"Within the reality of our society everything is consumed by the commodification machine. I’m not sure that art or music can stop that by itself. I think that art carries truth, and that truth is sometimes not the same as the existing realities served by systems. It can make people contact the Real, and this is all it can do."

George Gaudy: Human Experience…

"My belief is a musician should be as proficient on their instrument as the music they want to create so the emotions can flow through the musician without the restrictions of the body and mind."

John "Papa" Gros: The Sound of NOLA

New Orleans has its fair share of musical ambassadors; but few are more rooted in the cracked sidewalks…

"I believe that in this kind of music.... it's all about emotion. You can't fake emotion. However, it takes some technical skills to illustrate those emotions and make your voice and guitar convey them. I feel like I and most people can decipher whether an emotion is sincere or not."

Jeff Pitchell: The Blues & His Friends

Blues Hall of…

"The presence of high art shapes and regenerates the social group in which it develops. The universal language of Jazz is High Art. I believe that life becomes meaningful when our daily life is filled with the pursuit of the maximum enjoyment of the five senses and the possibility of spiritual expression. All this within a framework of peace, love, culture and possibly with Music as a compass for those who choose it. Clearly there are many other options…

"The balance between technique and soul? That's easy really - you have to have the technique in order to express the soul. First learn to play your instrument. Then forget how to play it and just let your soul come through. Easy to say - hard to do. I manage it occasionally."

Mick Clarke: The Man And His Blues

British Blues guitarist Mick…

"To be open-minded with all types of music and to draw from everyone. Having your own voice in this is the most important factor. You have to sound like YOU, not just copy your heroes and sound like a derivative of them. Be intelligent with your lyrics, kick ass on whatever instrument you play, dominate the room and be entertaining. They want a show and when I come to town, they’re gonna get rocked!"…

"Blues will always survive in one way or another.  Of course, there was a time when it was part of what was called "race music," when it was more of an underground art form. It is the living root of jazz and rock music, and has been a significant influence in country and even pop music. Though the mass popularity of traditional blues may skip a generation now and then, blues will survive because of the honesty,…

"I think blues is still popular and will always be popular because it’s a feeling that all people experience (Blues is the life you live!) I think in Europe the blues scene has a younger listening group. And the lovers of blues treat it like its more than a passing fad. It’s really cool to see several generations of family into the same music!"

Blues Fighters: Rockin' The Soul of…

"Blues is about human struggles and feelings of the downtrodden. I am a very progressive person politically and always support the struggle of the people."

Bob Kieser: Blues Blast Around The World

Blues Blast Magazine was founded in 2007 by blues fan and publisher Bob Kieser. Based in the United States with writers across the globe, Blues Blast…

"The blues was also related to many social issues, always from the side of people that were mistreated and suffering, so its implications in our life is evident, we can live in democracy and freedom and this also thanks to all the blues musicians that were supporting the cause of equal rights. A world without the blues is really missing something..."

Davide Grandi: The Caesar of Blues…

"I’d say that Portuguese people also share the nostalgia and sorrow of the blues. We have Fado music for example, which is genre that although it comes from a different root, has similarities in terms of soul, feeling and deepness. With this in mind Portuguese blues musicians have these feelings already engraved when they play."

The Smokestackers: Feeling The…

"I think the biggest thing I miss is the way radio approached new music. Many stations were owned locally, so their favorite bands from the area plus get airplay and make a living playing original music. My hope is that the younger players see the beauty of keeping the music real. By that I mean not relying on technology more than talent. My biggest fear is the other end of that spectrum!!!"

Danny…

"Most folks have really strong views about the blues, both positive and negative. I find the negative opinions are generally due to ignorance, and with a proper introduction, those opinions change positive more often than not. The Blues chronicles the human experience of joy, pain, success, failure, work, play and love. There is no ‘Hate’ in the Blues. It is a tapestry of culture that embodies the best of humanity. Luther Allison said it best: “No Black, No…

"Music is a different, but very powerful medium for reaching people - for giving ourselves hope, purpose, a sense brother/sisterhood, and just having a hell of a good time! Which we sorely need, all of us, in a challenging world."

Big Harp George: The Artisanal Blues

Big Harp George/George Bisharat is a San Francisco Bay Area blues singer,…

"I miss the older blues guys company. I hope live music is still being played. I fear live music won't be played!"

Joe Louis Walker: Blues DNA & Culture

Walker's output spans the gamut of American Roots music, and he is regarded as one of his generation's greatest bluesmen. On February 17th, Forty Below…

"I know it sounds cliché, but clichés exist because of the truth they define. Music IS the universal language because I have experienced music connecting people who don't understand the language of the lyrics. I have learned through music that we are all one and it can unite us, so I believe in the power of music."

Rocky Athas: Rockin' The Blues…

"I hope the blues affects people similarly to the way it affects me - I hope it provides some relief from their day to day struggles, and fosters a sense of community - I hope it helps people see that we’re all in this together."

Rick Estrin: A Genius Blues Nightcat

Rick Estrin was born in San Francisco, California in 1949, and grew up fiercely…

"Blues is just such a powerful force that I believe it will keep on inspiring people for generations to come, as long as the word is still being spread. We get to do that and hopefully may continue to do that for a long time."

Little Hat: One-man (Trio) Band

Little Hat is probably Holland's best-kept secret. Rockin’, sleazy and…

"Photography has taken me to many places. Both physical and spiritual. And what I have loved the most is the doors that my career has opened. I’ve found myself surrounded by objects/moments/people that many don’t get to see up close. I love being behind the scenes."

James Demaria: The Beauty of Photo-Art

James Demaria is a gifted photographer,…