“So, I can always stay connected to the past for inspiration into the future. The music industry is ever expanding and I think the future looks bright. Young upcoming musicians have a lot to look forward to. I have no fears, the Blues are alive and kicking and will remain so.”

Joe Yuele: The Blues Beat Flag Fly

Joe Yuele is an American drummer, songwriter, and producer, best known as drummer and musical director with John Mayall. Yuele was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on January 26 1951. His father, himself a musician, sparked Yuele's interest in music at an early age with the recordings of Django Reinhardt. Yuele started playing drums at age 14 and cofounded his first band, The Vee Jays, with his bass playing cousin Dick Harrigan. As a teenager of 16 Joe left home and hitchhiked from Hampton Beach, New Hampshire to Hollywood, California with dreams of making it big. And even though he was faced with a rough start of being hungry and homeless, Joe would not be detoured from attaining his goals. A turning point came in Los Angeles in 1974 when he joined "The Juke Rhythm Band". This was a roots blues band based on traditional Chicago blues, and headed up by John "Juke" Logan, featuring Rick Vito on guitar. So when they came thru Los Angeles the "J.R.B" were kept busy backing up these traveling icons that included, Albert Collins, Lowell Fulson, Big Joe Turner, George "Harmonica" Smith, Big Mama Thornton and many more of the early greats.                                                (Photo: Joe Yuele)

From 1976 through 1977 he toured throughout America with Dobie "Drift Away" Gray. But it wasn't until 1985 that, thanks to the recommendation of good friend Coco Montoya, he started his long journey with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. While traveling around the world, and recording many albums. Other artists that have kept Joe busy playing drums over the years include, Larry Cooke and the Tribe, Debbie Davies, Walter Trout, Brian "Breeze" Cayolle, Doug McCloud, Mighty Sam McClain, Z Tribe, Bob Angell, and James Harman, among others.

Interview by Michael Limnios                  Special Thanks: Joe Yuele & Bob Angell

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

For me, playing the Blues has always been the music I gravitated towards. I have never considered it a lifestyle that has influenced my worldview, though I imagine it may be just that for many folks. 

What touched you from the drums? What's the balance in music between technique and soul/emotions?

I have played drums since I was a kid. I have to admit though that for me there has been very little technique in my playing. I never studied playing drums. I'm self taught and play by ear. However, the more technique one has the more opportunity they have to express themselves. I think it is important to learn how to play properly and then you can let your Freak Flag Fly.

What moment changed your music life the most? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? 

In 1974 John "Juke" Logan asked me to join his band. This is the single most important musical moment that has changed my musical life the most. All the great gigs I got stem from the years I spent playing with "Juke" Logan including getting the drum chair with John Mayall. As for the best music advice I ever got, Carlos Santana told me one time, "always give it your all and always play from the heart".

"For me, playing the Blues has always been the music I gravitated towards. I have never considered it a lifestyle that has influenced my worldview, though I imagine it may be just that for many folks." (Joe Yuele with  friends and collaborators: John Mayall, John ‘Juke’ Logan, Buddy Whittington, Debbie Davies, Ricky Cortex, Coco Montoya, Joe Sublett, Albert Collins, Otis Rush, Luther Allison, Kim Simmonds, Mick Fleetwood, Walter Trout, and others / Photos courtesy by Inger Tellefsen, Debbie Davies & Ricky Cortex)

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

There are so many good memories from gigs, recording sessions and jam sessions. One of my favorite memories was the time we played The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Doc Severinsen and his 6-piece horn section wrote charts for us and joined us live on the show. That remains one of the musical highlights!  

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

I have a large record collection, mostly Jazz, Blues and guitar players that I inherited from my father's record collection. So, I can always stay connected to the past for inspiration into the future. The music industry is ever expanding and I think the future looks bright. Young upcoming musicians have a lot to look forward to. I have no fears, the Blues are alive and kicking and will remain so.

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

I don't know how important it is to preserve and spread the Blues. It's been with us for a long time and it ain't going anywhere. People love listening to it and musicians love playing it. The role it plays in society is giving pleasure to all involved. 

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

One big lesson from making a living on the road is to stay clean and as healthy as you can and hopefully this will help facilitate longevity in your chosen path. It can be very difficult to maintain your health for years on the road. Your wellbeing is very important for longevity and success. 

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?

Well, John Coltrane was a very unique individual and he seems to be a very spiritual musical person. My journey has been about enjoying playing music for the love of it and the happiness it has brought me to be able to make a living doing something I love. Being happy is the meaning of life.

(Photo: American drummer, songwriter, and producer Joe Yuele)