"Blues is at the roots of nearly all modern music, its something we as humans can all relate to and it’s important that we share music that evokes such primal and natural emotions. Music in my opinion is a requirement in society, not only to enjoy but to help share feelings , deal with problems peacefully and to connect with people. Humans don’t survive on bread alone and I think that music is a very important part of our existence."

Iain Donald: The Gator Plays The Blues

Iain Donald, professionally known as The Gator hails from a town called Alloa in the Forth Valley area of Scotland. His unique picking technique and delicate slide work has gained him attention internationally and is often cited as one of the UK’s finest traditional blues players, favouring economy of touch over fretboard flashiness. His unique style of playing has even seen him compared to legend Ry Cooder on occasion. He is also known for his smokey bourbon style vocal which accompanies his steel resonator perfectly. The Gator says: "I try and make every note I play mean something so quite often I’ll play less where others may play more. I see my instrument as an extension of myself so I try and allow that to come through in my music. Sometimes it’s about the notes you don’t play." Cited as one of the UK's finest traditional blues slide guitarists, The Gator knows how to play.              (Iain Donald aka The Gator / Photo by Colin Robertson)

The Gator is also a blues presenter/broadcaster alongside partner Fiona Gault aka Gaulty and the “Bluesome Twosome”  also write and perform together. Iain has been known to share the stage with soul blues master Sugaray Rayford on several occasions and both him is friends with some of the biggest names in the blues today. Most recently he released a single ("See That My Grave Is Kept Clean", 2023) with St Louis own Candice Ivory in memory of his late mother. The Gator says: "I hope there will continue to be a platform for traditional blues artists and that the roots of the genre aren’t forgotten. My fear is that too many artists release music under the blues umbrella and that it waters down the authenticity of the genre."

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world? What touched you from the slide guitar?

I still believe that blues music is the most authentic and honest sounding genre we have. Slide guitar in particular has a very vocal and almost human quality to it which has always been the attraction for me.

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I try and make every note I play mean something so quite often I’ll play less where others may play more. I see my instrument as an extension of myself so I try and allow that to come through in my music. Sometimes it’s about the notes you don’t play. 

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

Although I’ve always been a blues musician at heart, losing my parents made me lean into the blues a lot more. It is cathartic really. Starting my solo career was a major thing and without the support from Fiona (Gaulty) and my first proper gig thanks to Dave Arcari it’d have been a lot harder to grow. I think sharing the stage with with Sugaray Rayford and being invited to Mississippi by hillcountry legend Garry Burnside are my highlights so far.                               (Photo: Iain Donald aka The Gator & Fiona Gaulty)

"I still believe that blues music is the most authentic and honest sounding genre we have. Slide guitar in particular has a very vocal and almost human quality to it which has always been the attraction for me."

Why do you think that Scottish Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think perseverance is the main reason… We are a naturally proud and stubborn nation haha. There are a few great blues acts that do the scene justice in Scotland… For example,  Blue Milk, Gus Munro and Dave Arcari are but a few although I could list plenty more and organisations like Edinburgh Blues Club are so valuable to keeping it afloat.

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

I personally miss the simpler sounding blues of days gone by however I think everything in life naturally changes and evolves. I hope there will continue to be a platform for traditional blues artists and that the roots of the genre aren’t forgotten. My fear is that too many artists release music under the blues umbrella and that it waters down the authenticity of the genre.

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

Listening… In my own humble opinion listening is the most important part of music. Playing music is like having a conversation , so it’s valuable to listen before “speaking”. Another lesson I’ve learned is that not everyone is gonna like you and that’s ok.

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

Blues is at the roots of nearly all modern music, its something we as humans can all relate to and it’s important that we share music that evokes such primal and natural emotions. Music in my opinion is a requirement in society, not only to enjoy but to help share feelings, deal with problems peacefully and to connect with people. Humans don’t survive on bread alone and I think that music is a very important part of our existence.

The Gator - Home

(Iain Donald aka The Gator / Photo by David Chapman)