“I’m not that thrilled with the the Blues scene today, mainly because I’ve heard it all done before and done better. That said, if you’re good enough and are persistent, you can still do it and get it right. Great songs are what is missing today in most younger bands. There needs to be better song writing for the Blues ( and other forms) of music to continue to grow.”

Greg Spencer:

Blue Wave Straight from the Heart

Greg Spencer is an American record producer, concert promoter, and founder of the independent record label Blue Wave Records, based in the greater Syracuse area of New York (Baldwinsville). A graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego), avid record collector, and deep connoisseur of music history, Spencer began his career in production and event promotion—including the Salt City Blues festivals—with a vision to showcase talented Central New York musicians on the international stage. To bring this goal to life, he founded Blue Wave Records in late 1984, with its first official releases hitting the market in 1985. Under Spencer’s artistic direction and production, the label focused on blues, blues-rock, soul, and roots rock, guided by a core philosophy of championing authentic, live-sounding recordings that come "straight from the heart." Although it began as a regional venture, Blue Wave Records quickly gained national and international reach, securing US distribution through the historic Select-O-Hits in Memphis.                               (Photo: Greg Spencer, founder of Blue Wave Records)

Its catalog has featured prominent names and rising talents of the scene, including The Kingsnakes, Kim Lembo, Downchild Blues Band, Built For Comfort Blues Band, King Biscuit Boy, and Sean Costello, alongside archival releases by Eric Burdon. Even though the label has paused new releases, Greg Spencer's work and the rich catalog of Blue Wave Records remain a benchmark for collectors and fans of authentic American roots music.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your musical life the most?

The music I grew up with is always in my mind, it is in my everyday vocabulary. It’s never gone away. Seeing The Rolling Stones & The Animals on The Ed Sullivan Show were life changing experiences for me. Immediately identified with the sound and I was later to discover the Blues through these artists.

When and how did the idea of Blue Wave Records come about? What characterize label's philosophy? What is the story behind the name of ‘Blue Wave’?

Blue Wave started in 1985 when I received a “small” inheritance from mu grandmother, heard a local Syracuse, NY band that I thought was as good as many of the touring Blues artists coming through the area and asked if they wanted to make an album. My philosophy at the time was to record live and make “real” music. The name came about when I heard Mark Wenner of The Nighthawks use the term on stage a few years previous when describing his band, The T-Birds & George Thorogood as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan. I filed it away and thought it was a cool name for my label and what I liked personally.

Why do you think that the New York Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

The Northeast has always been a Blues area, just think it continues to be from what came before.

When you founded Blue Wave Records in late 1985, Central New York wasn't exactly seen as a traditional blues hub. What were the biggest challenges you faced in gaining national distribution and recognition while operating out of a regional area like Syracuse?

It came pretty quick, just good timing. The right place at the right time and the fore mentioned “Blue Wave” bands were getting airplay on commercial rock radio and that opened the doors for smaller labels like Blue Wave. National distribution came with Blue Wave’s fourth release and the second Kingsnakes album, “Hardlife Boogie” when it got a glowing review in Billboard magazine as a pick of the week.

“The music I grew up with is always in my mind, it is in my everyday vocabulary. It’s never gone away. Seeing The Rolling Stones & The Animals on The Ed Sullivan Show were life changing experiences for me. Immediately identified with the sound and I was later to discover the Blues through these artists.” (Photos: Greg Spencer | Various releases by Blue Wave Records)

After a 40-year journey working with great musicians, how do you view the evolution of the blues scene today? What advice would you give to a young independent producer just starting out in the industry?

Find a band you believe in and then find some real good songs to record that haven’t been done to death. Put your own stamp on the music.

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

I’m not that thrilled with the Blues scene today, mainly because I’ve heard it all done before and done better. That said, if you’re good enough and are persistent, you can still do it and get it right. Great songs are what is missing today in most younger bands. There needs to be better song writing for the Blues (and other forms) of music to continue to grow.

We notice that the blues is constantly evolving auditorily and blending with new genres, without ever losing its traditional identity. What drives this balance, and what do you think the next step in its evolution will be?

Come up with something fresh & different. Different is what get’s noticed.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths as label owner and producer?

Quality is greater than quantity. I rather hear one good record than a bunch of mediocre ones. Be selective and get it right.

If the pioneer bluesmen of past decades could observe us today, what feature do you think would impress them the most about today's blues scene, and what would disappoint them?

They would be impressed with all the music festivals devoted to Blues and roots music. I would think they might be disappointed that the are few younger people of color supporting the music.

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(Photos: Greg Spencer with Tas Cru | Various releases by Blue Wave Records)