"The music was, is, and it will always be one of the strongest, easiest, deepest and fastest connections between people no matter where they come from, how different they are, how old they are, what languages they speak and what skin colour they are. These connections are The Bridges."

Sunnysiders: The (Blues) Bridges of Music…

"Blues and Soul is music of hope, originated by a people, who had to survive on hope. The feeling of despair and repair are still felt today. Memphis struggles with poverty and maybe is one of the most impoverished cities in America. I just want to help people feel better and performing songs about familiar troubles might make a person feel less lonely."

John Németh: Stronger Than…

"It’s there even if people don't know it, Blues is soul, so anything soulful has a bit of blues and emotion to it. It's pure at least the true blues is to me."

Kirk Fletcher: My Blues Pathway

Widely considered one of the best blues guitarists in the world, Kirk Fletcher has commanded the respect and acclaim of critics, peers and fans…

"Because the Beats addressed many issues already in the 50s that we still have to deal with and are still red hot. Simple as that. And since mainstream writing is still as conservative as ever and still lacks courage, it’s still inspiring and refreshing to read Beat poetry and all their successors throughout the decades."

Dr. Thomas Antonic: The Beats Go On..…

"I believe Blues, when done well, has always provided that joy – that release – for people. This is not sad music. This is music that allows people to come together, to communally surpass their troubles, and escape from their problems. Blues music gives people energy, it gives people life. Blues music – when done right – connects with people intrinsically, it matters, and it makes someone happy. It brings joy. That is how I hope my music affects…

"I firmly believe that especially the progressive rock side of things is really more of a continuation of how classical music has developed as against its evolving with popular music. I mean the 20^th century brought some electronics into classical music Stockhausen and another writer John Cage, but somehow it still stayed separate from all classical music, or so we say mainstream classical music and I think prog rock in many respects  took that…

"Blues is human emotion conveyed through a simple form of music. Everybody can relate to that."

Sugar Ray Norcia: New England's Tones

Sugar Ray Norcia is a soul blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known for his work with his backing band, The Bluetones, with whom he has released seven albums since 1980. Norcia started to play his…

"If we go back to the roots of Blues music, we cannot deny the journey that got us here. Blues deals with love and heartache but also being tough and resilient. I guess it’s a bit of a no-nonsense genre where the instruments are allowed to ‘have the blue’s too”? hahah. All music is a state of mind, and all states of mind interpret music."

Malaya Blue: Still Got The Old School…

"I think perseverance is the greatest tool we have to becoming successful in any endeavor. The music business is a cold and hard place and the reason we have become successful in our 50s is from my persistence and drive to make it happen. It is one thing to be talented at something, it is entirely another becoming successful using your talent. You must find the desire to push and continue to push everyday… Merely showing up will not make you a…

"I think music is still hopefully a space where people can see their similarities rather than their differences. It might be a cliché, but music quite often literally brings people together and gives them an experience of oneness with each other and with the universe. I strive to do that with loud guitar noises."

Eric Johanson: NOLA Rockin' Blues…

"Blues has always evolved, and it continues to. I am not sure that I miss anything, but rather celebrate the amazing recordings that the legends left for us, and be part of the movement to keep the music alive and introducing blues to younger audiences."

JW Jones: Sonic Departures 

Veteran blues musician from Canada who has a long list of…

"Music amplifies the emotion and connection to each other at a level that is non-verbal. Going back to intention, the recorded song taps into the intention of the artist. This is why, when people hear music in a language that is not their own, it can still connect and inspire."

Kirsten Thien: Between Music & Life

Kirsten…

"I really want people to appreciate the fact that Blues music came from the African-American community, especially now. And I want white blues musicians to stand up for the black artists out there, many of whom are suffering, or their loved ones are suffering."

Lisa Mann: Tough Girl, Freedom Blues

Originally from West Virginia, Mann’s vocals…

"When I was a teenager the blues helped me to understand the history of racial injustice in the Unites States. We don’t need it for that any more - with camera phones and Youtube, anyone who wants to can witness that injustice for themselves. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seem to be interested."

Alan Harper: Chicago Blues Crossroads

In the…

"Racism is one of the most dangerous things in our society. Germany´s history as we all have seen, was breaking basic rules of civilization. We also see how racists are working anywhere I the world today. I would say that everybody is a brother of mine, the only difference is that this brother is born by another mother."

Leslie Mándoki: The Philosophy of Music…

"I miss reality in the music of today… everything seems synthesized and auto tuned and phone. I guess I’m old school and like it real."

James Williamson: Rock n' Roll Blodline 

Legendary proto-punk guitar heroes, James Williamson & Deniz Tek, have joined forces for a brand new, odds-defying studio album, Two To One, set to be released…

"All music effects people. Thats what its for. I am not sure that Blues is any different to any other sort of music in that respect. All genre's of music can convey any feelings you want them to. Make people think, cry, laugh. There is nothing better than after a gig people telling you that your songs made them feel some sort of emotion. Even if they hated it. If they felt nothing, then you have failed."…

"Absolutely nothing matters except the love of the music and a pure heart. I can continue to hope I can reach at least one person per listen with love and hope and acceptance."

Dianne Davidson: Always The Dreamer

There are a lot of good singers around today and a lot of talented musicians. There are performers who draw large crowds wherever…

"The Blues, (as is all music) is artistic expression. Some think of the Blues as sad and lonely music, but it can bring joy and happiness as well. Music can take people to a place where they forget about their everyday problems & make people smile more often."

Rick Berthod: Peripheral (Blues) Visions

Rick Berthod is a well known blues…

"However, these days I feel that there is a wonderful mix of what the ‘blues’ has now become and I feel there is a refreshing artistry evoked by artists the world over who aren’t afraid to mix influences but who still operate in the realms of what we understand as a modern ‘blues’ genre. I find that exciting. New sounds and new ways to express your own ‘blues’; that very essence of human emotion."…