Magazine 2 english version

s e u l B e d a m l A Con magazine Edition N째2 /English Version April 2015* Argentina

Marquise Knox

DEVON ALLMAN COREY HARRIS

MELVIN TAYLOR

DANI WILDE

Con Alma de Bmlagueazsine s set up as a a w e in z a g a M “CADB l service for the ra eg t in d n a l a practic h are conic h w s rt ea h es millions of blu ined with jo s ce n a t is d of e nected in spit ed… Blues” ll ca g in el fe l u a same so

Contributor

Tana Spinelli Roberto Porzio Dario perro Gorosito Laura Lagna-Fietta Juju Estrin

Assistant principal Mabel Sosa

Contacts radioconalmadeblues.com.ar conalmadeblues.com.ar polloking2.blogspot.com cadbproducciones@outlook.com

Director General Graphics & Design Gustavo A. Zungri Edition N°2 English version April 2015

Con Alma de Blues

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Interviews James Harman ___________ 3 Dave Specter _____________ 7 Mike Wheeler ____________11 Tenny Tucker _____________13 Corey Harris _____________19 Tamara Peterson

pag 29

Dani Wilde

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Marquise Knox ___________29 Melvin Taylor ___________35 Janiva Magness __________ 37 Devon Allman ____________ 45 Dani Wilde ______________ 51 Daniel Raffo _____________ 59 Bob Stroger ______________ 65 Chica Ciel ______________ 67 Janiva Magness Pag:37

Marquise Knox

pag 51

Mike Wheeler Pag:11

JAME HARM Alabama

interview

W

Blues

By Sergio Tolobra Text translation:Mabel Sosa

hat memories do you have of the origins of the Blues scene in Alabama?

Mostly just hearing blues on the radio and living in the street. Anniston had been the home of Charles “Cow-Cow” Davenport and a boogie woogie piano scene in the 30’s & 40’s. There was a famous negro nightclub called The Cow-cow Boogie, in honor of him and some of that was still alive when I came along in 1946, by 1956 I was already a very interested ten year old blues fan, who sang in the church choir and had started piano lessons at age four… I could always sing.

All through my youth, I went to country suppers and all day gospel sings and met many old artists who told me stories. Everybody around me sang and could play several instruments. My great uncle was Fate Norris who had been a recording artist and member of Gid Tanner’s Skillet Lickers and made records for Columbia in the late 30’s and throughout the 40’s. Music pretty much surrounded me in one form or another most of my childhood. I remember seeing & hearing

“Radio Johnson”, a bluesman from down in Mobile. He sang and accompanied himself playing slide guitar with a knife; he explained the different tunings he used which kept me mystified and entertained. When I was big enough, I would go sit in with him and he’d tell me stories and encourage me to participate in performing blues with him. When I turned 16, we moved to Panama City, Florida and things just got better. I fell in with a bunch of likeminded fans and players, who took me to black nightclubs to see all the great traveling artists who come through. Those encounters are what actually put me straight on having my own career in music.

ST: How was your experience with Canned Heat?

In 1965 I moved to Chicago and attempted a restart of my career but found Chicago to be too cold for my southern blood, so in 1966 I tried New York City and found it also too cold for my gulf coast blood, so in 1967 I moved to Miami Florida and continued with my own career. Meanwhile in California Canned Heat began their recording career and of course I recognized their music as

ES MAN

James Harman (born June 8, 1946, Anniston, Alabama, United States) is an American blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter.Music journalist Tony Russell described Harman as an “amusing songwriter and an excellent, unfussy blues harp player�

JAMES HARMAN being driven from rural blues, so I went to see them when they came through on tour.

I managed to get invited backstage and had nice conversations with Alan Wilson, Henry Vestine and Bob Hite and we became friends.

They encouraged me to try California next saying they would help me get started and let me open shows for them. By 1970, I had again failed in New Orleans and moved to California, where I looked Bob Hite up and he made good his promise. They had also found Albert Collins playing in Texas and told him the same thing, Albert had moved west before me and was living in Los Angeles and we also became friends and played many shows together.

ST: What did it mean for you to collaborate with great musicians such as Albert Collins, Freddie King or John Lee Hooker?

