"I loved playing in Europe. Europeans listen better and are very respectful of our music."

Joe Moss: Marathon Runner of Blues

Few up and coming young blues performers walk the walk to the degree of Chicago-based guitarist/bandleader Joe Moss. One of the hardest-working performers on the Windy City circuit, Moss routinely works up to 28 gigs a month. His sound, a winning mix of blues and R&B flavors paired with original songwriting vision, can be heard blasting out of Chicago venues like Buddy Guy's Legends and House of Blues on a regular basis. His stinging guitar and accomplished vocal style have won him fans citywide. His debut "The Joe Moss Band" gives ample proof to the rest of the world of what Midwest blues fans have known for some time: Joe Moss is for real.

A guitarist since the age of 15, Moss was given his passport into the blues world by Buddy Scott, who noticed Moss at a jam session at Rosa's Blues Lounge on Chicago's west side. Soon, Moss was playing seven nights a week as a member of Buddy's Rib Tip band. In 1992, Joe toured Spain with Buddy and also recorded "Bad Ave." with him as well. Moss' guitar skills quickly became notorious on the local scene and made him an in-demand sideman. He played countless gigs with nearly every bluesman and -woman in the city. Some of his past employers include Zora Young, Charles Wilson, Lil' Smokey Smothers, Syl Johnson, Big Time Sarah, Barkin' Bill Smith, Lefty Dizz, Magic Slim, A.C. Reed, Billy Branch, and Little Mack Simmons. Not content to remain on the side, Joe felt the pull to be his own man and lead his own band. This desire led to the birth of both The Joe Moss Band and the CD of the same name. Moss is finally able to do things his way and express the music he has been writing. Joe Moss is one representative of the future of the blues. Not just an imitator of the music's glorious past, he strives to find his own sound and material within the styles he chooses to play.        (Photo by Reed Radcliffe)

Interview by Michael Limnios

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

I learned how much stamina I have…..It’s a Marathon not a sprint.

What experiences in your life make you a GOOD BLUESMAN and SONGWRITER?

My mother’s record collection was when I first heard the blues. Getting shot in my arm in a fight in 1988 gave me the idea that maybe I should be singing and playing music to celebrate life instead of trying to fight my way to an early grave. Every mistake or success I have had, every woman I have loved, every friend or enemy I have had, has been a part of it. Every experience in my life goes into my music and my songwriting. Sometimes others experiences that I have observed have become part of my music to a lesser degree.

How do you describe Joe Moss sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy?

My sound is eclectic for the blues scene…. Progress is the point; I don’t want to be a curator in a museum of music….I want to add a chapter to the book.

"I learned how much stamina I have…..It’s a Marathon not a sprint."

Why did you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following?

Because its real and it resonates the human experience more than any other style. Everyone can relate … it is universal.

Do you remember anything funny from Buddy Scott, Lefty Dizz, Syl Johnson, and Big Time Sarah?

I remember that Buddy Scott was the sweetest guy on the blues scene, deserved way more recognition. He more than any other reason is why I play music. He saw me at Rosa’s and told me to come to the Checkerboard lounge on Chicagos south side I went and I ended up playing for him for 4-5 years until he passed. When he got sick he mostly played from a wheel chair. Buddy was a great pool player. They have a pool table at Rosa’s. We had a regular gig there every Monday Night. Buddy used to sit in the corner and watch guys play on our breaks and when he saw someone who was good he would challenge them from his wheel chair they would play him thinking that they were going to beat this old guy in a wheelchair. THEN HE would stand up out of his chair and proceed to clean the table of balls while us guys in the band would roll in laughter as he took the guys money.

What’s the best jam you ever played in? What are some of the most memorable gigs you've had?

Best Jam: Big Ray’s every Wednesday night at B.L.U.E.S.

Most memorable Gig: Alacante Spain with Buddy Scott 1992

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What is the best advice ever given you?

When I met Buddy Scott and Otis Rush most important…. Be true to yourself…my dad.

"Every experience in my life goes into my music and my songwriting. Sometimes others experiences that I have observed have become part of my music to a lesser degree."

Are there any memories from A.C. Reed, Billy Branch, and Little Mack Simmons which you’d like to share with us?

Little Mac was such a great Harp player and a really cool dude. Used to sit in with us at Lee’s unleaded Blues every weekend. Billy Branch recorded with us on the Buddy Scott record Bad Ave.

What's been your experience from the Europe? What are the differences between European and USA scene?

I loved playing in Europe. Europeans listen better and are very respectful of our music.

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

I miss the people who have passed…..loved so many … really good people. I hope people star playing real instruments. Listening to REAL music, and the powers that be start putting some money behind it present it to the kids and trust me if you present it right they will love it…..I see it every show when young kids are present….they love it and ask how come they have never heard it before….if the big money boys would do it they would be doing a great thing.

Which memory from Zora Young, Lil' Smokey Smothers, and Barkin' Bill Smith makes you smile?

Lil’ Smokey cracking jokes on stage, Zora's smile makes me smile…..I know this sounds sad but I was with Barkin’ Bill shortly before dying he was hurting and cold. I remember putting a blanket over him and him looking happy that he had people who cared about him.

How do you describe your contact to people when you are on stage?

Spiritual

"I miss the people who have passed…..loved so many … really good people."

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues from the Southern deep roots to modern electric urban sound?

All of us out here playing them … we are the lines that connect to the next generation.

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

I want to go to GREECE …. Need some beautiful people, good food and ocean…. But not for just a day maybe a couple months.

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