"The future is full of hope though. In Britain and Europe the blues scene is thriving - magazines, websites, clubs, festivals are all really successful, and have prospered since the end of the Covid pandemic. So I think we should raise a glass to the memory of all those who have gone before, but look forward to and embrace what's coming next."

Mississippi MacDonald:

The Blues Gem In The Crown

British musicians have long had a burning passion for American roots music and none more than three-time British Blues Award nominee, Mississippi MacDonald, who earned his moniker for displaying his love for the blues at an early age. “It’s modern, it’s not musical archaeology,” says London-based soul-blues stylist Mississippi MacDonald of his music. “It celebrates a fantastic tradition. It’s soul-blues, and you’ve got to put your best into it.” MacDonald knows that tradition. He’s been to Al Green’s church and heard him preach. He’s been to Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios in Memphis, where the great records on the Hi Label were recorded. He’s seen Jerry Lee Lewis kick over his piano stool. He’s met B.B. King and Pinetop Perkins, Otis Clay, and Sam Moore. Big Joe Turner told him to listen to Albert King. In 2008, he was a prime mover in finally getting a stone for the previously unmarked grave of soul legend O.V. Wright. 

(Mississippi MacDonald / Photo by John Bull)

In what seems like fantasy, he soon got a grounding in how live music worked, learning the ropes, performing for audiences in a professional setting while still at school. A school friend’s parents were in a band, which played holiday camps, British Legion clubs, country festivals – as if time were frozen in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. They took MacDonald under their wing and, from age 14, he would accompany them to shows, play with them, and performed a couple of solo spots. They played what audiences wanted to hear: country, Roy Orbison. In 2023, released his "Heavy State Loving Blues". London singer, guitarist and songwriter Oliver “Mississippi” MacDonald's new solo 9-tracks album “I Got What You Need (Relase Day: October 25th) showcase MacDonald as songwriter four original songs and collaborator with ex- Malaco writer and Ecko Records owner, John Ward, proving why he won two U.K Blues Awards in 2024.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues and Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I've been listening to blues, soul, gospel and jazz for nearly all my life. I've been fortunate enough to travel to where it came from in the US, and to have played and collaborated with musicians from there, but I think the journey is more than just about where you've been.

I think its true to say that all of us who are fans of the music start somewhere - mine was seeing Chuck Berry live when I was a kid - and then set off on a lifetime journey of discovery.  Chuck gets you to Louis Jordan, to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, then to Albert King who also played a Gibson - and so on, and that's how it starts. For me then the journey has been both about places I've been to, but also what I've discovered and learned. And even today I'm discovering new musicians, new songs and new stories.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I guess the easy answer to where my creative drive comes from is from my passion for the music, but sometimes it can come from the most unexpected places - I've written more than one song standing on platform 1 of London Bridge station...! Song inspiration can come from anywhere - your own experiences, other people’s stories or things that you sometimes overhear. For me its about taking those song ideas and creating a sound that is up to date, but also celebrates the tradition of soul and blues.

There's also one very personal thing - being able to stand up on stage and play and sing is like having your dreams come true, but it happens every night. Every time I can't wait to get up there and do it all again.            (Mississippi MacDonald / Photo by Alan Dunkley)

"I've been listening to blues, soul, gospel and jazz for nearly all my life. I've been fortunate enough to travel to where it came from in the US, and to have played and collaborated with musicians from there, but I think the journey is more than just about where you've been."

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?

I keep learning all the time and I’ve been very fortunate to spend time making music with the very greatest. I’ve worked with Benny Turner, Vaneese Thomas and the Reverend Shawn Amos, and I’m writing to you now from Memphis where I’ve been working with Hi Rhythm. Earlier this year I recorded with Eric Gales, William Bell and Jools Holland in the UK, and on the I Got What You Need record I’ve worked with my amazing band in the UK and with people in Memphis. The thing that’s stayed the same is my passion and love for blues and soul. Every day I listen to music, and feel as excited about it as I did when I was starting out.

Currently you’ve one more blues release. How did that relationship with the blues come about?

My relationship with the blues came about through getting access to classic records when I was young. I got to hear Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Ray Charles when I was younger than 10. That sparked a lifelong passion in me - and a journey to find out more by exploring where they came from, and why they sounded like they did. From there came all kinds of blues, soul, gospel….

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “I Got What You Need” (2024)?

Yes! Two of the songs on this record came about from meeting John Ward of Ecko Records in Memphis. John used to write for Malaco, and had hits with Bobby Bland and Little Milton amongst others. John and I are good friends, and we were listening to a stack of his demos in his office at Ecko. From there came Hard Luck and Trouble, and also the title track of the album by Memphian Sonny Mack (he had a couple of great records out a few years back and used to play Beale Street a lot). Ecko is a super cool place - not only was the studio built by Jim Stewart after he left Stax, it’s also the home of many Southern Soul artists like Ollie Nightingale.