Collaborate ?I don’t believe that is the correct

word for this story. Once well known in California, I was booked to play all the famous clubs that featured blues entertainment; one thing led to another and I found myself becoming the unofficial house band for the Ash Grove in Los Angeles. I often opened for all blues acts that had a band and backed all those who did not have their own band. John Lee Hooker was still playing solo at that point, so we opened for him and became friends. Freddy King always had his own band so we opened for him, but he would often come find me if he was in town… he would come sit in with my band.

ST: From a very early age you related yourself to music by playing guitar, drums, keyboards and bass but you finally chose the harmonica. What influenced that choice?

When I started piano lessons at age four; at the end of each lesson, I opened the piano bench and took out my father’s harmonicas and played them, so harp just came alongside piano for me. Later as a teenaged organ player in soul bands, I fooled around with bass, but always

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

loved playing drums. I’ve done gigs as a drummer and enjoyed it very much. I didn’t choose harmonica, I just got tired of sitting behind that big box (organ with a piano on top) and wanted to get back out front to sing and the harp is easy to use that way. I like harp because it’s so vocal sounding.

in May; I’ll return to Europe as my new album comes out and tour several countries as usual. Then I’ll do the South American tour in August and return to Europe to do dates in Spain including The Canary Islands and finally go to the Caribbean and do The Legendary Blues Cruise from Oct 27 to Nov 4… and that’s the end of my live work for this year.

ST: What classic Blues song do you enjoy to play the most?

ST: Is it true that you used a fake moustache so you could see Little Jr. Parker live?

I do not ever perform what you are calling ‘classic blues songs’, I only do my own songs. I’m not ‘a fan’ who wants to play blues just to get to play too; I am a bluesman and a recording artist who writes his own songs and there is a big difference in those two approaches.

Yes, I was 17 years old and my friends helped me make a fake moustache, so I’d look older to get in to see Little Junior Parker; that show changed my life!

ST:How were your gigs in Argentina?

What can you tell us about its audience?

I will finally work in South America in August of this year, so ask me after that. In 2011, I was booked for a tour of Argentina, Brazil and Chile, but the entire tour was cancelled.

ST:What was the last record you listened to?

“Mean Old Lonesome Train” by Lightnin’ Slim.

ST: What are your next steps, regarding tour dates and recording sessions?

I’m currently home working on the packaging of my summer release titled: “Bonetime”. I just finished doing two songs for the next Mannish Boys album. My band will do a Westcoast tour

Thank you James!

Thank you very much for your interest.

DAVE

SPECTER “I’m proud of developing a sound and style that I can call my own”

________________________

H

ow did your passion for music start, especially the blues?

Some of the first blues concerts I saw as a teenager in Chicago were also some of my favorite shows including B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells and Otis Rush.

1. I grew up in a very musical family in Chicago and first heard the blues on the radio as my parents loved folk music and often listened to the acoustic blues of Big Bill Broonzy, Leadbelly and Josh White. My older brother would also go hear Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters play live and helped turn me onto electric Chicago blues. The powerful sounds and intensity of the blues had a big impact on me - starting at a very young age.

AR: How does it feel to have played with artists like Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Jimmy Johnson among other major ones?

AR: Who were the musicians that influenced you at the beginning?

AR: What is your opinion about social networks and the trafficking of MP3 music?

My early influences included Magic Sam, Freddy King, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Otis Rush, T-Bone Walker, Kenny Burrell, Muddy Waters Steve Freund, Ronnie Earl and Duke Robillard.

The music and record business has changed so much and I hate to see so much music getting pirated and stolen via the internet and MP3s. I wish there were more record stores and less reliance on electronic music. Social networking has helped increase artist visibility and interaction with their fans - as well helping artist’s careers.I also find in enjoyable and often productive.

AR: What was the concert that you enjoyed most?

I feel very fortunate to having grown up in Chicago where I had the opportunity to play with many of my musical heroes - who I can also call my friends. Artists like Jimmy Johnson were very helpful and encouraging to me when I first started playing guitar.

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

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INTERVIEW

By Agustin Roca

DAVE

SPECTER

________________________ Blues guitarist, bandleader and producer Dave Specter has earned an international reputation as one of the premier talents on the Chicago blues scene. Since 1985 Specter has performed regularly at top Chicago blues and jazz clubs in addition to festivals and concert halls throughout the USA. Since 1989 Dave has toured internationally . some that I played with while on tour in Mexico.

AR: How was the experience of recording with RonI've also met some Argentinian blues musicians that nie Earl? Any story to tell? have come to Chicago to learn the blues.

