“People that come to Blues shows, don't have race issues, they're just there to enjoy the music!”

Carlos Showers: Sweet Home Chicago

Carlos Showers born in 1956 and raised in Chicago, his first musical instrument was the cornet, which he started playing in fifth grade. By his own admission, over the course of his career spanning decades, he has played with just about every blues artist in Chicago. Carlos Showers says: “My sound is Blues, Rock and R&B! My philosophy is staying consistent and true the music. And the balance between technique and emotion is that you need both so that the music is authentic and the audience can feel it.” A favourite of the female blues singers, Showers has managed to stay busy without attracting much attention to himself. “I've played and had a great time but to name people: I've played with Big Time Sarah, Willie Kent, Nellie ‘Tiger’ Travis, BTS Express, Chicago's Most Wanted, Grana Louise, Smilin’ Bobby and Buster Benton and currently playing with Demetria Taylor. I also shared the stage with my best friend Mike Wheeler and his Band, and another friend Ron Simmons… just to name a few and as far as sessions, every session I've done for Delmark Records has been Great!”

(Carlos Showers / Photo by Howard Greenblatt)

Carlos Showers inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as Master Blues Artist in 2016, and is member of Delmark All-Star Band. Carlos says: “Chicago is just one of the “Capitals of the Blues” and the world knows it already and Chicago just has a long Great History for the Blues!”

Interview by Michael Limnios

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

What I've learned is that the music is fun and the reaction it gives people is priceless and the music means to me is that it has a Great History.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

My sound is Blues, Rock and R&B! My philosophy is staying consistent and true the music. And the balance between technique and emotion is that you need both so that the music is authentic and the audience can feel it.

Why do you think that Chicago Blues scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Chicago is just one of the “Capitals of the Blues” and the world knows it already and Chicago just has a long Great History for the Blues!

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Meeting Smilin’ Bobby and Willie Kent, I've had a great experience with them both, because they took me to Europe. Bobby in 1988 and Kent in 1995 and 1996. And the best advice anyone ever gave me was simple, I met Ramsey Lewis around 1977 and said, just don't stop playing …so, I never stopped.

“What I miss most about the past Blues was the 70's, 80's and 90's …the Blues was Powerful Authentic and Fun, and it's because I'm from that era, but it's still good now. I think the future is bright, because there are some young people playing the Blues like Christone “Kingfish" Ingram.” (Carlos Showers inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as Master Blues Artist in 2016 /  Photo by Sweet Music Chica)

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

There are too many gigs that I've played and had a great time but to name people: I've played with Big Time Sarah, Willie Kent, Nellie ‘Tiger’ Travis, BTS Express, Chicago's Most Wanted, Grana Louise, Smilin’ Bobby and Buster Benton and currently playing with Demetria Taylor. I also shared the stage with my best friend Mike Wheeler and his Band, and another friend Ron Simmons… just to name a few and as far as sessions, every session I've done for Delmark Records has been Great!

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

What I miss most about the past Blues was the 70's, 80's and 90's …the Blues was Powerful Authentic and Fun, and it's because I'm from that era, but it's still good now. I think the future is bright, because there are some young people playing the Blues like Christone “Kingfish" Ingram.

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

People that come to Blues shows, don't have race issues, they're just there to enjoy the music!

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

What I've learned is that, if every person in the world had the mindset of the people that come to the Blues Shows we could all get along!!

(Carlos Showers / Photo by Sweet Music Chica)