound environment grows on you in the same manner as a painting explains itself when you’ve learned to stretch your eyes. Stretching your ears, you gradually hear more and more. While writing you can stretch your imagination as far as it will go, and not much can get better than that!" (Francis Kuipers, <span>singer/songwriter, ethnomusicologist, and composer, nicknamed 'Superguitar'</span> / Photo © by Paolo Torella)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What's the balance in music between technique and soul? How do you want the music to affect people?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ancient Greeks believed that each soul had a mysterious demon and they believed that theatre and art were a catharsis, something good for the human soul. Technique is a side issue for me. Being self-taught, I took techniques from here and there to form my musical style. Nowadays, I mainly just follow my flow, hoping to share music and weave a beautiful drama. I lose myself in the music and don’t worry if I have technique or soul - or a soul. How do you know you have a soul? Is an inner side a soul? Is a spirit different? I like performing my new music and songs that people aren’t already familiar with, but I make sure the audience has a good time. A lot depends on audience reaction. When I compose for film, I create original music that I think fits the moods and atmospheres that the movie asks for, as well as enhancing and following the action and keeping viewers rivetted to the screen. I’ve been fortunate, the few film directors I’ve worked with have genius.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sound continually conditions our thinking and behaviour. The function and effect of sound interests me. When John Ford’s movies were first released, and you could barely see through the clouds of cigarette smoke inside cinemas, audiences bounced up and down in their seats to the sound of galloping horses and charging cavalry. Rhythms in crescendo recall the sexual climax. A drum roll leads up to expectation at a circus or a public hanging. In some parts of the world men were convinced there were secret spells and rituals that could transform them, making it impossible for them to die in battle. North American Indians chanted cosmic poetry. Musicians were often magicians or shaman who located mystical power within sound. It was their task to keep contact with the supernatural. Like oracles, shaman specialised in prophecy, uttering sounds during trances that some people understood and others thought they understood.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Music enables one to connect to a magical state of consciousness. Once upon a time, singing was considered to be a discipline that explored telepathy and the occult significance of language. Like ancient Egyptians hiding the secret of embalming, it’s wise not to overly discuss music and magic. Amongst other qualities, spells and incantations require meticulous timing, uncommon intervals and pauses and persuasive modulation. They have a few characteristics in common with astute advertising and spy-talk over the ether late at night. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390117498?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12390117498?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>"I’m drawn to artistic risk and adventure and I’m passionate about quality. I like creative effervescence to be pumping through my veins. In contrast, there can also be flashes of doubt and a profound and clinging sense of solitude, of standing utterly alone, engulfed in blackness without idea or hope." <span>(Photo: Francis Kuipers was guitarist for Beat Generation poet Gregory Corso)</span></em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music? What do you think is key to a life well lived?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sublime Art never stops influencing me positively, perhaps because it was continually derided by persons around me during my youth. Art and music are essential for every civilised society. The self-portrait of Van Gogh with a bandage over his self-inflicted ear amputation unwittingly provided invaluable propaganda ammunition to the anti-art gang that is still so powerful today. It was predicted that I would never get a decent job and would die mad with starvation in a garret as a punishment for my refusal to live a normal life – whatever that is - and my self-indulgent desire for art and joy. Reality is constantly changing but we can’t run away from whom we are; our destiny is ourselves.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>The relationship between music and other forms of art – such as painting, video art, theatre, etc. - has become increasingly important. How do you see this relationship yourself and in how far, do you feel, does music relate to other senses than hearing alone?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Most contemporary art and music I run across seems old-fashioned and already seen and heard. A pre-definition of intergalactic art and music is urgent if, one day, we need to communicate with beings from other planets. Before all the music and languages that present society does not understand are eliminated and are forced to disappear from the world and be forgotten, like those of early tribes and cultures, fish, animals, plants and a million microworlds, they should be studied and their secrets learned. Instead of resembling humans maybe specific extra-terrestrials are more similar to cows, certain insects or mushrooms. Ancient peoples assumed supernatural beings looked different and didn’t have ordinary human voices. A champion of magic realism, the French writer Blaise Cendrars, prophesied our present virtual future many years ago, and painter Rene Magritte warned us never to confuse a pipe with the image of a pipe. Art should signify prophecy for change. Apart from adjusting to a new virtual global reality, artists should be preparing for an intergalactic discourse with beings totally different to us and the start of a fresh adventure.</span></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Francis Kuipers / Photo <span>© </span>by Paolo Torrella)</em></span></p>
Q&A with Fort Worth based multi-instrumentalist Andy Joe Pearce, captivating blues with rock and soul music
tag:blues.gr,2024-02-25:1982923:BlogPost:491032
2024-02-25T16:00:00.000Z
Michael Limnios Blues Network