Ronnie Earl recorded with me on my very first album AR:What is the musical future of Dave Specter? and it was very inspiring to work with him. He really helped me in the studio and has always been kind of a big brother to me - offering me good advice and great I'm looking forward to start working on some new refriendship throughout my career. He's a very power- cordings in the near future which will include alot of my new music which I've been writing over the past ful force in the studio - and of course playing live. year. Also looking forward to more touring - both in the USA and internationally.

AR:Regarding the current blues, could you recommend us any musician or band?

Dave Specter The current blues scene in Chicago is still strong but it's much harder to find the classic & traditional Chicago blues sounds than it was 20 years ago. The blues/ rock/funk sounds dominate the scene today. I wish there were more young artists that I could recommend. A few that come to mind include Gary Clark Jr., Mississippi Gabe Carter & Dave Herrero, AR: Beyond the money, what do you think has been your biggest success as a musician?

Regarding success I'm very proud of my year career as a blues guitarist, bandleader, recording artist and producer. I'm also proud of developing a sound and style that I can call my own.

AR:Do you know any musician from Argentina?

I know a few musicians from Argentina including

n io s r e v h is l g n E New edition Con Alma de Blugeaszine ma

E H W E K MI

By Roberto Porzio Argentine musician Guitar Blues

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

EWELER hen did you decide to be a blues musician?

I did my first blues gig in 1984 with Lovie Lee but I didn't decide to become a Bluesman until 1994.I've been working regularly on the Chicago blues scene since then.

INTERVIEW Mike Wheeler has been playing the Chicago blues since the mid 80’s.

RP: Nowadays, who is the most important chicago's blues musician?

I think the most important Chicago blues musician in Chicago right now other than Buddy Guy would be John Primer.He is the real deal.He plays slide,sings and plays traditional Chicago blues.

RP: Which artists influenced your guitar style?

RP: Why do new generations (as John Mayer or Gary Clark jr) get into the blues sceene?

My guitar style is influenced by Albert King,BB King,Buddy Guy,Freddy King & Otis Rush.Jimi Hendrix is also a main influence.

I think they get into the blues scene because it's the root of all music.Hopefully they will inspire others to play blues.

RP: Even though tradicional blues, you use to play other styles as soul and r&b, don't you?

RP: What does the word "blues" mean according to your view?

To me blues is a feeling and describes everything we go through in life.Relationships, work,Everyday living.

I began my career as a musician playing r & b and soul music.As a child I listen to all styles of music.

My mother would play blues,gospel and R & B Records around the house.As I got older I began listening to and playing rock music.

RP: What do you think about the future of blues music in Chicago and around the world?

I think the future of blues music is promising.

There's a lot of young people embracing the genre and that's what we need to keep the music going.

RP: How would you define your guitar style?

I would describe my guitar style smooth but sometimes aggressive.I don't try to play a lot of notes all the time.I try to make the notes I play mean something.

Mike Wheeler

TEENY TU The Lady of the Bl Teeny Tucker is one of the most talented, dynamic, exciting, and creative personalities on the current Blues scene.

I

By Juju Estrin Translation : Mabel Sosa

t is impossible to start this interview without talking about your father Tommy "He- heel Sneacker " Tucker, because that indicates that you were born within the blues. Surely you already “have the Blues” since you were “inside your mummy”.

We also know that your beginnings were in the choir of the Church of Dayton, Ohio.

How do you feel and how do you remember some of your childhood with such a talented exponent of the blues?

a gospel choir until I became an adult. I also joined my local Theater in my hometown and participated in musical productions, acting and singing in lead roles. I believe it was just in our blood.

JE -Your career as a professional singer began in 1996 and you were helped by a German manager and producer who promoted European tours of your father. Before this happened, would you imagine to dedicate yourself to something else not related to the music?

My father comes from a musical family. His love for music started when he was a young boy, learning to play the sax and piano. I distinctly remember knowing that I wanted to sing at around age 6 years old. However, it was later confirmed when I heard the legendary Mahalia Jackson (Queen of Gospel) on the radio that I unwrapped one Christmas when I was only 8 or 9 years old. I started singing in the gospel choir very young and sang with

Before 1996, I sing mostly gospel music and some Top 40 popular songs for wedding or singing contests. Once I discovered women of the past and present singing the Blues, I was hooked and the rest is history. I was asked by the promoter to learn 10-12 songs so that he could bring me to Europe to perform at a few of the Blues Festival. I believe it was his way of keeping a connection with my father.

