"I think the role of art in today’s society is to provide a place for people to express themselves artistically and for others to experience those creations and take what they want to from them to enrich their own lives. Sometimes I think of myself as someone who spends more time creating art than consuming it, but when I think of all of the time that I spend each week reading, listening to music or watching movies etc. I realize that it’s not even…

"I think jazz has made its impact through its flexibility and inclusivity, along with its democratic underpinnings. I don’t just mean this in the abstract. If you look at the instrumentation, you’ll see that any and all instruments and styles can be adapted to its improvisational format."

Jonathan Toscano: Talking With The Jazz

Jonathan Toscano is…

"One of the most important lessons I have learned is to be kind and compassionate to others as well as always being humble."

Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport:

A New Blues Star Is Born

17-years-old blues artist Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport is brilliant and specializes in modern…

"The impact of soul music on socio-cultural implications has been profound, contributing to the advancement of civil rights, cultural expression, musical innovation, and global cultural exchange. My hope is for Soul music to continue being a powerful force in shaping society and influencing cultural attitudes and movements."

Marcel Smith: Soul From My Soul…

"For the good, the true and the beautiful, although in some cases the warning ‘message’ or ‘feel’ of a song or piece of music can be good and true but not necessarily beautiful."

Jeremy Spencer: The Pilgrim Music

Early Life: Born on 4 July 1948, in West Hartlepool, Northern…

"My hopes would be for the music to stay as real as possible. Much music has become computer music to me. Drum loops that sound like real drums. I say, why not use REAL drums! I don't like a keyboard patch for horns. Auto tune has been used in a way where a duck, cat and a dog can sound like the three tenors! That is what worries me about modern music."

Mark Stutso: American Roots…

"So be prepared to move on and continue on your chosen path, mostly that’s your only choice. Just be yourself at all times and tell the truth as you see it. Being in all the bands I was in was a lot of fun most of the time, but it takes patience and self-confidence - your inner spirit will often have to survive troubling times, but it’s well worth it, because playing music will always beat doing a job you don’t like."…

"I think there have been times in the past where music has made a real difference to society, and that will forever be inspiring. For me however, I hope that playing this style of music keeps the incredible history of the genre alive today. I also hope that my music brings joy to some people. Playing shows where you can see people smiling, tapping their feet, maybe even dancing? That’s what I do this for! If my songs can provoke something in even a handful…

"I miss the old musicians. They'll be no more Albert Collins or Freddie King. My hope for the future is to stay healthy and keep pushing."

Jim Suhler: Texas Scratch, Lone Star Blues

Jim…

"The only thing I can say I really miss from blues of the past is the songwriting, specifically the punchlines. I feel like blues these days is all about being or becoming a guitar-god. Nothing gets me more than listening to Seeds of Reed by Buddy Guy and Junior Wells."

Emanuel Casablanca: 

Strung Out on (blues n' rock)…

"I thing love and passion for music, and blues especially, is before any race, language and age differences. For me it is especially worth in male-female matter. Blues is above every difference."

Sunnysiders: 27 Stitches of Blues Creative

Sunnysiders started in June 2010 as a duo by the singer, guitar, ukulele, harmonica player and a songwriter…

"I like for my music to be that reminder for people to just be kinder to each other, really. Especially with this album that I just put out “Healing Time” it’s really what it is, it’s just a reminder to be kind, be good to yourself, be gentle with yourself first and I think people learn by watching how other people live."

Ruthie Foster: The Healing Time of Blues…

"Life to me is something I cherish, due to all my trials and tribulations, of which I am currently writing my life story. I feel that each person’s life should stand out not blend in, once you blend, you will never take chances and be creative."

Garnetta Cromwell: Time To Shine

Garnetta Cromwell is a classic soulful Blues artist that delivers a…

"Art, whether it’s music, visual, dance, film; any form is important in our lives. Early humans made art already; look at the wall paintings found in caves, or the flutes that were found. I don’t think we can survive without art. There are many people who think they can, a subject more and more heard in society now rightwing politics are becoming stronger and stronger. They think it is a hobby and there should be no more funding from society…

"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…