"The essence of the Blues to me is the will to persevere in the face of affliction. It’s the expression of life experience that goes beyond words. Its birth came from a place of extreme hardship, yet there is still joy and hope to be found in the music."

Dick Earl: High Desert Blues...and beyond!

Get Up Off the Ground (2024) is the sophomore release from Dick Earl’s Electric Witness, a Utah-based Blues band, making music just north of Las Vegas. The 11-song offering is the highly-anticipated next step after winning third place at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The family band’s collaboration is a seeming departure from the self-titled 2020 album. While Dick Earl aimed to provide listeners with a near-live performance on the original record, the group opted for liberal studio production for this collection. Whereas one might classify Dick Earl’s Blues on his first release as “raw,” the classification of this new sound might be “refined.” Co-produced by Dick Earl’s wife/vocalist, Alice, and son/bassist, Isaac, the album is another successful family project showcasing eclectic musical tastes and talents of every band member. Dick Earl’s songwriting is touted as “top notch” by Blues Blast Magazine (2023), and the relational synergy manifested on this next set of tunes is a step above.

(Dick Earl / Photo by Alex Thor Petterson)

Get Up Off the Ground is a message to all who navigate the ups and downs of mortality. About his music, Dick Earl has said, “I write about the struggles and victories that are natural parts of life. These songs represent our journey through trials and triumphs - how we approach, handle, and emerge from hardship.” The contemporary Blues album was recorded and mastered in Las Vegas at The Tone Factory with engineer Vinnie Castaldo. Collaboration with guest artist and Grammy winner Jimmy Carpenter on “Once Again” yielded a feel-good horn line that lifts the track to the next level. Dick Earl’s Electric Witness showcase their original brand of “High Desert Blues" with this thought-provoking album.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Special Thanks: Frank Roszak Promotions

How has the music influenced your views of the world?

Music has given me a glimpse into the lives of others - their struggles, celebrations, and how they live their lives. It’s helped me to learn that we all want the same things from life: safety and security, happiness and love. It’s also shown me that the paths we follow and the obstacles we encounter in our search for those things are as diverse as we are.

What does the blues mean to you?

The essence of the Blues to me is the will to persevere in the face of affliction. It’s the expression of life experience that goes beyond words. Its birth came from a place of extreme hardship, yet there is still joy and hope to be found in the music.

How do you describe your sound and songbook?

High Desert Blues, Gritty, Electrified, American Roots Music. It’s a message to all who navigate the ups and downs of mortality. I write about the struggles and victories that are natural parts of life. My songs represent our journey through trials and triumphs - how we approach, handle, and emerge from hardship.

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

I strive to keep my musical voice genuine to my experience and try not to be something I’m not. If I can do that, it will be relevant. I also strive to share with, teach and involve younger people in my music, and in the Blues genre, while listening to and incorporating the ideas of rising generations.

"Music has given me a glimpse into the lives of others - their struggles, celebrations, and how they live their lives. It’s helped me to learn that we all want the same things from life: safety and security, happiness and love. It’s also shown me that the paths we follow and the obstacles we encounter in our search for those things are as diverse as we are." (Photo: Dick Earl, a unique music journey)

Why do you think that Utah and Nevada Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

The Blues is infectious! If something is good it will create a following, no matter where it is. That is why there are Blues musicians and Blues lovers all over the world. It speaks to people’s souls. Specifically in this area, the Utah and Las Vegas Blues Societies propel their missions by consistently fueling the fire with education, promotion, and preservation within their respective scenes.

What moment changed your music life the most?

My music life is a journey, a chain of experiences that leads me forward on one path or another. It is difficult to choose just one moment, whether it was my father giving me my first harmonica when I was a baby, the first time someone put money in my hat on the street as I played, or when a stranger thanked me and told me that my music made their life better. The first time I heard a recording of Muddy Waters was definitely an important crossroad that put me on my current trajectory. The most definitive juncture, however, was when I started to suffer from debilitating headaches while on stage playing harp or singing. I would lose my vision and hearing on stage during the episodes. After a particularly bad night, I knew I had to stop performing and playing music. It was a difficult decision to say the least. Up until this time I was content to be a weekend warrior, but once I lost music, I realized what it really meant to me. I set out on a long journey to find a diagnosis and a doctor who could treat me. Eventually I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation which would require brain surgery. During this time, I made the resolution that if I was able to get my ability back, I would dedicate my life to the pursuit of music as a career. Thankfully the surgery was successful, and I have been pushing forward as a professional musician ever since.

What’s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The highlight in my life and career is being able to create and perform with my family, especially taking 3rd place in the 2023 International Blues Challenge with my son and daughter. All of my children and my wife are involved in the Electric Witness, performing on my albums and live on stage when they are able.

"The Blues is infectious! If something is good it will create a following, no matter where it is. That is why there are Blues musicians and Blues lovers all over the world. It speaks to people’s souls." (Dick Earl / Photo by Marilyn Stringer)

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past?

I didn’t get to experience the Blues of the past, so I would have to say I wish I had had the opportunity to see my blues heroes live in person. Gratefully, we have their recordings so we can enjoy and learn from them. I also love hearing interviews with the masters to gain insight into their career experiences and musical process.

What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I hope that future generations will have an appreciation for the progenitors of the Blues, and the influence that their music has on all of us. We are standing on the shoulders of giants. I have the opportunity to teach music to young people, and I believe it’s important to help them discover the chain of musical influence, from their favorite modern artists all the way back to early Blues artists. My obvious fear is shared by many preservationists and educators: that the Blues may be unrecognized as a foundational art form, or even forgotten.

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

Music has taught me that we have more in common with each other than sometimes we think. We all share the same emotional pallet, even though we may have very different life experiences and the depths of our pains and joy may vary.

Why is it important that we preserve and spread the blues?

It is important to preserve the Blues because it is the root of popular music as we know it today. It is important because it is history and a record of the people who created it. Spreading the Blues encourages players to explore their roots, promoters to keep the Blues alive, and, most importantly, audiences to feel.

What is the role of music in today’s society?

Music is Art, and Art both reflects society and influences it at the same time, in whatever direction the artist chooses. Music can be a warrior, it can be a teacher, and an entertainer. It is also a healer, that allows for expression beyond any words we could say.

Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

I believe there is a growing population within the younger generations that are looking for honest and genuine music that speaks to their reality. I can think of no better music than Blues to be that genre. In my experience, youth can appreciate and embrace both the early historic Blues and contemporary forms as well. Exposure and education are key to helping them to discover what they don’t know they already love. After all, everyone loves the Blues, some just don’t know it yet!

Dick Earl’s Electric Witness - Home

(Dick Earl's Electric Witness - Dick Earl, Isaac Ericksen, Mari Ericksen, Thomas Anderson / Photo by Donna Conversano)