He sent a cassette tape back then with 20 songs

UCKER lues from various women who had dedicated their lives to the Blues. My goal was to learn 10 songs to gain the opportunity to travel overseas to sing. Once I stated listening to Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Wynonna Carr, Big Maybelle, KoKo Taylor, Laverne Baker, and many others, I knew Blues was the “It Factor” for me. I actually learned all 20 songs and couldn’t sing much of anything else after that. Although I keep my gospel roots near and dear to my heart, Blues is deeply embedded. I think I can sing all genre if requested, but it will all have a Blues feel to it.

INTERVIEW

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

INTERVIEW

JE -How did you live the experience of being chosen for the cover of King Biscuit Time Magazine in 2004 after participating in the most important Blues Festivals in USA, Sweden, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy?

Before showing up on the King Biscuit Time Magazine I had been traveling around the country with my band playing Blues Festivals and clubs. I started writing and recording my original songs at the time. One of KBTM writers, Don Wilcox at the time had been following me and decided to choose me for the cover and cover story. It was certainly an honor and I was very thrilled to be on the cover.

JE -Before composing your own songs, which were the artists and songs that you use to sing?

Like I said, I listen to Mahalia Jackson due to the fact that I was more into gospel before I was introduced to the female pioneers/ foremothers of the Blues. I would also purchase and listen to music by Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Gladys Knight, and many R&B specific music.

JE -From your second CD "Keep the Blues Alive" you wrote the lyrics to most of your songs an got in the in the top ten of International Songwriting Competition as " BlueBlast Magazine " named for " Best Traditional Blues Artist woman " ( Koko Taylor Award ) by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee Can you tell us about what inspires you to write your songs?

What is the process you use to create them?

Prior to writing songs, I wrote poems about my life, experiences, and current events. I love poetry and I my l expressed it in a metaphorical substance through writing poems. It wasn’t long before I started putting words to songs in the same way I processed poetry.

6- JE -In 2011 you won Carter Woodson Award. Dr. Woodson was an historian, author and journalist, founder of the “Journal of the History of Black People” and one of the first scholars to value the importance of a people with knowledge and consciousness of their contributions to humanity. From your town of origin and to the rest of the world, is the Blues part of your people life?

What can you tell us about this?

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar and historian of Black History. He organized schools and organization to participate in a special program to encourage the study of African-American history which began in February 1926 with Carter G. Woodson Negro History Week. The program later expanded and was later renamed Black History Month. During that month the Annual Carter G. Woodson Award serves to recognize an individual who has contributed to the African American Community and the community as a whole in a significant way. I was honored with the award for music contributions but also for my dedication to foster children, Blues in the schools, and dedication for serving the elderly and those less socially in fold.

Teeny r Tucke Con Alma de Blues Magazine

TEENY

TUCKER

JE -Your shows are generally varied, from Festivals to Casinos and Private Events. Surely thousands of those who hear you are not fans of the genre. What is your opinion about how people live and feel the blues today?

JE - Tell us a little about your latest and last CD “Voodoo to you do " Personally I really like the song " Love Spell"

Music to me is the most universal thread that seams people together from all walks of life.

Blues is more complex in nature than most of us realize. It is the original form of therapy that allowed our ancestors to express their disappointments, lack of social economic opportunities, poverty, and mistreatments during slavery. I’ve had people tell me that they didn’t really like Blues, but that they love my Blues.

All I can say is, perhaps in my Blues I dazzle them real life stories in a modern kind of way that they can relate too. I want them to feel what I’m singing, as if they were standing beside me feeling the same disappointments and joys that I feel.

I think everyone has had a love relationship that started out strong and attentive. But later in the relationship that feeling begins to subside due to outside distractions. The spark he or she used to send up and down your spine suddenly lost its spell.

I need you to once again cast your love spell on me.

JE - What are your priorities when selecting musicians to your band?

My music partner Robert Hughes whom I feel really gets me in a musical sense. He hears the song that I have in mind. I come up with my lyrics, I present them to him and his creative juices combine with mine seems to produce good songs and a keen ear and deep sense of internal know with all.

It is the same way we know which musicians would work or fit into our music family. We have great band members that in some way share our vision.

We also have two great female background singers that have been with us for the last seven years.

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JE -To finish this interview: Have you thought to come to Argentina to show your music?

We need such a good dose of feminine references that continue to inspire us.

