"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

Daddy's Work is an electric blues band coming from the West suburbs of Athens, Greece. Although blues has a certain identity for most listeners, the band's performance is based on its members’ hearings and music influences through the years, which go beyond a narrow perspective of the idiom. Apart from the music of the black community that shaped the Blues, Daddies love a lot of neighbouring styles and artists.Athens Daddy’s Work Blues Band's debut album 'First' released in 2022. 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. The Band has been around for many years, playing in several venues in Greece, including Half Note Jazz Club, Kyttaro Live, Zoo, Granazi, In Vivo, Vinilion, Ianos, Badminton Theatre, and also Festivals (Blues for Peace, Crescent Moon Festival, Highway Festival, Blues ‘n Bikes, Loutraki Blues Festival, Rock Aid etc.) Their brand new 9-tracks album with Greek multitalented musician Giotis Kyttaris, titled "Blues Machine" released in December 2024. The recordings for this album were held in Timeless Recording Studios and mixing by Babis Tzanidakis at Timeless Recording Studios, mastering by Nasos Nomikos at Vu Productions studio, Piraeus, Greece.

(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.

How do you think the band has grown since first starting, and what has remained the same?

Giannis: When we first started, we were fueled purely by our passion to play music, so our approach was instinctive and adventurous. Over the years, we have grown in terms of our technical abilities (a little bit…), musical cohesion, and confidence in crafting our sound. We’ve also gained a deeper understanding of music business.

We believe that through the years we became able to understand and feel the Blues not just as a genre, but as a form of storytelling. What has remained the same is our respect for the roots of the idiom on one hand and our determination to play from our hearts on the other. Also, the energy we feel when performing live is as honest and real today as it was in the beginning. Last but not least, the “family element” of this band remained the backbone of our route through the years. We are friends playing music together, not session musicians forming a music group.

“Many would say that the key to staying relevant is evolution while honoring tradition. Well, this is a difficult task as the Blues form seems somehow restrictive in terms of experimentation, not to mention the risk of criticism from purists in case you try to move outside the “borders” or express yourself in a “non-appropriate” way.” (Photo: Daddy’s Work Blues Band & Giotis Kyttaris, Athens Greece)

Currently, you have one release with Giotis Kyttaris. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Blues Machine”?

Stathis: Giotis Kyttaris is a unique persona of the Greek Blues scene, he is an idiosyncratic and talented player with a distinct musical attitude. Our collaboration came rather naturally, we crossed paths in various occasions on stage, we jammed a lot and the mutual respect was immediate. I believe that this partnership gave birth to a colorful release, which represents both the band and Giotis.

The recording sessions were smooth in general with some disagreements here and there. I recall that everybody asked me to play the Double Bass on a certain acoustic song, while I had never played one note on such an instrument. A few hours (and a few beers...) later I managed to record a simple bassline having the rest of the band and the sound engineer as applauders.

Why do you think the Blues continues to generate such a devoted following in Greece?

Efthymios: It’s true that the Blues resonates deeply with certain audiences all around the world and Greece is no exception. We think that there are a few reasons for this affection: Blues’ lyrical themes mirror the struggles and emotional depth also found in our own traditional music. When songs speak of hardship, resilience, and longing, the listener easily connects with them - it feels personal.

The music itself is easily recognizable, catchy and simple. The Blues is the foundation of so much modern music - it’s the root from which rock, jazz and soul have grown, so a lot of music lovers are familiar with it. Additionally, the few but passionate Greek Blues musicians keep the flame alive through live performances, festivals, and collaborations, despite the lack of airplay and support from clubs, press etc.

“The Blues is a symbol of Resilience and Hope. By transforming pain to hard-earned joy showcased man’s ability to persevere and find strength in difficult circumstances. As stated before, the Blues constitutes the musical basis of many other genres, so it is important in terms of musicology too. Preserving and spreading the Blues ensures that we honor the stories of those who came before us.” (Daddy’s Work Blues Band: Efthimios Polyzos, Stathis Anestis, Dimitris Doulgeridis, and Giannis Pachidis / Photo by Anna Pachi)

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

Dimitris: Many would say that the key to staying relevant is evolution while honoring tradition. Well, this is a difficult task as the Blues form seems somehow restrictive in terms of experimentation, not to mention the risk of criticism from purists in case you try to move outside the “borders” or express yourself in a “non-appropriate” way.

We like to blend Blues with elements of neighboring styles, but we do so as a musical proposition and not for attracting a younger audience per se. Of course, we use social media and streaming platforms to reach a broader audience, while still emphasizing live performances when we invite young musicians to join us on stage for jamming. Let’s be honest. The appeal of Blues to the new generation stands next to zero. This is obvious if you check how many members of blues bands are youngsters and the percentage of youth attending Blues concerts.

Why is it important to preserve and spread the Blues? Why was the Blues never a part of pop/popular music?

Giannis: The Blues is a symbol of Resilience and Hope. By transforming pain to hard-earned joy showcased man’s ability to persevere and find strength in difficult circumstances. As stated before, the Blues constitutes the musical basis of many other genres, so it is important in terms of musicology too. Preserving and spreading the Blues ensures that we honor the stories of those who came before us.

As for why it never became part of pop music, the Blues prioritizes emotion and authenticity over commercial appeal. The themes can be too heavy for the polished world of pop. But that’s precisely what makes the Blues so enduring, it’s real and unfiltered, and it speaks to people who need to feel heard.

“It’s true that the Blues resonates deeply with certain audiences all around the world and Greece is no exception. We think that there are a few reasons for this affection: Blues’ lyrical themes mirror the struggles and emotional depth also found in our own traditional music. When songs speak of hardship, resilience, and longing, the listener easily connects with them - it feels personal.” (Photo: Daddy’s Work Blues Band - Efthimios Polyzos, Stathis Anestis, Dimitris Doulgeridis, and Giannis Pachidis)

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as an artist, and has this helped you become a better Blues musician?

Efthymios: The hardest obstacle has been balancing personal struggles with the demands of being a musician. Life throws its challenges - financial uncertainty, personal losses, and self-doubt. But we believe that these very struggles are also what deepen our connection to the Blues.

We know that it’s a cliché, but for us the Blues is therapy, it absorbs those obstacles and transforms them into something beautiful and cathartic. They say that you can’t play the Blues without living it, and in a way, that’s its greatest gift.

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

Efthymios: 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”.

Efthymios: 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.

Efthymios: 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.

Efthymios: 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)