“For me, I’ve learned so much from blues music. It’s the foundation for everything that comes after it. It’s a “must have” in the ole knowledge bank. Knowing how to play blues has helped me navigate every other genre I’ve pursued and been interested in.”

Matthew Curry: On The Ride Again…

“The blues is not just a genre of music, it is a form of communication that transcends language. It has always brought people together and continues to do so. Musicians who may have never crossed paths otherwise, as well as audiences coming together for a shared experience, can connect, meet, and sometimes even form lasting relationships as a result.”…

“Music can remind people they’re not alone—that’s probably the biggest thing. It can also bring people together who wouldn’t otherwise be in the same room.”

Seth James: The Soundtrack of Texas 

At first, Seth James’ story reads like plot lines…

“Live music is healthy regarding social lubrication aspect people going out and meeting others enjoying the music and have fun dancing etc. That’s healthy!”

Kevin Borich: The Magic of Rock n’ Blues 

Kevin Borich of The La De Das In the 60’s. Kevin was the…

“One key lesson I took from the Japanese Blues Scene is the value of protecting and preserving tradition. In Japan, many blues musicians really prefer the traditional style. Their strong devotion to the classic sound made me see how important it is to study tradition.”

Hideaki Tanaka: Rising Sun Blues…

“I don't miss a lot about music from the past really, because I am still playing it with both of my bands — The Voodoo Preachers and BluesXpress. As far as music in the future goes, I hope it can maintain its individuality and not become — as far as Blues goes — not too complicated, and hopefully not overrun with AI bullshit!!”

Paul Buchanan: Hard Driving…

“Music is energy. It plays a very important role in communicating ideas and emotions, and it is a very powerful medium, sometimes even too powerful. Personally, I don’t think music should manipulate or influence people in a direct way. Instead, I would like it to bring back strong and, above all, healthy emotions.”

Marco…

“New Orleans is ALWAYS an inspiration: the culture, Black culture, the history, the people, the music, the food, the architecture, the animals, and the average of 167 live shows A DAY here. The way musicians feel time here is different—more relaxed and advanced than anywhere else I've ever been.”

Jason Ricci: 13 Hours…

“Music's impact on culture is incalculable. Its implications are boundless.”

Tim Wagoner: The TruTones of Blues & Roots Rock Echoes

On their new album, Comin' Back Live (2025), The…

“Music is a pillar of human development and culture on many levels. It is means to expression, comunication, enjoyment, identifaction and a connecting glue in societies. I would like to see societies and their people open, educated and sensitised for these aspects and the power of arts in general.”

The Bluescats: Blues Conversation …

“It is one of the great American art forms and I think the honesty in the music will always connect with people all around the world. The majority of American music is based in blues, whether it be jazz,R&B, soul, rock, etc… I think there will always be an appetite for the blues.”

Delta Generators:…

“I think it’s important to keep roots music alive because it’s real, handmade music. You can’t truly reproduce it with a computer—and it needs to be played live to capture its real feeling. We need every spark of human soul and emotion in todays world...”

Andi Unter: Lonesome Road Blues…

“I think it’s important to preserve Blues Music as it is one of the oldest and most influential styles of music. I don’t know of any other music that has such emotion and can really make you feel great. As a modern musician playing Blues Music I think it is very important to make it known where you got it from and pass it on.”

Darren Jack: Classy…

“The most important thing I've learned over the years is humility. To respect the "forefathers" of the music. Without them, even the ones I don't particularly like, we wouldn't have this music we love so dearly. As I've gotten older, I've also really embraced the role of mentor.”

Chris Thayer: Nu-Blues…

“I’m better at making music than explaining the power and legacy of roots music. I love the pure forms, I love amalgamated forms that have the pure forms in their DNA, but I don’t particularly like Genre labels. Music is music.”

Mark W. Winchester: They Got It All

Well-respected roots…

“The blues, its rhythms and structures, originated in Africa and crossed over to America. It is a universal language which everyone can feel if they listen closely.”

Steve Louw: Traces Of The Flood

Steve Louw (born 16 September 1955)…

“Music has been a part of my life as far as I can remember, so I guess it has influenced every view I have. It has taken me around the world, meeting people from many different cultures, all connecting through the music. Blues has always been there, the whole time. I think blues is sometimes misunderstood as a sad music, when it actually helps get over sadness.”…

“Poetry and music are the lifeblood of human beings, and a society without those is inhuman. I assume that poetry and music are examples of free expression, and in that respect are the canary in a coal mine. If they’re diminishing or being extinguished it’s a sign the country is filling with the lethal gases of authoritarianism.”

Steven Gray: Counterculture To…

“There are a few really amazing slide guitarists around now that have kept it going. Also, slide has that vocal quality to it like a human voice and I think that moves people. I try to capture emotion in my playing as opposed to shredding a lot of notes, and maybe that’s easier to listen to for some.”

Rick Vito: Slidemaster -…

“Music today gives people a place to connect, escape, and heal. Blues is the root of it all — rock, soul, even hip-hop grew out of it. Preserving and spreading the blues matters ’cause it’s our history, our truth, and it still speaks to what folks are going through now.”

Jay Hooks: Tequila, Bullets &…