https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"The most important lesson I have learned is never give up. Don’t listen to negativity, and believe in your vision. Work at your craft and never stop learning. Whether it’s writing or playing your instrument make it part of your daily routine. I’m a firm believer that it takes 10,000 hours to become competent."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Andy Joe Pearce: What Did I Know…</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"The most important lesson I have learned is never give up. Don’t listen to negativity, and believe in your vision. Work at your craft and never stop learning. Whether it’s writing or playing your instrument make it part of your daily routine. I’m a firm believer that it takes 10,000 hours to become competent."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Andy Joe Pearce: What Did I Know</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Fort Worth, Texas based <span>multi-instrumentalist</span> artist Andy Joe Pearce (Guitar, Piano, Vocals) grew up in south Louisiana as part of a musical family. On a school field trip in 1975 he saw BB king at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival which led to his fascination with the blues and soul music. Andy started playing in bands in 1978 in Baton Rouge where he began to learn the craft of songwriting from his cousin Rex Pearce. He went on to work for Phoenix Atlanta music as a staff writer where he met and wrote songs with Danny Simpson, Fred Moss, and Jeffery Sisk. Andy has written songs for various artists over the years, covering the genres of country, blues, and alternative rock. Andy has performed at the Larry Joe Taylor festival, the House of Blues, and Texas stadium. He is currently the music director of the Lindsey Kate Band.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389227496?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389227496?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Fort Worth, Texas based multitalented artist Andy Joe Pearce grew up in south Louisiana)</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Andy will be released a new single titled "What Did I Know" (March 2024).</strong> Andy says: <em>"... a reflection on growing old and realizing that you don’t know yourself ..."</em><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written and performed by Andy Joe Pearce, recorded at The Chocolate Room Studios, Opelika, AL. The Chocolate Room is a personal studio for Grammy-award-winning producer, engineer and guitarist Larry Mitchell. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Andy has shared the stage with The Atlanta Rhythm Section, Tanya Tucker, Randy Floyd, Mark David Manders, Amy Grant, Susan Grey, Lloyd Maines, Lannie Flowers, Susan Hickman, Robben Ford, Greg Koch, Brent Mason, Gwen Hughes, Andy Timmons, and Buddy Whittington. He has recorded with: Grammy-Award-winning producers Larry Mitchell, Michael McDonald, and Kevin McKendree; Greg Westfall, the Calamity Janes, Will Ray, Stevie Gurr, and Louis Conti. Andy is constantly honing his craft with local artists in the Dallas Fort Worth area and is very passionately a part of the Andy Wood Woodshed guitar community.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="https://blues.gr/profile/MichalisLimnios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview by Michael Limnios</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How has the Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m a big fan of progressive rock. It doesn’t really affect my song writing, but it is something I return to time and again. I love traditional acoustic drumming. I just find that it is inspiring personally. I like being in an actual studio with a live drummer. There is a synergy to a Bass and Drum rhythm section that is undeniably unique.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m primarily blues based in my songbook. My sound tends to be influenced by my desire to make music that has a soul. It’s a constant journey that I am always on; having said that I am a fan of harmony and “don’t bore us get to the chorus” school of thought.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Andy Joe Pearce)</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389228067?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389228067?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>I had the opportunity to sit down for a couple of days with Joe Bonamassa and discuss music and strategies for becoming more professional and productive. He told me to be true to myself and discussed his “four wall’s strategy” for promotion and production. Also, Seth Rosenbloom was very influential in me pursuing this current single release. I was discussing my concerns and he told me this song was very worthwhile and that I should pursue it. Also, my producer Larry Mitchell inspired me to reach inside myself to find the emotional component to the song. He told me to believe in myself. Which is great advice for any artist.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have the pleasure of working with other developing artists. The Lindsey Kate Band is currently in the process of making an album. Watching her develop as a songwriter performer and singer makes me very proud to be part of her story. She is definitely an artist to watch.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I miss complex melodies. I am guilty of being formulaic myself; and I try my best to fight against it. I love some of the new artists like Leon Bridges. So I have hope that more interesting music is coming back.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The most important lesson I have learned is never give up. Don’t listen to negativity, and believe in your vision. Work at your craft and never stop learning. Whether it’s writing or playing your instrument make it part of your daily routine. I’m a firm believer that it takes 10,000 hours to become competent.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blues is truly American music. It’s integral to all forms of popular music. We need to support these artists because they bring emotional connection to so many people. The world is changing and music connects to both the past and the future.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Do you think there is an audience for blues/rock music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I feel like the future is bright for the blues. My son is a big fan of complex harmonic music. The blues definitely fits into that category. Artists like Anna Popovic and Seth Rosembloom are clear indicators of the healthy state of the blues. I enjoy meeting young fans of blues guitar every time I play. We’ve played over 200 gigs for 2023 and I’m always inspired by the young kids enjoying it.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389228078?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12389228078?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;"><em>(Photo: Andy Joe Pearce)</em></span></p>