"I believe - particularly in the 60's - the music of my generation had a significant socio-cultural impact because music was a primary mode of communication for youth and the counterculture back then. Today, of course, there are many different modes of communication - not only for young people, but people of all different ages, backgrounds and political views. Here, in the San Francisco Bay Area, the counterculture was held together by a handful of…

"Music is ingrained in the culture of New Orleans more deeply than in other cities.  The traditions are practiced and upheld with a reverence, dedication and honesty that can’t be found elsewhere."

Collins Kirby:

New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival

The 8th annual New Orleans Cigar Box…

"Music is life-affirming, the breath moving through the body has the ability to remind the body that it lives, and that breath intoned can remind a voice that it matters."

Lilli Lewis: The Black Rose of Americana

Beloved New Orleans Folk Rock Diva Lilli Lewis is releasing Righteous Babe Records label debut, "All is Forgiven" on December 1,…

"Thanks to recording, we can still hear the music of the past. In fact rock’n’roll (and jazz before it) wouldn’t have happened the way it did without the mass media. We can also recreate the music of any previous time by playing live, any night, any place, wherever there’s a stage, a microphone and an audience. This applies to equally to a classical orchestra or a rock power trio."

Kimberley Rew: The…

"My father told me to find what you love to do, make that your life and figure out how to make money from it. Best advice ever. I spent most of my adult life on a musical journey, and even through the ups and downs I loved every minute of it."

Bryan Bassett: Blues/Rock Conversations

Bryan Bassett has over 40 years experience as a…

"Living and creating music with integrity and understanding that rather than being the source, as an artist, you are merely a conduit. Being aware that as an artist, music is part of your physical self and that it’s a primary form of your self-expression."

Scott Holt: I Got My Mojo Axe

Inspired by the rich musical legacy of the American south,…

"My hope for the future of Jazz is to reignite interest among younger generations, to bring them back into contact with this rich musical tradition. There's an incredible depth and innovation in Jazz that I believe can resonate with contemporary audiences."

Marta Sánchez: Reflection of the Universe

Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, pianist and…

"Blues has always reflected and reacted to that in a way that touches the root of a person's soul. That's how I want and hope our music will affect and inspire."

Don Wegrzynowski: The Righteous Villains

On their debut album, Unusual Suspects (2023), the Righteous Villains flirt with a myriad of classic blues styles while forging new…

"Music is a medium of message. It is universal, and can get past mental barriers that conversation or argument cannot. At its best, it conveys the shared experience of being human, and can help change perceptions and point of view. I hope our music is a comfort and an inspiration to the listener. Knowing someone else has felt how they do, and is still here to sing about it, maybe that helps them keep on."…

"WI’ve been doing music or should I say "the business of music" for over 60 years now and seen heard and learned a ton about humanity. I think one of the most important lessons is "show business" two words folks, two words! "show" a very small word, "business" a big ass word, remember that folks, it boils down to business!"

Doc Holiday: Music Dream Machine…

"Music will affect people as it does, and will, and I have nothing to say about it, nor is it any of my business. Personally, the only objections I have deal with not being too happy about anything that has a negative impact, effect or vibe on the youth of tomorrow. I think if you're going to lead those who follow you down a dark road or rabbit hole just to make a buck, that's not my idea of leaving behind any timeless positive legacy. That's my story, and…

"I believe that we are getting back to simplicity of music, that’s what I miss most. Pop Music today is homogenized crap force fed to us by big radio stations backed by big corporate money. Music of the past was at least real and not processed garbage from talentless puppets. My hopes are that musicians get fair pay for their streaming royalties and big companies stop making more money than the artists."…

"Music is so important in all our lives, even when one doesn't realize it. The beauty of hearing music can sometimes humanize people that you don't agree with, and make peace with the world."

Sue Palmer: Lady Who Skates on the 88s

Known worldwide as the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sultana of Swing, and Lady Who Skates on the 88s, Sue…

" Music has played a big part in a lot of big social events, music can unite people, so I hope it keeps doing that."

Bob Fridzema: Let The Groove Time Roll

Growing up and playing gigs all over the Netherlands, Bob Fridzema became an experienced player on the Hammond Organ, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet,…

"The most important lessons I have learned in my life are humility and perseverance. I have loved the Blues all my life, I enjoy playing it and I enjoy listening to it. I love to see live blues and I go to as many events and festivals as I can every chance I get, for me the greatest source of learning is watching other players perform, from that you often learn what to do, and what not to do."

Mingo…

"If you’re thinking about what you’re playing or technique while you’re performing – you’ve lost the emotional aspect of the music, you are trying to play. All the technique, drilling and hard work has to be done offstage, in your living room, in the shower, or in your head while you’re driving. People don’t want to pay for a ticket to see someone studying, they come for an experience that going to match or surpass their feelings."…

"I miss the lack of attention to the craft of song writing and composition in the music scene. I see this in so many different styles – often exceptional virtuosic musicians with nothing to say in their compositions. In the past their seemed to be a need to be individual, to have an identifiable personal sound."

Richard Rozze: The Lion Has A Message…

"I think it is important for all of us, whether it is fans, musicians, DJs or journalists, to ensure that Blues music is continually acknowledged as the highest form of art, I think even in the last 5 years the "Genre" of Blues has re-emerged as a strong part of contemporary music, and that is a really good thing. I hope my small contribution will show how much I respect the beautiful soulful music that is 'Blues'."…

"There is a universal feeling that comes from this music. It does not matter where a person lives, or what language they speak, the power of blues music can speak to everyone. Blues/Roots music is the musical foundation from which all popular American music stems, it is part of our culture and brings people together."

Cedar County Cobras: Homesick Blues…

"I think music in many ways puts you more closely in touch with your inner self. Music is really a very emotional thing, and being involved in music, whether in its creation, or listening as a fan of music puts you in closer contact with your higher self. That produces profound change in our lives."

Ray: Angelic Music Shines Like The Sun…