I would be honored to come to Argentina and bring the spirit of this music in what I call the “Teeny Tucker” style. It is deeply embedded in my heart, mind and soul. It is therapy, but the kind of therapy that gives you instant rehabilitation to a new life. I think “We Rock” and the people in Argentina will not be disappointed.

Robert Hughes a Blues/Music Historian and lover of this American Roots Music and I have developed a “Women in Blues Workshop”. The WIB has been presented successfully at various Blues Programs, colleges, and schools. We are determined to keep this music alive and compel it to as many young people and adults so that we can preserve its rich history.

Thank you

Teeny Tucker

CO

HA

BLU

By Gustavo Pollo Zungri Editor & Director CADB Magazine ___________________________________

ORERYIS

INTERVIEW

AR

E V O L & E A G G E R S UE Corey Harris (born February 21, 1969; Denver, Colorado) is an American blues and reggae musician, currently residing in Virginia. Along with Keb' Mo' and Alvin Youngblood Hart, he raised the flag of acoustic guitar blues in the mid-1990s.

He was featured on the 2003 PBS television mini-series, The Blues, in an episode directed by Martin Scorsese.

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COREY

C

orey; your recent visit to Argentina has left a trail of high praise and admiration for your performance at La Trastienda Club of Buenos Aires. What kind of feelings has left on you our audience and our musicians? Which was the thing of our country that most impacted you?

I was very happy to play in Argentina and very surprised at the appreciation shown by the music fans there. I heard some very good musicians while I was there. The biggest surprise for me was to discover so many blues fans so far away from the USA. GZ: Corey; you are recognized not only as a great artist, but you are also dedicated to the study of the cultural roots of Blues music. What is like to be an anthropologist and musician at the same time?

HARRIS I am not an anthropologist. I am a musician who likes to learn.

GZ: “Fulton Blues” is your new album and it is a tribute to the district of Richmond, Virginia, with a history of hard adversities. How were you inspired to make the songs’ lyrics?

Yes the song was a direct result of my learning about the history. Music can educate people about history, good and bad.

GZ: How do you see the Blues scene in your country? How do you feel about it?

There is very little in the contemporary blues scene that interests me. Many people are just recycling the old music and few are saying anything new.

There is a need for something fresh and original.

GZ: You’ve had years of experimentation in many musical root styles, from reggae to ragtime. Your last album highlights a return to your bluesy roots.

Do you refuse to be typecast into only one music genre? Do you just go with your moods when you’re composing?

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

I focus on making original music instead of doing what has already been done. When I am composing I write with the type of album I want to make in my mind. Then I take the time I need to write the songs for the album that I want.

GZ: You were featured in the acclaimed television series on PBS in the 2003, “The Blues”, directed by Martin Scorsese. Have you also organized shows at various radio stations on Central Virginia area?

Several years ago I had a radio show at WTIU university of Virginia radio. That show was called Blues and the Abstract Root. I played blues and related music like gospel, jazz, rock, reggae, soul etc.

GZ: Who were your main influences?

Do you grew up in a musical family?

I did not grow up on a musical family.

I am influenced by Son House, Burning Spear and Ali Farka Touré GZ: Do you have a message as a guitar master and a teacher for young people who are just starting out?

My message to the young people is to always be yourself and you will stand apart from the crowd. Follow your own heart in the music and express your roots and culture in all that you do.

GZ:Which are the next steps to follow for Corey Harris?

I have just released a live album, Live from Turtle Island. I am working on finishing a studio album and I am promoting my first book, Jahtigui: the life and music of Ali Farka Touré. I have started writing my second book about the blues as I see it. am promoting my first book, Jahtigui: the life and music of Ali Farka Touré. I have started writing my second book about the blues as I see it.

Corey Harris

INTERVIEW

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

Tamar

ra Tramell PETERSON

“A new musical Dawn�

By Juju Estrin Tamara Tramell Peterson will already be known to a wide international audience as plain Tamara Peterson. Wife and performing partner of Lucky Peterson (surely the number one performer on the current blues scene...) Tamara has already made two acclaimed albums and guested on Lucky's recent sets. But now she is ready to grab her own solo career again (she was a rising star on the Dallas/Fort Worth scene before she met and married Lucky). With a taster EP release in late 2014 and the first proper Tamara Tramell Peterson album set for 2015 and a formidable touring schedule with Lucky both across the U.S. and Europe a 'new' star performer is amongst us-Tamara, in the company of producer/songwriter Steve Washington is producing a fascinating mix of southern soul and modern R&B which manages to also combine both tough bluesy edges and a pop female vocalist sassiness-a unique artist!!

