"I hope that my songs have both humor and passion, and that they are a true expression of my outlook about real life as I have lived it. Many of the songs are personal and are based on feelings and situations that I have felt and experienced. Musically, the songs are influenced by my love of blues and especially of classic soul music, both the southern and northern varieties."

Billy…

"The world is a melting pot of love, hate, joy, sadness, and everything in between.  I chose the path of enlightenment, a long, winding road with many forks and no shortcuts."

A.D. Winans: San Francisco Blues

A.D. Winans is a native San Francisco award winning poet and writer. He is the author of sixty books and chapbooks of poetry and prose,…

"The most important lesson that I have learned in my musical path is that you have to be a good person above all else, you can be a great instrumentalist or musician but what everyone who knows you will remember when you leave is the energy that you transmit, the music that you share and how you treat others."

Kid Carlos: The Blues Is Alright and Well!…

"Music for me is a lifelong pursuit. Singing and guitar playing music itself are so deep and vast. You could never learn everything about it. I’m glad I picked something that I can keep learning about for the rest of my life."

Chris Barron: Pocket Full of Chris Tonite

Chris Barron is an accomplished guitar player and Grammy-nominated songwriter…

"I would say the biggest lesson I’ve learned it’s to not take yourself too seriously it seems Music is the healer for the giver and the receiver, so I have to take care of myself so that I’m able to deliver a consistent performance to help people and help myself."

Jeff Pitchell: Music is the Healer

Singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jeff Pitchell,…

"Music is a tool for transcendence. Blues shows the way there. That there is a way to turn your struggles into beauty. That by being witnessed you create the path for others to do the same. This is our (human, not just white/black) history. It deserves to be honored."

Guy Forsyth: The Journeyman of Music

Austin, Texas-based musician, singer,…

"Music brings people together and can bridge cultural and political differences. If people with conflicting interests can discover a common interest, like music, this common interest might encourage communication and thus understanding."

Eden Brent: Getaway Blues

Blues lady Eden Brent is a modern-day piano-pounding, juke-joint hollering powerhouse…

"Today there is far too much imitation and archival creation of the music of the past. All the great jazz artists in the history books had their own unique individual style. It’s important for every musician to manifest their unique musical voice in the same way that every face and every fingerprint are unique!"

John Di Martino: The Poetic Element…

"Basic humility is a big lesson to learn and it's never ending, it's a practice. You have to believe in yourself and what you're doing. At the same time, it's important to be able to listen to advice and know what's good for you. Also, practicing your skills on your instrument, singing, songwriting, etc. is critical and there is no substitute for hard work."

Glen Foster: Unnatural…

"Music can inspire people to change their lives for the better - it can even provide blueprints for that. And of course, it can also ease the pain of existence and provide hope and allow people to think more clearly. I hope that my work can provide insights and clarity, open new pathways not just for hearing but for reflection not just about music and art but about the nature of our existence (and not in a didactic or preachy way, just opening some…

"The blues connects me completely to my past, helps me understand my present, and tells me my future."

Reverend Shawn Amos:

Soul Power, Blues Power, Black Power!

Shawn Ellis Amos (aka Reverend Shawn Amos) is an American songwriter, singer, record producer, web personality and founder…

"I believe if we work hard, do so with passion, integrity, and respect, keep an open door for dialog and constructive feedback, and think outside-the-box we have a recipe for success. The philosophy is treating others well, inspire growth, and ultimately lead the artists’ performances and songs to millions and millions of fans around the world each year."

Jeff DeLia:…

"I think music is a universal language. Like mathematics, it’s a universal method for humans to communicate across language, religion, and cultural barriers. Music is a common denominator and Blues/Rock music has influenced my views on the world, and I hope the music we create does so for others."

Jennifer Lyn: Groove Revival's Journey…

"I want my music to hit people in the heart and soul, and make them think. I’m not interested in making background music. I want to make the world a better place."

Steve Conn: Southern Rootsy Grooves

Steve Conn has played piano, organ or accordion with Bonnie Raitt, Shemekia Copeland, Kris Kristofferson, Dion, Kenny Loggins and a multitude of…

"I think music has grown so much over the past century. Musicianship is at an all time high, and the technology is incredible at enhancing everything one can do. There’s more of literally everything now than there’s ever been, but if I could wax nostalgic about eras now passed, I would say I miss the imperfections."

Jeff Rogers: Blue-eyed Bluesy Soul…

"Music is communication, from one heart to another, and can be a consolation, a reassurance, a kick in the butt. It can be your best friend or really piss you off, but it communicates. As long as we can communicate this world has a chance!"

Burleigh Drummond:

Tin Drum (Talented) Family Band…

"It's interesting to see how the listener reacts to the music and how much they love the music in other parts of the world. It seems to be a universal music that moves people everywhere."

John Clifton: Coast to Coast Blues

As a co-founder (w/ brother Bill Clifton) of Fresno's The MoFo Party Band, John Clifton has solidified himself as one of…

"The popularity of the Blues always goes up and down, but it’ll never die. Right now, there’s a whole new generation of exciting young blues artists emerging who’ll keep the music alive and who’ll keep spreading the news to future generations."

Rick Estrin:

The Nightcats Hits Keep Coming…

"For those of us who have experienced the magic of that music, it is a worthy pursuit to try to convey that magic to others. It is important that we honor those who created and shaped that music, not just the famous names but also lesser known artists who despite their obscurity have created something profound."

Carl Sonny Leyland: Boogie Woogie Party…

"My travels have confirmed to me that music brings people together in ways that politics, culture or religion never can. I was in Austin, Texas in the early 70s when Willie Nelson brought the hippies and rednecks together. It was amazing. And I was blown away when I first went to Italy to find people who understood no English were huge Townes Van Zandt fans.  As long as music can continue to lead the way to our similarities as opposed to our differences…