> This week the song of Bukka (Booker) White’s “Fixin’ To Die” will be one song of 25 entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The songs entered are bestowed this honor due to a work should be at least 25 years old that “exhibit qualitative or historical significance”. Bukka White’s song has touched The National Academy of [...]
Archive for Category: "Interviews"
Eric Bibb Unlocks the Music of Bukka White, Grammy Hall of Fame Recipient by Monica Yasher
Grammy Nominee: Gregg Allman Low Country Blues
BMA Nominee Gregg Allman has surrounded himself with friends, family and a brotherhood that is as legendary as his music. A peek into his life on the road and his “family” tells a stronger story than any interview ever could…the loyalty that surrounds him is steeped in years and rooted in love. And in spite [...]
Chubby Carrier 2011 Grammy Winner
Chubby Carrier 2011 Grammy Winner for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album We just recently met up with Chubby Carrier to talk about how he felt to be the last person to ever receive a Grammy in the Zydeco/Cajun Music Category. Here’s what he had to say: Chubby: We are saddened. We were very sad [...]
Reflections…Bubs Mckeg with Challenges within the Challenge
Reflection on Memphis…. Much preparation goes into an act getting to Memphis. More work and effort than most will realize. There are challenges within the challenge that each act must face. With that in mind, two past competitors were questioned about their trips to Memphis. Both are exceptionally talented musicians and both are members of [...]
Chris Canas International Blues Challenge Band Contestant! by Monica Yasher
Chris Canas International Blues Challenge Band Contestant! Singer, Songwriter, Lead Guitar and Cornet player Chris Canas has a major Musical background. It began as a toddler when his mother took him to his first Jazz and Blues Festival at Hart Plaza in Detroit. Chris wants to help keep the “Blues” alive and kicking in the [...]
Lionel Young…From Symphonic Roots to Blues Roots Music by Monica Yasher
American blues News met up with Lionel Young, 2011 International Blues Challenge Best Band, and Mike Lange, voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, to talk about the Blues. Lionel shares with those IBC contestants out there advice on how his band played the IBCs differently from other bands and won!
ROB BLAINE’S BIG OTIS BLUES
Chosing a name to reflect his own unique style of rockin’ Chicago Blues, IBC award winner (Best Guitarist) Rob Blaine combined two of his nicknames- ”Otis” -a nickname from his football playing days- and “Big Rob” -his name about town- to create Big Otis Blues. Rob spoke with American Blues News about touring with Little Milton, driving 16 hours in [...]
Georg Schroeter and Marc Breitfelter, Two Times a Charm by Monica Yasher
We met up with Georg Schroeter and Marc Breitfelter, 2011 International Blues Challenge Acoustic Duo of the Year. During our interview they asked us to share a special note with all of you, as they are very grateful to all of you and the Blues Foundation, who so generously bestowed this Blues reality upon them.
Stephane Bertolino, I Feel Good In the City of Elvis! by Monica Yasher
Interview with IBC Harmonica Player of the Year 2011, Stephane Bertolino Not just filling space with sound, but knowing when..and when not to have something to say from your own Blues harp heart. Stephane Bertolino did just that at the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, as he stole the award of the Best Harmonica Player. We [...]
JOE MCMURRIAN: TAKING A LOOK AROUND…
IBC winner Joe McMurrian approaches his music in much the same way he approaches his artwork -with a sense of surrender to the moment. He found that spontaneity is the “real art” that provides that spark of magic in music. American Blues News spoke with Joe about the metaphors and archetypes in life, weird American [...]
Hosea Hargrove
Meeting Up with Hosea Hargrove Hosea Hargrove is a country man with a heart of golden blues. He grew up in Crafts Prairie, Texas, raised by his uncle, both cotton pickers until he reached the age of 19 and then ventured on his own with his music. Hosea began playing guitar at the age of [...]
Canadian Maple Award Winner: MonkeyJunk
Since the 2009 release of their debut CD, Tiger in Your Tank, Monkey Junk has had the “tiger” by the tail. Monkey Junk’s award winning sound comes from the talent and energy of Steve Marriner, Tony D and Matt Sobb. For the 2011 Canadian Maple Awards, they snagged three awards: Electric Act of the [...]
Shakura S’Aida: The Authentic Self…in Song
Canadian Maple Blues Award nominee Shakura S’Aida (Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year) was given a blessing. The story is that she chose her name at birth and she’s been making choices ever since. ..choices that reflect her growth as a woman who has come to understand who she is, what [...]
Julian Fauth: Gratitude: After the Fall
Imagine being a pianist. Imagine being a pianist who has accidentally fallen and broken a shoulder. Imagine not being able to play for months. Imagine finding -in the midst of all this – gratitude. Julian Fauth has done far more than imagine it – he has lived it. American Blues News spoke with Julian, who [...]
Matt Andersen An Overnight Sensation- One Night at a Time by Monica Yasher
When one talks to Matt Andersen, you come to understand that he is a man who has derived his roots in Classic Rock, Celtic music, to his family, and to his community. Being from a coal mining town, his latest release, “Coal Mining Music”, pays tribute to the hard workers that heat our homes and [...]