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Con Alma de Blues Magazine

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TAMARA

TRAMELL

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TAMARA

TRAMELL

JE: Your guttural voice lets you play melodies that blend contemporary blues, R & B, Soul and Funk.

Do you see these genres as a fusion or evolution of classic blues?

It`s revolution...We’ll always see constant rebirth in music. There is no way around it. Everyone is influenced daily by all that they hear, see, touch, and smell. What goes in is what comes out and makes us who and what we are. There are times I may not realize right away that a sound or style I heard or a movie that I’ve watched affected me past the moment until it comes out again.

It’s like cooking a stew in a big pot, blending many different ingredients and creating a different taste all the time.

JE: Let’s review your discography…

In 2001 you recorded as a vocalist in Lucky Peterson’s Band “Double Dealin’” and in 2009 with “Darling Forever” where he gives you a lot more voice role. Last year with Lucky and producer Steve Washington, you led your creative team album “Whatever you Say”. Tell us something about this latest album.

After Lucky’s Double Dealin’ album he would invite me to make some kind of appearances on most of his cds after. There was Heart of Pain, You Can Always Turn Around, Every Second a Fool is Born, and his current Son of a Blues Man. Darling Forever was actually my first release on JSP which Lucky joined me on this time. Then there was “Whatever You Say”, it is basically about love and life. Stories and thoughts of my own true feelings with more of a soul - neo soul, taste of jazz sounding flavor. Steve Washington and I wrote most of the songs on this cd with one written by Omar Jahwar and one written by Linny Nance.

I was relieved to be getting a little closer to

PETE

expressing Tamara, so it felt good to get this particular project completed.

JE: You chose the track “One of a Kind” to make your first official video of the album. I really like it! Why did you choose this track and what did you want to tell in the video?

One of a Kind feels so good!

The story is so very true for me, it’s happy and upbeat and that’s the feeling that I’d like to project.

JE: The DVD Blackbird Music/55 Arts Club The Lucky Peterson Band feat. Tamara Peterson Live at the 55 Club Arts Berlin, was among the nominees for the 2013 Blues Music Awards.

What importance do you give to this kind of Awards?

It is always an honor to be recognized amongst my peers. I am grateful to be a part.

JE: In addition to singing, you play the guitar.

Do you see yourself in the future facing soloing with this instrument in your shows?

What you will hear is a lot more of me. Just fun, carefree, happy, feel good music...maybe a little guitar, or maybe even a little bit of Piano and cello.

Tamara Peterson.

ERSON

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

Interview

MARQUISE

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

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E KNOX

By Gustavo Pollo Zungri Editor & Director of CADB Magazine ____________________

Traslation: Mabel Sosa

Marquise Knox Born in 1991 St. Louis Mo, Marquise hails from a musical family deeply entrenched in the Blues. He learned how to play guitar from his grandmother Lillie whose family were sharecroppers and whose great, great grandparents were slaves. He also played with his uncle Clifford, who was a major influence in Marquise’s life.

We chatted with blues prodigy in this exclusive interview CADB Magazine

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MARQUISE

KNOX

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M

arquise, Your first album, Man Child, was recorded when you were 16, during two nights, while you were into a church with the worldwide famous Michael Burks and his band during an ice storm. There’s even a song called Ice Storm in the album. This album was surely developed in your heart when you were a child learning to play the guitar by your grandmother’s hand and don’t you think it was a divine purpose? So... Blessed Storm!!!

Yes thanks to Michael Burks and his band people start taking me serious. My Grandmother Lillie and Uncle Clifford taught me how to play the guitar. As far as it being divine the blues where definitely in my blood. So I perform from a different perspective.

GZ - You express your blues with so much depth and feeling. What does this wonderful music mean in your daily life? Has anyone ever broken your heart?

To me the blues tell a history of a people who struggled and overcame all that was present. I think the blues goes hand in hand with gospel.

When Adam was in the garden Eden and God cast him and Eve out they had the blues. Yes my heart has been broken doesn’t mean from a woman but yes I have.

GZ - You are 23 and you sound with a great admirable own style but with the older ones mixture. Do you feel that blues fathers’ spirits swarm in your life and why does this genre last in its highest expression of the true blues roots?

