"What I miss nowadays is that so many of the guys I used to work with and play with have passed away. There are very few younger people playing the blues. I think if that doesn't change, the survival of the music is in trouble."

Tom Morris: Illinois Slim Plays The Blues

Tom Morris (aka Illinois Slim) is a veteran American blues guitarist, harmonica and bass player from Chicago, Illinois. Tom says: "My sound on the harmonica is close to Little Willie Anderson and Junior Wells. When I was playing guitar, I sounded like Eddie Taylor. I think soul is more important than technique. I don't know much about music theory, but I just try to play the way I'm feeling." And continues: "I learned that life can be hard, but that I always feel better while I am playing music. It is also a great thrill to see people in the audience enjoying themselves."                         (Tom Morris / Photo by Drew Verbis)

Illinois Slim shared the stage with many great blues musician. Tom says: "In the 1970's and 80's there were still a lot of the great musicians left. One time I was working with drummer Kansas City Red and Junior Wells walked into the clubs and sat in with us. In 1977, I was working on harmonica with singer Willie Buck. The rest of the band included Dave and Louis Myers, Johnny "Big Moose" Walker, and Odie Payne Jr." 

Interview by Michael Limnios

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

I learn that I can express how I am feeling through the instrument that I am playing. The blues is life - good times and bad times.                      

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

My sound on the harmonica is close to Little Willie Anderson and Junior Wells. When I was playing guitar, I sounded like Eddie Taylor. I think soul is more important than technique. I don't know much about music theory, but I just try to play the way I'm feeling.                                             

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

I think Chicago is still the Blues capital of the world. We just lost Tail Dragger, but we still have Mary Lane, Willie Buck, Mud Morganfield, Elmore James Jr., Lurrie Bell, Billy Boy Arnold, Billy Branch, and John Primer.

What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I think the highlights have been my many recording sessions that I have played on. The biggest session for me was recording with Sunnyland Slim and Hubert Sumlin in 1981. Tail Dragger once told me to "take your time and don't overplay." 

"I think there should be more blues written about economic hardships, and even political subjects. The music can affect people by letting them know that they are not alone - that everyone experiences both joy and hardships in life." (Illinois Slim & Kansas City Red / Photo by Bob Corritore)

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

In the 1970's and 80's there were still a lot of the great musicians left. One time I was working with drummer Kansas City Red and Junior Wells walked into the clubs and sat in with us. In 1977, I was working on harmonica with singer Willie Buck. The rest of the band included Dave and Louis Myers, Johnny "Big Moose" Walker, and Odie Payne Jr.

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 nowadays is that so many of the guys I used to work with and play with have passed away. There are very few younger people playing the blues. I think if that doesn't change, the survival of the music is in trouble.

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

I think there should be more blues written about economic hardships, and even political subjects. The music can affect people by letting them know that they are not alone - that everyone experiences both joy and hardships in life.

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

I learned that life can be hard, but that I always feel better while I am playing music. It is also a great thrill to see people in the audience enjoying themselves.

(Illinois Slim & Eddie Taylor, Delta Market Fish, 1983 / Photo by Robb Miles)