“I miss the finality of the music of the past. I miss the pops and scratches. I miss the msitakes and emotions. I miss the call for action that music can provide. My hope is that one day every school aged child will play an instrument.”

B. Douglas: He Lives With The Blues…

“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 -…

"The impact of music on the socio-cultural implications in our world is massive, absolutely enormous. Music is a powerful way of entertaining and communicating, and it has always been used with great effect to reach, teach, influence and in some cases, to brainwash and control societies."

Michael Messer: Fusion (Pure) Roots

Michael…

"I hope people never forget about the Blues as the 'root' of it all, and I hope people continue to 'grow' within the Blues, and use it for their own creativity, not just to copy…."

Arlen Roth: Playing Out the String

Arlen Roth is a true guitar legend; part of the list of who he's recorded and toured with contains folks like Simon…

"Blues is at the roots of nearly all modern music, its something we as humans can all relate to and it’s important that we share music that evokes such primal and natural emotions. Music in my opinion is a requirement in society, not only to enjoy but to help share feelings , deal with problems peacefully and to connect with people. Humans don’t survive on bread alone and I think that music is a very important part of our…

"I think it’s culturally important to preserve the blues - after all it’s the foundation on which most other music is built, whether it be rock, hip hop, jazz, etc. As a lover of the blues, I would of course love to see it undergo a revival and become more listened to by younger generations."

Dave Hole: Down Under The Blues

Dave Hole is…

"Most of the greats are gone, headliners and side people. The level of musicianship is weaker, less inventive. I have no thoughts on the future because of this pandemic. We are living in intense times."

Joanna Connor: The Best Blues Queen

Gulf Coast Records announces a June 9^th release date for Best of…

"Music is the most powerful tool for social revolution and building a society. I can only hope my music will leave a lasting impression on others. My goal is to make music from the heart. This sounds cliche but these days there is so much temptation to conform your music to fit into a certain mold to "sell". I will know I have accomplished something if I inspire others to create, play guitar, or build something beautiful."…

"Follow your instincts, when it comes to creating music keep the outside sources at bay and listen to your inner voice."

Ruth Wyand: Guitar Routes, US Roots

Being diversified is Ruth Wyand’s specialty. Demonstrating guitar virtuosity with powerful fingerpicking, bottleneck slide and a warm alto voice Ruth plays a mix of Americana, jazz, blues,…

"As far as "what is key to a music life well lived"? I think if you're true to yourself personally and musically and have a good work ethic, are kind to those you work & travel with, and give your all to the ones close to you when you're home, that's a pretty decent way to try and go about it!"

Cindy Cashdollar: A Musical Slide Touch

Cindy…

"Music is life -there is music everywhere, not just in the concert halls with instruments, but on the street corners, and certainly in nature - but you just have to listen for it...With that said, not everyone is cut out to be in the music business as a profession and doing your 'artistic thing' -AND- trying to make money, which is not easy and not for everyone (no matter how talented you are!). Whatever you do--enjoy the music above…

"I believe that each of us has a spirit (lower case) and is a part of Spirit (upper case). Our spirits are the essence of who we are and the urges of spirit are part of what propels us on this journey."

Ryan Lee Crosby: Winter Hill Blues

Ryan Lee Crosby’s new album Winter Hill Blues (2022) captures the timeless power of music from the Mississippi…

"Music brings people together and reminds us of what we have in common. There are too many divisive forces in society that try to marginalize and turn people against each other. Music is a positive energy that counterbalances that. Music is a universal language that highlights what have in common and unites people."

Dennis Johnson: Slide Roads Blues…

"Blues music has always been the music of the marginalized and oppressed. It has always been political. Anyone who says otherwise, that it’s ‘just music’ and there’s no politics involved, is mistaken..."

Mike Nagoda: Slide Outside The Box

Mike Nagoda is an LGBT Blues musician from Toronto, Canada. He began learning the piano at age six, and nearly…

"The vibe and tone of the old guitars is truly special! I will never tire of the rawness and in the moment trueness of the early Blues! One take, no digital tools, just the truth in the moment! I think that’s what moves me the most about the old school Blues."

Chris Gill: The Healing Power of Music

Long time Mississippi blues artist Chris Gill has…

"One of the most important things I have learned playing music to people is that music often has a much greater impact than I have realized. I have received many messages from people who told me how deeply my music has affected them and helped them through difficult times."

Ed Gerhard: The World of Roots Music

Performing on 6-string, 12-string,…

"Humans are social creatures, and musicians are human beings (at least I think they are), so especially when they are playing with and for other people, music is a social act."

Susan Alcorn: The Words of Music

One of the world’s premiere exponents of her instrument, Susan Alcorn has taken the pedal steel guitar far beyond its traditional role in…

"I'd like to think that it opens up the opportunity for people from different walks of life to relate and understand each other's life experience and stories. This music is very much a personal and societal expression of what it means to go through life's ups and downs and come out the other side better."

Ben Rice: Rising Blues Star

Ben Rice has…

For me “Blues” is about the human life experience set to music. In that sense, all musicians who play from the heart and soul are playing "the blues."

Jim Roberts: On The Highway from Detroit City to Mississippi and Beyond

Jim Roberts and The Resonants have arrived on the musical scene. Their sound is firmly routed in the deep south and midwest where…

"Blues is all about Freedom, there are no rules, music doesn't lie to you when it sounds good it is good and when it's bad is bad. No matter what you think or what anyone else thinks in every generation the counterculture just changes with the way the world."

Jay Gordon: Slide Rules & Blues Party

Jay Gordon grew up in Chicago, the center of…