Con Alma de Blues Magazine 2015

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If you could put them in a podium, who were the bluesmen that have influenced you most?

Does the Blues have a unique owner or is it universal?

Yes I feel the moment in which I’m in when I perform. After all these guys and women set the standards of what a bluesman or woman should be.

My influences are Lightnin Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Albert Freddie and Bb king. Even a lot of the guys living in the delta right now. Eddie Campbell too.

Yes the blues have an unique owner, blacks in America. But like anything you can learn you share with others. The blues is raw and appeals to anyone who listens long enough. So it is universal like a remote control.

GZ - It is said that a soul without ego... rises, how do you manage to keep your humbleness in the presence of so much applause and acclaim? It is hard to keep your feet on the ground when you have been a prodigy since early age.

What makes me humble Is the fact that I know the world doesn’t revolves around me. I’m just on of many. But I do give my heart and soul and that’s what the people like.

GZ - Do you remember when was the first time you were paid for playing on a stage? What did you buy with that money?

GZ - How do you see the Blues among the young in your country? Is it necessary to return to the roots or unfortunately there are other interests?

There is a resurgence of young black men performing the blues. One if you have talent the blues world will acknowledge you. You can sing anything form of music within the blues and still be considered a blues artist. In my country I believe the blues is on a comeback. You can not beat the raw feeling that the blues has. So returning to the roots is a must.

The first time I was paid was by a lady named Lucille here in St.Louis. Then at my old barber shop Pyramid brother Minir and Careme let me shine I would start playing at the barber shop in the morning until close and make a hundred dollars at a time lol. I took all that money and brought a 1981 Chevy Malibu.

GZ- What’s your opinion about the fact that some people think that the blues exlusively belongs to the afroamerican musicians or it can be played by either a black musician or any race worldwide.

Next...

MARQUISE

KNOX

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GZ - Your brilliant career full of nominations and awards predict a successful future, which dreams would you like to come true?, where do you expect to be in some years time?

The dream I want most is to be able to take care of the older blues men and women. They paved this road I don’t want them thinking that we have forgotten them. In a few years I look to be farther established in my Career and still humble.

GZ - Marquise, the online blues community “Con alma de Blues” has 12000 members, many of them are as young as you are, and are waiting for your greeting and the advice you can give to the ones who are starting with the Blues.

To the online community I say thanks for supporting the blues. Without you there’s no me. For the person who is getting started, stay true to yourself number one. Second, watch as well as pray people are slick and will take advantage of you if they can. Last, remember dreams do come true. Look at me, from the streets of St.Louis now I’m in South America.

MARQUISE KNOX

Con Alma de Blues Magazine 2015

Melvin

“Winged Angel Guitar”

“Melvin Taylor is one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock, blues and jazz.

This self taught master was influenced by many of true guitar pioneers including Albert King, Jimmy Reed, Wes Montgomery, and Jimi Hendrix.”

By Sergio Tolobra Text translation:Mabel Sosa

y Ta lor

Interview

Y

ou were born in Jackson, Mississippi, land of Blues. How was your childhood? Were there family parties that influenced you musically?

I am totally self taught - I would see other guitarist play and hear music I liked and work that into my sound. I use all styles of picking, depending on the song I’m playing.

I was born in Jackson, MS. Moved to Chicago when I was four, but went back to visit every summer. Loads of family parties - everyone on my mother’s side of the family played guitar - my Grandmother, my Mom and her twin brother, Uncle Floyd.

ST: Was yours the decision to learn to play the guitar or it was your uncle’s, Floyd Vaughan?

ST: Tell us how Pinetop Perkins recruited you for an extensive European tour.

I loved the guitar from the first time I saw my grandmother and uncle play. I was too small to hold a guitar, so my uncle used to sit me on his lap and let me play. My talent is truly a gift, I don’t know how else to explain it. I hear, feel and play music. It’s like a language to me, it’s who I am.

ST: You are considered by many to be the most dazzling and talented appearance after Stevie Ray Vaughan. Are there similarities or differences between your style and the Texan’s?

Stevie Ray & I are two completely different styles.

We came from the same roots of music of course, but somewhere along the way we took on our own styles of play. Texas Blues/Stevie Ray style was a Jimmy Reed shuffle - open E natural, type guitar player. A Jimmy Reed shuffle sped up.

My style is more jazz oriented, along with rock, funk and classical thrown in.

ST: Are you self-taught and learned by yourself slide styles, fingerpickin, flat-picking, etc..? Which one do you prefer?

