“It's important because blues was the start of it all; it's how we got to be here music-wise. I don't think race plays a part in blues. My understanding of blues is that it's about a struggle you might go thru as a person, and there are all sorts of people in this world; therefore; anyone can sing and play the blues.”…

“The blues refuses to lie. It looks pain in the face and sings anyway. It says, this happened, and I am still here. For me, the blues feels like home. When the band locks in and the audience is right there with us, it just feels right.”…

“I listen to and am inspired by a lot of music across a broad array of styles: gospel, country, jazz, Americana, rock, and neo-soul in addition to soul and blues. I resist the temptation to believe that only the music of my youth was any good, and that contemporary music is not worth my time or attention. I try to keep myself open to as much music as possible and remain just as much a fan as a practitioner.”…

“Being true to yourself - pursuing musical situations where you can best contribute. I enjoy playing so much more when playing with people - and in styles - that really inspire me. Regardless what ‘label’ you put on any genre, if it’s soulful and uplifting, I’m there!”

Adam David: Heartbeat, Rhythm n’ Jazz…

“The Blues is rooted in everyday experience. It’s a way to communicate our immediate feelings, all our highs and lows. I believe the world without a vivid Blues scene would be much poorer and colder. The Blues also helps you to develop a certain serenity. I think that is much needed with all the craziness going on around us right now.”…

“The blues is an oxymoron; you sing about all the bad things and it makes you feel good. There’s real power in actually telling stories then just listen to the bass thump and jumping up a down (which is modern music). Songs should actually have something to say. Music can being a healing tool in the right hand or therapist.“

Otis Walker: Musical Gumbo of…

“I never questioned why I had to play the blues; I just felt it. I think my life path has been very close to this type of music, even from a human perspective. Let me explain it: I think that in a certain sense, the blues chooses you; you don't choose it. I lost my mother at twenty-one, and life has never spared me some pretty tough times so I think the music I play is also a reflection of my experiences.”…

“Many people associate all blues music as sad music. This is wrong in my opinion. Black people originally used their music as a positive break in a hard everyday life – to get out of the misery and have a god time!”

Arle Hjelmeland:

(Let the)…

“I can’t be certain why folk from around the world are so interested in Roots American music, but I can guess that they sense the authenticity and genuine human experience that the music represents. It might be a window into the soul of America.”

Doug Krause: Walkin’ With The Blues…

“I don't believe all blues is great just because it's got that name. I think some is redundant and not creative and not original, but done well, it's just, you know, it's the real thing, it's real feeling.”

Mike Kappus: The Rosebud of Music

Mike Kappus has…