"I believe - particularly in the 60's - the music of my generation had a significant socio-cultural impact because music was a primary mode of communication for youth and the counterculture back then. Today, of course, there are many different modes of communication - not only for young people, but people of all different ages, backgrounds and political views. Here, in the San Francisco Bay Area, the counterculture was held together by a handful of…

"A lot of songs can be inspired by social or current events. I want music to be something that takes the listener back to a familiar place or person, when they hear that song or music again."

Rafe Klein: Rock n' Blue(s) Diamonds

Veteran rock ‘n’ rollers with the blues in their hearts, The Name Droppers, have toured the world backing blues rock…

"Music is ingrained in the culture of New Orleans more deeply than in other cities.  The traditions are practiced and upheld with a reverence, dedication and honesty that can’t be found elsewhere."

Collins Kirby:

New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival

The 8th annual New Orleans Cigar Box…

"Music is life-affirming, the breath moving through the body has the ability to remind the body that it lives, and that breath intoned can remind a voice that it matters."

Lilli Lewis: The Black Rose of Americana

Beloved New Orleans Folk Rock Diva Lilli Lewis is releasing Righteous Babe Records label debut, "All is Forgiven" on December 1,…

"Thanks to recording, we can still hear the music of the past. In fact rock’n’roll (and jazz before it) wouldn’t have happened the way it did without the mass media. We can also recreate the music of any previous time by playing live, any night, any place, wherever there’s a stage, a microphone and an audience. This applies to equally to a classical orchestra or a rock power trio."

Kimberley Rew: The…

"My father told me to find what you love to do, make that your life and figure out how to make money from it. Best advice ever. I spent most of my adult life on a musical journey, and even through the ups and downs I loved every minute of it."

Bryan Bassett: Blues/Rock Conversations

Bryan Bassett has over 40 years experience as a…

"Living and creating music with integrity and understanding that rather than being the source, as an artist, you are merely a conduit. Being aware that as an artist, music is part of your physical self and that it’s a primary form of your self-expression."

Scott Holt: I Got My Mojo Axe

Inspired by the rich musical legacy of the American south,…

"My hope for the future of Jazz is to reignite interest among younger generations, to bring them back into contact with this rich musical tradition. There's an incredible depth and innovation in Jazz that I believe can resonate with contemporary audiences."

Marta Sánchez: Reflection of the Universe

Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, pianist and…

"Blues has always reflected and reacted to that in a way that touches the root of a person's soul. That's how I want and hope our music will affect and inspire."

Don Wegrzynowski: The Righteous Villains

On their debut album, Unusual Suspects (2023), the Righteous Villains flirt with a myriad of classic blues styles while forging new…

"Music is a medium of message. It is universal, and can get past mental barriers that conversation or argument cannot. At its best, it conveys the shared experience of being human, and can help change perceptions and point of view. I hope our music is a comfort and an inspiration to the listener. Knowing someone else has felt how they do, and is still here to sing about it, maybe that helps them keep on."…