"Music is a powerful emotional vehicle for expression of human feelings, and therefore will always be intertwined with all aspects of the human existence."

Sallie Bengtson: A Heart Full Of Blues

NOLA BLUE, INC. was formed in 2012 by…

"The role of music has never changed. It's our ability to tap into each other… find common ground and enjoy collective humanity that is music’s eternal power."

Mike Griot: Blues People Play The Blues

BLUES People are 2023 and 2024 North Jersey Blues Society (NJBS) International Blues Challenge (IBC) Winners, and 2024 IBC Semifinalists in Memphis,…

"Jazz was my generation’s original inspiration. It was American classical music and the backdrop to the Beat Generation. Psychedelic rock soon became the definitive music of my generation. The psychedelic dance palaces like Chet Helm’s Avalon Ballroom, Bill Graham’s Fillmore Auditorium, Straight Theater and more obscure venues like California Hall and Western Front were imitated all over the world."…

"Can you imagine a world without the blues and everything it’s inspired? It would definitely be a sad and gloomy place! The blues has given so much to music, and it still does. We’ll keep it alive, no doubt about that!"

Kiko Pereira: New "Old School" Blues

The new album ‘Ghosts’ (2024) from the Portuguese blues band Kiko & The Blues…

"Blues is not necessarily music only, it can be any kind of expression, and since it is the root of today’s music, it touches the soul and heart of a person. Kids nowadays are less connected with the older generations and their way of life, and it is unlikely for them to discover the blues on their own."

Odin S: In The Circle of Sunrise Blues…

"Roots music, plays a role today by connecting us to our cultural roots and reminding us of our shared experiences. In a fast-paced world, roots music provides a sense of grounding. It celebrates diversity, hopefully bridges divides, and understanding for people from different backgrounds. It's a timeless reminder of the power of music to bring us all together."

Shaun Murphy: The Voice of…

"He was ever creative, and embarked on many new pathways of exploration in his lifetime. Had a refined appreciation of music, and took improv piano lessons during his 60s and most of his 70s and composed several songs, including words and music. I loved witnessing him building this new creative expression. He had a vast collection of music which he cultivated and employed in his journey work."…

"Happily, there is good and great music in every era. However, today's popular music often seems less heartfelt than the music I grew up listening to. I pray that the current younger generation will nurture the best of human culture, contribute to it and take us closer to a world of peace and harmony."

Eric Bibb: Blues Storyteller & Philosopher …

"AI doesn't concern me at all. Music is a thing people do. We get together and we communicate, we dance, sing, celebrate, praise and commiserate. It's not a passive object we just observe and admire."

Jon Gomm: The Knight & His Excalibur

Jon Gomm is a singer-songwriter and acoustic solo performer based in Yorkshire, UK, known for his…

"I learn to keep myself disciplined, to have fun and enjoy the people around me."

Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith:

Keeping The Blues Alive, Well and Fresh!

Kenny Smith was unquestionably born into blues royalty. He grew up in the same house where Muddy Waters once lived in Chicago, the home of…

"I hope people never forget about the Blues as the 'root' of it all, and I hope people continue to 'grow' within the Blues, and use it for their own creativity, not just to copy…."

Arlen Roth: Playing Out the String

Arlen Roth is a true guitar legend; part of the list of who he's recorded and toured with contains folks like Simon…

"Blues music is a universal truth, everyone gets the blues. I would like to see ALL the stereotypes associated with the blues disappear."

J.P. Reali: All About... Blues Since Birth

A veteran of the D.C. music scene for almost thirty years, J.P. Reali has played in numerous venues throughout the city. From his days as the lead guitar player in the…

"I miss real live performances and fun music from the 50s. Huge fan of the golden oldies. Wish songwriting that gets big was still good and clever. Really worried about AI music just taking over and clogging up the American music toilet."

Taylor Hollingsworth: Electric Folk

Taylor Hollingsworth, the fingerpicking songwriter hailing from…

"I try to make people have a trip though my music. The goal is to make them stop thinking about all the alienating stuff in their lives, and just start feeling what’s really there instead of making life projections. Simply put, to give them vacations away from their brain."

Amaury Faivre: Americana Experiences 

Harmonica player, guitarist and…

"The blues speaks to pain, loss, hope and love, universal experiences that anyone can relate to. It can be structurally simple but musically and emotionally complex."…

"Don't hold on to your exact vision for the outcome - especially in the journey from writing the song to the finished album. Everybody that I've worked with from Al Kooper to David Bromberg, Coco Brown to Hazel Miller have added to my original idea and taken it to a new place. And if I am open to it ... can see the vision ... it makes it better. Now, sometimes you say, "well that's a great part but not on this track." But for the most part - collaboration…

"What I miss most from the music of the past are the pure, raw emotions. The music back then had a way of capturing you, making you feel something deeply every time you listened, just like the first time. There was an authenticity and soul in the sound that’s hard to replicate today."

Thomy Gunn: Rock Around The Europe

Born on October 25, 1994,…

"Blues is ageless. Everyone was young at one time. A lot of the original blues artists like Robert Johnson were young, in their 20s when they recorded. BB King and Jimmy Reed were young and vibrant when they started out and continued to be loved throughout their lives. For me it’s the same. I wrote songs when I was 20, and I still do today."

Brad Vickers & Margey…

"Stay true to yourself and the music. For me...the Blues is a Healer! The Blues have gotten me through some hard times, and it has brought me some joy too. I enjoy seeing people have a good time... if I can do that while playing music... it's double the pleasure for me!"

Ronnie Baker Brooks: Blues In His…

"The Blues nexus with Rock was so complete it was seamless. If you have Blues on your mind, there it is. If it’s Rock, it’s certainly there. It was Rock in those days for me. And still is apparently with an increasing love for the Blues. I think the Blues is a great way to deliver ideas. I’m hooked!"

Randy Lee Riviere: Concrete Blues…