"I miss seeing all the originators that I would see sometimes seven nights a week back in the 1970's and 1980's. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us, but I was so fortunate to see and talk with many of them and even play with some of them."

Paul Barry: Blowin' Like Hell in Twin Cities

Twin Cities based harmonica man Paul Barry…

"I think the most important thing in life is to be happy. That does not only apply for the life as a musician. I would think this applies to life in general. I think that all “black” music is about to “have a good time”. It doesn’t matter if it is afrobeat, soul, samba, salsa, reggae, funk or blues. Most of them celebrate joy and happiness. I think this is quite different to European music or classical music."…

"I think the blues of the past had a raw sound – emotions, rhythms, voices, guitar phrases, everything feels organic and original. I do understand that it’s not easy to create your own original blues now, after so many great artists have developed it in many ways, but I believe we can find something new, something different."

Tokyo Tramps: Fearless Music Hearts…

"The music gotta be born from some simple emotions. This aint paint-by-numbers. Once you can express the most basic lustful, groovy, angry or mournful feelings with a few notes and the right rhythm then you need the technique to shape it into a tune with parts and layers. The technique that comes from learning why something doesn't work, and discipline to throw it out and try different."

Son of Dave:…

"I hope that what really matters will never change, the human spirit, the bond we have with the others and ourselves, and that music will always be able to remind us of this power and that it will find its way to strive and be reborn over and over."

Giudi e Quani: The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock & Roll

Giudi e Quani is a band formed…

"The blues has always been a social commentary and will continue to be in the future. It’s always talked about the human condition and the life of the average person. This confirms we’re all just people struggling to survive."

Brandon Isaak: One Step Closer to Blues

Born and bred from Whitehorse, Yukon and now based in Vancouver…

"What I miss nowadays is that so many of the guys I used to work with and play with have passed away. There are very few younger people playing the blues. I think if that doesn't change, the survival of the music is in trouble."

Tom Morris: Illinois Slim Plays The Blues

Tom Morris (aka Illinois Slim) is a veteran American blues guitarist,…

"Music, I believe is the greatest art form because it can create so many different emotions. It mostly makes people feel good and that is really needed in today's world. I want people to look at my work and just for that brief viewing moment have an enjoyable feeling."

Jim Summaria: Rock n' Roll Lens Passion…

"Don’t listen to anyone, don’t let anyone sway you from your musical convictions. Ideas and advice are the last thing I need! I don’t need them cluttering up my head."

Graham Parker: Squeezing Out Sparks 

Graham Parker’s first album of new material since 2018, LAST CHANCE TO LEARN THE TWIST (2023, Big Stir Records),…

"Blues is a part of all music. The younger generation has reached back and infused the blues in their music of today. Each generation has to grow up to realize how important the Blues is to their music and understand how it broadens their sound and feel of their music."

Zakiya Hooker: Keeping The Blues Real

Her newest 9-tracks…

"I want my music to affect people in a spiritually positive outer-body experience. I want to inspire all ages, Male and Female, to show them that anything is possible with God, hard work, discipline, and dedication."

Jamiah Rogers:

The Baddest Young Chicago Blues Man

Jamiah was 1 of 2…

"I believe it’s important to preserve the blues and all roots music in general because it speaks to the human heart like no other form before it or after it and its role in society will always be that."

The Smoke Wagon Blues Band: Jam Blues

Featuring whisky-stained soul vocals, funky blues harmonica, slick R&B/roots guitar, swinging piano…

"My hope is that the blues will never die. As much as it might fade away from the public domain, there will always be a Neck out there hollering and rambling. My fear, or rather, my discomfort, is the disrespect it gets, the systematic omission from our proverbial history books. I believe the blues should be studied as the greatest philosophy and artform of American history."

Neck Barham: New Roots…

"I miss that noble combination of sounds and silences with references and meanings. Today, most music makers donʼt even know what silence is… Music of the past would provide a spectrum of positive vibes and hope for the future. Todayʼs mainstream, with a few exceptions, sounds like an insult when not ‘causing disgust down to not caring for the future of humankind."

Acqua…

"I miss Originality. Period. I know it gets harder and harder, but there are many new artists around that have managed it. It’s not like it’s necessary to create a new genre. Just do it your own way – don’t follow a formula, follow your own lead. People love something original. Give them yourself. It’s easier than trying to be somebody else."

Dave Bingham: Noise From The North…

"Soul, for me, is by far the most important thing. As Buddy Guy said recently "the blues don't lie". The best blues music tells the truth straight from the heart. You can hear the depth of a man's soul through his voice."

Dave Thomas: Road To The Blues

A veteran of the British blues bloom in the 1960’s Thomas has toured, lived and recorded all…

"I think blues just one of those things where if I didn’t have it, I would feel there was something missing. Somehow like a hole in the spirit somewhere, and I'd be a lot sadder. Blues is such a part of me, and has been for such a long time and it’s given me so many experiences, so many friends, I'd be a shell of myself."…

"I think in general young people are looking for something to feed their spirit, with all the technology that we lean on, I think more, and more people are just looking for something real to hold onto. What could be better than the blues? So, it's actually a good time for BLUES and I'm very optimistic that it will. It will keep growing and new audience."

Sue Foley:…

"I miss the great grooves, chord changes, smart heartfelt lyrics and feeling of what happened in the 50-70’s - especially in black America. I’m not sure if music will really be that important again. Also, the middle 8’s and the virtuosos - where have they gone? (!)"

Dylan Howe: A Cultured Drummer

Born in London in 1969,…