"The Blues originated from the Black Community and described Black People’s hard times mainly due to racial discrimination. As a result, the Blues had – by default – a big impact to human rights as it motivated people, societies and authorities to adapt deterrent legislation. As a music idiom, the Blues had a vibe strong enough to inspire and be the base for modern music which is massively accepted and dominates audiences for 60 – 70 years now. Thus, the Blues is a global and live language capable to impact social conditions up to now."

Daddy’s Work Blues Band: Gumbo Boogie

Athens Greece-based Daddy’s Work Blues Band's debut album 'First' (2022) has been just released. It’s an electric blues gumbo which flirts with all kinds of neighboring styles. The album features original material, but also covers by artists such as Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, Savoy Brown & Reverend Gary Davies. Recordings were held during the last few years in Orfeas Music Studios, Peristeri, Greece & Timeless Recording Studios, Elefsina, Greece. The album was mixed by Babis Tzanidakis at Timeless Recording Studios and Mastering was done by Nasos Nomikos at Vu Productions studio. The Band has been around for a decade, playing in several venues in Greece, including Half Note Jazz Club, Kyttaro Live Club, Zoo, Granazi, In Vivo, Vinilion, Ianos, Badminton Theatre, and also Festivals (Blues for Peace, Crescent Moon Festival, Highway Festival, Blues ‘n Bikes Festival, Loutraki Blues Festival, Rock Aid etc.)              (Photo: Daddy’s Work Blues Band)

Opened concerts known bands such as Dr. Feelgood, Bob Hall, Band of Friends, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash, Louisiana Red, Blues Wire, Aynsley Lister, and many others. Band Members’ relationship dates back to their teenage years in the West suburbs of Athens. Dimitris Doulgeridis has the double duty of singing and guitar playing, Stathis Anestis’ bass playing handles the low frequencies, Efthimios Polyzos is counting the beat behind his drum-set and Giannis Pachidis blows his harmonica through an amplifier.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Daddies, Interview 2011 @ blues.gr

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

Dimitris: As teenagers we were exposed to Blues & Rock music and got obsessed with them. This had an absolute impact to the way we lived and the way we view the world around us. As a matter of fact, the Counterculture determined our social & political opinions and everyday living and this never - really - changed through the years.

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

Themis: There are a lot of moments that “shocked” us musically, so the choice is difficult. Nevertheless, here are some obvious choices: Listening Muddy Waters’ “Two Trains Running” by Al Cooper’s Blues Project.

Dimitris: Hearing the “Hooker 'n Heat” album for the first time.

Giannis: Hearing Paul Butterfield’s intro in “Countryside” from “Live at Winterland Ballroom”.

Stathis: Exposing to the guitar & vocals of “Sweet Little Angel" from BB King’s “Live at the Regal”.

Themis: The highlight of our career is our debut album “First”. Apart from this, we feel that every gig we play is a unique and special moment and can be regarded as a “highlight”. However, we recall certain circumstances like our first time at Half Note Jazz Club, and also supporting Martin Turner (ex Wishbone Ash) at Kyttaro Live Club.

"Most Legends have passed away, so we missed their sheer emotion sharing, both live and via albums. Also, many venues and bars featuring Blues music and artists are no longer active. Our fears for tomorrow have mainly to do with the lack of human interaction (due to pandemics, poverty and the prevalence of digital communication) which is a critical issue for the Blues, especially regarding live gigs." (Photo: DWBB/ Efthimios Polyzos, Stathis Anestis, Dimitris Doulgeridis, and Giannis Pachidis)

How do you describe band's sound, philosophy and songbook? What do you think is key to a music life well lived?

Giannis: Our sound is based on our influences which vary and sometimes involve non- Blues artists. It can be described as electric and groovy. Our music philosophy is blues-based for sure, but keeps an eye to neighboring styles. We like to jam a lot. Our songs are experiential and arise from facts and moments of our lives. The key to a music life well lived is to “follow your heart”, to keep your mind open and to mean every note played and every word sang.

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

Stathis: We recall: Our first live as “Daddy’s Work Blues Band” at “In Vivo” along with our friends Small Blues Trap. The venue was packed and despite our stage fright it was a night to remember. Our initial jam with Blues Wire (the legendary Greek blues band, which constitutes a great inspiration for us) at Vinilion Live Stage. Our participation in summer outdoor Festivals such as the Highway Festival (Mountain Edition at Taygetos – altitude 1.200m!) and Rock Meeting in Kiato.

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

Dimitris: Most Legends have passed away, so we missed their sheer emotion sharing, both live and via albums. Also, many venues and bars featuring Blues music and artists are no longer active. Our fears for tomorrow have mainly to do with the lack of human interaction (due to pandemics, poverty and the prevalence of digital communication) which is a critical issue for the Blues, especially regarding live gigs.

"Our sound is based on our influences which vary and sometimes involve non- Blues artists. It can be described as electric and groovy. Our music philosophy is blues-based for sure, but keeps an eye to neighboring styles. We like to jam a lot. Our songs are experiential and arise from facts and moments of our lives." (Daddy's Work Blues Band / Photo © by Vassilios Zacharitsev)

What is the impact of Blues on the human rights and social/cultural implications? How do you want to affect people?

Giannis: The Blues originated from the Black Community and described Black People’s hard times mainly due to racial discrimination. As a result, the Blues had – by default – a big impact to human rights as it motivated people, societies and authorities to adapt deterrent legislation. As a music idiom, the Blues had a vibe strong enough to inspire and be the base for modern music which is massively accepted and dominates audiences for 60 – 70 years now. Thus, the Blues is a global and live language capable to impact social conditions up to now. Our playing and songwriting primarily serve our personal music expression. The weight of our influence to people is not known to us and we hope that our work is appealing to listeners in a positive way.

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

Dimitris: G is the grumpiest string.

Themis: Don’t give up.

Giannis: Jam sessions are made for guitarists only.

Stathis: Ego is a hard beast to fight.

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

Dimitris: One day in a Hollywood studio where a Bruce Lee movie is filmed.

Themis: One summer day of 1965 in San Francisco.

Giannis: One day in a Chess Records session, featuring Little Walter.

Stathis: A daylong walk through the bars & clubs of New Orleans during the 60s or 70s.

Daddy's Work Blues Band - Home

(Daddy's Work Blues Band: Dimitris Doulgeridis & Giannis Pachidis / Photo © by Vassilios Zacharitsev)

"It is important to know that blues is exactly what you feel and does not fit into stereotypes. Daddies follow their heart, that's why they are authentic." ~ Michael Limnios (Blues.gr)