"Blues is the foundation of all American music as we know it. Music should connect people to each other and can be a spiritual as well as entertaining experience. One can minister with music."

Terry Robb: Standing at the CrissCross

Unlike the legendary story of blues icon Robert Johnson and his iconic "Cross Road Blues," widely acclaimed blues guitarist Terry Robb and the highly lauded blues pianist David Vest have individually crossed clubs, cities, and countries performing their rich and illustrious discographies to blues fans from north to south, east to west. Now the two musicians have joined forces for "CrissCross" (2024), the debut album from the duo featuring the almost criminally short but terribly sweet instrumental single "Long Gone Home." The fact David Vest and Terry Robb sound like they've been joined at the hip for decades is a testament to how formidable both artists are. "Twelve originals, a mix of vocals and instrumentals," the duo says. "In the tradition of Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell, Tampa Red and Georgia Tom, Lonnie Johnson and Blind John Davis." The tandem of Vest and Robb combines a wealth of experience and musicianship. Vest has shared the stage with the likes of Big Joe Turner, Bo Diddley, and country legend Faron Young, among others.                                        (Photo: Terry Robb, 2024)

He has also won six Maple Blues Awards and five Muddy Awards. Meanwhile Terry Robb has worked with Diddley, Joe Cocker, Maria Muldaur, Johnny Winter and Steve Miller among countless others. These collaborations are in addition to 19 Muddy Awards for Robb and being a member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame. In short, you have two blues legends with more than eight decades of experience combined. Put the two together, and as much as each has to offer individually, the sum is greater than the parts. Both Vest and Robb have individually had albums top various blues and roots music charts throughout their rich musical histories.

Interview by Michael Limnios                       Archive: Terry Robb, 2012 Interview

Special Thanks: Terry Robb & Eric Alper PR

How has the music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Music is the greatest form of communication. It brings all people together in a shared experience.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

Being eclectic and telling a story. The technique I learned on the guitar comes from Blues playing so no matter what style of song I play, it will have that feel to it. It is the same when a Classical, Jazz or Country artist plays out of their genre. My growth has been to always keep learning …

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

My Father Taking me to see Louis Armstrong and the Beatles when I was a kid. My Brother is exposing me to Blues and RnB. Highlights would be working with john Fahey and Rambling Rex.

"Being eclectic and telling a story. The technique I learned on the guitar comes from Blues playing so no matter what style of song I play, it will have that feel to it. It is the same when a Classical, Jazz or Country artist plays out of their genre. My growth has been to always keep learning …" (Photo: Guitarist Terry Robb and pianist David Vest have individually crossed clubs, cities, and countries performing their rich and illustrious discographies to blues fans from north to south, east to west)

What touched you from the sound of acoustic guitar? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album CrissCross?

I liked the guitar's organic simplicity but also the guitar's ability to be a self-contained orchestra all on it's own...

The recording process was so easy because of the musical connection David, and I have. We had no rehearsal, and we could have kept going for a week without repeating ourselves.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Stay true to the music and yourself. Never forget why you started or why you were drawn to wanting to become a musician to begin with. Take care of your health.

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music?

The technique is there to serve the soul. The driving force is to touch people and to express myself.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

Blues is the foundation of all American music as we know it. Music should connect people to each other and can be a spiritual as well as entertaining experience. One can minister with music.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Using the platforms that are available today and playing what I believe.

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(Photo: Terry Robb, 2024)