"I miss the old musicians. They'll be no more Albert Collins or Freddie King. My hope for the future is to stay healthy and keep pushing."

Jim Suhler: Texas Scratch, Lone Star Blues

Jim Suhler have been on the music scene since 1990s and have built a loyal fanbase worldwide. He is known for its no holds barred approach to blues-inspired rock ‘n roll and roots music. TEXAS SCRATCH, is the legendary never-released but long anticipated blues album featuring two iconic guitar slinging Texans and their friends finally gets its due after 13 years. The self-titled album released in 2023, via Quarto Valley Records on all platforms. Perhaps you've heard the term but don't know what it is. Texas scratch is a style of guitar picking (also known as the "Carter Scratch") said to have originated by Mother Maybelle Carter back in 1927. Quarto Valley recording artist Texas Scratch is a blues band consisting of Texas guitar slingers' Jim Suhler (George Thorogood and the Destroyers) and Buddy Whittington (John Mayall's Bluesbreakers) and the driving drum beat of Jeff Simon (George Thorogood and the Destroyers) with the help of their friends - Texas guitarist Vince Converse, drummer Roger Earl (Foghat/Savoy Brown) and bassists' Nathaniel Peterson and Kirk Yano.                                   (Photo: Jim Suhler)

The musicians got together over a decade ago in New Jersey to jam and lay down each other's tracks at the legendary Showplace Studios. Each artist had never played the other's original tunes before so they had to learn their parts in record time. There was literally little or no time for rehearsals since each artist and the studio had other obligations to tend to. What ended up being recorded is an album of guitar slaying, foot tapping modern-day blues music that you could never get enough of -- Until Now! For one reason or another through the years -- be it music industry woes, conflicting gigs and most recently, the pandemic -- this hot blues album never got its release. That didn't stop the stories from spreading throughout the world about what a tremendous album this was. The tales have taken on a life of their own now to legendary status. The new self-titled album has a total of nine original songs, eight of which are written by its band members. TEXAS SCRATCH is produced by Quarto Valley Records' Mike Carden and Arnie Goodman and recorded in just four days by Ben Elliott in Dover, NJ.

Interview by Michael Limnios

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

It's reflects the realities of living, I think my world and journeys have influenced my music.

How do you describe your sound/music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Technique is the means to the end of expression. The technique allows the soul to speak.

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

Meeting George Thorogood in a bar in Memphis in 1990. It was a big break for me. Playing shows with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, BB King, AC/DC were definite highlights.

"Technique is the means to the end of expression. The technique allows the soul to speak." (Photo: Texas guitar slinger Jim Suhler with the late great bluesman BB King, Atlanta Georgia 2002)

Why do you think that Texas Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

It has a certain swagger and swing.

Currently you’ve one release with TEXAS SCRATCH. How did that relationship come about?

The group was brought together by Arnie Goodman, a New York music fan. We all knew each other already, so it was easy.

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album Long?

The studio (Showplace Studio in Dover, New Jersey) also housed a strip club with topless dancers. That was a first.

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

I miss the old musicians. They'll be no more Albert Collins or Freddie King. My hope for the future is to stay healthy and keep pushing.

What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I just want to play my songs for the people who like to listen to them. That's my goal.

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

Stay humble and practice gratitude.

Jim Suhler - Home

(Photo: Jim Suhler)