"I think it was, and still is a part of popular music - you can trace back chord sequences, licks and riffs, the electric guitar etc. music today all the way back through the years and it almost always leads back to the blues, or jazz - through soul and gospel. Look at the Rolling Stones and their popularity even today and how that links back to Muddy Waters, or how Bowie's Lets Dance is made awesome by Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar part." (Mississippi MacDonald Band / Photo Alan Dunkley)

How do you prepare your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

Clean living, exercise and intense practice to get it right! I spend a lot of time working on my guitar, keys and voice, writing songs and making sounds. But - I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a musician that I’ll go all day and all night, and keep coming back for more.

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

I’m doing everything I can. Making records, playing shows, writing songs and getting on the road. I’ve been fortunate to get recognition in the UK through two Blues Awards in 2024, and through having a wonderful team to work with. The thing is, it doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, we’ve got to get together and let the good times roll…!

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

John from Ecko told me that in 68, he went to the Coliseum in Memphis to see a bill which had B.B. King and Little Milton on it. Between them there was a Memphis singer, the great O.V. Wright, who he hadn’t heard of at the time but who came onto the bandstand and played an incredible show that brought the house down. From that day John became a convert to O.V. Wright, and O.V. is also my favourite soul artist of all time. So, it would have to be that day in 68, watching one of the greats at the height of his powers.                            (Mississippi MacDonald Band / Photo by John Bull)

"Clean living, exercise and intense practice to get it right! I spend a lot of time working on my guitar, keys and voice, writing songs and making sounds. But - I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a musician that I’ll go all day and all night, and keep coming back for more."

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

If there's one thing to be sad about its that many of the greats didn't stay around longer - I'm particularly thinking of Magic Sam, Albert Collins and so on. Magic Sam left a glorious recorded legacy, but was so young when he passed - you wonder what he could have done next.

The future is full of hope though. In Britain and Europe the blues scene is thriving - magazines, websites, clubs, festivals are all really successful, and have prospered since the end of the Covid pandemic. So I think we should raise a glass to the memory of all those who have gone before, but look forward to and embrace what's coming next.

What were the reasons that made the UK since 60s to be the center of Blues Rock researches and experiments?

Its the passion that we have for Blues, Soul, Gospel and Jazz, and our admiration and respect for all the musicians and performers that went before. At that time, many of the legendary performers came to visit the UK - some even, like Champion Jack Dupree, settled here.

At the end of the street where I live, there's a hotel that hosted Sonny Boy Williamson and Jimi Hendrix amongst others - and those shows are still talked about today amongst fans and enthusiasts. So its a part of our history, and I'm delighted to say that our passion for the blues remains undimmed today.

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

Yes - I've been lucky enough to play all over, and meet people from all over the world. Last year though there was something very special - Vaneese Thomas sang on one of my records, Blind Leading the Blind. She's an incredible singer and talent, indeed Memphis Royalty, and it was a real honour to sing with her.

"Be kind, be humble and respectful, and work your damn hardest to make your show and your records the best they can possibly be. And - press your suit, and polish your shoes. You won't get a gig in my band unless you look sharp." (Mississippi MacDonald Band_/ Photo by John Bull)

Why was the Blues never a part of the pop/popular music? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I think it was, and still is a part of popular music - you can trace back chord sequences, licks and riffs, the electric guitar etc. music today all the way back through the years and it almost always leads back to the blues, or jazz - through soul and gospel. Look at the Rolling Stones and their popularity even today and how that links back to Muddy Waters, or how Bowie's Lets Dance is made awesome by Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar part.

The question of technique and soul is a fascinating one - the best answer to that I think is about space, and as a musician not trying to play too much at once. Look at Albert Collins and Albert King - each played just a handful of notes that could hit you like a train. Bobby Rush described this brilliantly in his autobiography - he said the space between the notes that you play has a rhythm of its own, and that's what gives music soul. 

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I think the blues can be misunderstood. Those who are not in on the secret may think of it as sad music, all about hard times, misfortune and bad luck. But its much more than that - I think its a joyous celebration of life. It has humour, excitement, and it can pull at your heartstrings - sometimes all three within one verse. Albums like Live At The Regal, and Muddy Mississippi Waters Live capture that joy. And I'd like for people to share in that - after all, who wouldn't get up off their feet in an auditorium when BB King sang and played?

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

Be kind, be humble and respectful, and work your damn hardest to make your show and your records the best they can possibly be. And - press your suit, and polish your shoes. You won't get a gig in my band unless you look sharp.

Mississippi MacDonald - Home

(Mississippi MacDonald / Photo by Alan Dunkley)