"My opinion, all music are connected with physical philosophy.... through the lines of Blues... Understand most of music we listen to is basically Blues music in another form of music. Like I said my opinion..."

Trenton Ayers: Fusion Blues Journey

Trenton Ayers, son of guitarist Earl “Little Joe” Ayers (Junior Kimbrough) grew up in North Mississippi, where he is known for his deep knowledge of the blues and virtuoso skills on both the guitar and the bass. He plays in many genres, from blues, soul and Jazz to R&B, funk and fusion. Trenton respects the roots yet always keeps it fresh, new and exciting. After years of playing with legendary local acts in The Hill Country, he joins his childhood friend Cedric Burnside on his mission to bring the North Mississippi sound to the world.

Interview by Michael Limnios

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

The blues in my opinion, is the (Well, or Water) for All American Music...

How do you describe Trenton Ayers sound and songbook? What characterize your music philosophy?

Trenton Ayers has a very large song Book, and it still growing. Sir my mother introduced me to music, 3 genres she focused me on. Ragtime, Hill Country Blues, Easy Listening... Umm...In her honor I play All Music!! I'm a tone chaser, and what genre I'm performing is the outcome.

"The sound of it, the first feel of that sound when it comes through your soul, something says to you says..  this music is from the soul like all music should be." (Photo: Trenton & Cedric)

How has the Afro-American music and culture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I've taken some interesting journeys, through blues music I was able perform with a wide range of music genres. And thanks to the way I philosophy music for me, is how deeply rooted is the music I'm performing, with the blues. Which almost 50% of It is.

Which acquaintances have been the most important experiences? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The whole journey has been quite a ride... quite bumpy as well. My father... Don't turn this into a music career (and brother he was telling me the truth). But I don't regret it.

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

Hahahaha, there's a quite a few...  if I can only remember them all.

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

The sound of it, the first feel of that sound when it comes through your soul, something says to you says..  this music is from the soul like all music should be.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

All musical genres would be have the same marketability as one of...R&B, Pop, Rock, Country, etc...

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues from soul and Jazz to R&B, funk and fusion?

My opinion, all music are connected with physical philosophy.... through the lines of Blues... Understand most of music we listen to is basically Blues music in another form of music. Like I said my opinion...

"The blues in my opinion, is the (Well, or Water) for All American Music..."

What has made you laugh and what touched (emotionally) you from Earl “Little Joe” Ayers (Junior Kimbrough)?

Listening to his stories from before my time. (Very Interesting stories). What touches me... people know him as a bass player or Little Joe. I know him as my Father!

What is the impact of Blues and Jazz music on the racial, political and socio-cultural implications?

Not so much now days...giving that we're living in a (Pop or Rap) times now... which takes away from historical context of the music.

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

Maybe to April 14 1865, or November 22 1963, or Definitely April 4 1968... I'll name them... (A. Lincoln, John F . Kennedy, And Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)