"The blues is a mirror of life itself, all the crossroads we 've been, the choices we make, the troubles or the joy we receive from time to time, its all there in that music, given in a simple, raw and soulful way."

A Touch Of Blue: Magical Feeling

A Touch Of Blue is a blues cover band from Greece dedicated mostly to the early years of electric blues. The band formed by guitarist Giorgos Chrisopoulos on September 2012 but it took a lot of searching and jamming until Thanasis Giouleas on bass and Babis Panagiotakopoulos on drums became the rhythm section of the band. Last but not least the voice of the band was Evina Biniari with a vintage silky sounding voice.

"We try to cover a large range of the electric blues, from T-Bone Walker to Albert Collins and even more heavy stuff like ZZ Top but if we would like to narrow it down I would say we are more on 50’s, 60’s light overdriven kind of sound."           All Photos By Anna Pali, Athens Greece

The band tries to cover a large spectrum of the genre from T-Bone Walker to Luther Allison. Most influential on them would be Albert King, Buddy Guy and Albert Collins. As a starting band, they cut their teeth on the venues of Athens Greece, trying to share their passion for the blues with their listeners. Giorgos Chrisopoulos talks about the band, local scene, 'Hoodoo Man Blues' album, and the magical touch of blues.

Interview by Michael Limnios            

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

The blues is a mirror of life itself, all the crossroads we 've been, the choices we make, the troubles or the joy we receive from time to time, its all there in that music, given in a simple, raw and soulful way. On this journey you make through your experiences, you learn who you are and how to express yourself.

How do you describe the sound and songbook of A Touch Of Blue? What is the story beside the name of band?

We try to cover a large range of the electric blues, from T-Bone Walker to Albert Collins and even more heavy stuff like ZZ Top but if we would like to narrow it down I would say we are more on 50’s, 60’s light overdriven kind of sound. The band's name refers to the magical moment when someone first listened to the blues.

"I hope people will actively search and listen to their favorite music instead of accepting mindlessly what they 've been served. My fear is what happens if they won't."

Are there any memories from gigs, jams and festival which you’d like to share with us?

I would recall on our first gig; we played outdoors and I was very focused on my guitar, not paying attention to the surrounded people, lost in the music. After having played some tunes, I looked around and realized that a lot of people had been gathered in front of us, having good time enjoying the music.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Actually, I miss spontaneity combined with creativity.

I hope people will actively search and listen to their favorite music instead of accepting mindlessly what they 've been served. My fear is what happens if they won't.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

I would erase the word 'industry' from the phrase 'music industry'. I believe that these two words do not fit well together. Music is an art, industry is producing something in big quantities for profit.

Make an account of the case of the blues in Greece. Which is the most interesting period in local scene?

Even though there are solid blues bands and musicians who know how to play the blues, there is no venue dedicated to this genre of music, most of the times its a rock or jazz venue that will house the blues.

"I would erase the word 'industry' from the phrase 'music industry'. I believe that these two words do not fit well together. Music is an art, industry is producing something in big quantities for profit."

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues Rock from United States and UK to Greece?

I believe that Blues Wire formed on 1983 and Blues Cargo on 1987, both were the pioneers here and they continue to give top performances.

Are there any similarities between the blues and the genres of local folk music and forms?

I think folk music in general, has simplicity and improvisation on its core.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day..?

I would go back to 1965, on September 22, on Sound Studios where the 'Hoodoo Man Blues' was recorded. I would see Junior Wells and Buddy Guy doing what they knew best, playing their hearts out!!