On my website is a shortened version of my friendship with Pinetop Perkins. www.melvintaylormusic.com Look under the Music section.

ST: The Blues have color for you or is it universal?

The Blues for me is universal. I have been around the world many time - wherever I go - China, Ukraine, Europe, South America...people tell me they feel my music. My music speaks to them.

ST: Which of your albums you love most and why?

Cannot choose a favorite album - they all have special meaning for me. Memories of my life at different stages.

ST: Do you know any bluesman from Argentina?

Not familiar with bluesmen in Argentina. I’m sure there are some - hopefully I’ll meet them some day.

ST: What are your immediate plans?

Currently working on a new CD. I always have music in me that needs to be recorded. It gives meaning to my life, my purpose for being here on earth and to share with the world.

Melvin Taylor.

CON ALMA DE BLUES MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW

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S S E N G A M A V I N A J

By Tana Spinelli, Songster Guest interviewer

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r an e ing s. rs l e t m u n u o d s n alb King E nd n a te .B. s co e d e u B l e s n b eleas ss the the In the a e ric as r nly red. n e o ry g m eh a g r a o A in hon M h n po d als m d a , m o e s s i date am bec e so onte e ha as e gn r. To tion n 2009, r, to b he C h sh omin a M o ed t te nda r in l i hic as n s had r a y w v w a i a u , g Fo e Ye oko T s nam Year nd w e ha d, Jan s a the , a 6, sh tate lue of th ter K 7 w B 0 s The ainer n, af r, she tist of nd 20 e 200 day r�. t ma e yea le Ar 06 a . Sinc SA To s sta o w 0 a 2 U ue 2 . l m 1 s m 0 b a n n i s Fe on n 2 atio s is a s i e n Blu ady w agai omin gnes re or ilar n “Ma f ted 2 sim 2

JANIVA Hi Janiva. I’m Tana Spinelli from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I play and sing delta blues from the ancient Mississippi.

Hi tana, a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for supporting this wonderful music!

I participate with a column on our “Con Alma de Blues” (Blues soul) internet magazine. To develop my music, I study afro roots of the blues and the way they have the influence on the style till today, and I want to bring to the people the different non conventional ways to sing and play the blues.

FANTASTIC!

I send you here some questions about your work and career, and about your feelings about singing the blues.

Got to thank you to answer it, but more importantly thank you for your music and dedication. I was reading the material you send us, and some news on web sites. It was so important for me to see on scene a woman that feels like you, and put on the music all those feelings. I have my last album from 2011, and it´s called “Brave”, so you can imagine why it is.

Feel free to answer the questions like you want, and if there is something wrong, ask me about it.

Thanks again.

Tana Spinelli

MAGNESS

H

i Janiva, and thank you to have this “chat” with us. We know you have an important blues career and have a long list of awards cause your interpretation of the blues so, we want to start asking what kind of details have you as primary at the moment to select the songs to sing and play on a record?

Thank you for asking. the details in song selection and writing always remain simple and the same for me. it goes something like this: can i tell the truth with this song? is there a deep connection in the story of the song that i can bring myself to – in order to make the same connection with the listener? you see if i cannot tell the truth, and bring myself to the song, there is no point for me to sing it. i believe people are looking, seeking a connection. this is why we become fans. because of a connection, to understand we are not alone in our experience sof joy, of sorrw, of anger, of celebration, of struggle. when we are not alone, there is much strenght.

What`s your definition of the BLUES and why you decided to play it?

There is a tradition in blues of generally 12 or 8 bar progression to the music, of course. then there is the john lee hooker type of material that often simply vamps on the 1 chord for a hundred years… it can bring us into a trance of sorts... it’s almost like chanting. in my experience, the more contemporary blues has a base of this progression and then goes forward from there, branching into rhythm and blues and even soul music. there is another primary element which is the performance piece, the

INTERVIEW singer or instrumentalist working within the frame of simple blues and melodically bringing the personal experience of the blues to the song. make sense?

Secondly, i did not choose this genre. i believe it chose me. this was the only place that ever made sense for me to be. no other genre draws me to it like blues has. no other music has carried me thru life as blues has, and continues to do. i love it.

Again to tell the truth in whatever we are endeavoring to do. to bring myself to the song is critical for me and the listener. to do my homework well enough to understand where all of this tradition comes from and where the future can lead. never losing sight of the beauty of the tradition. to be sure to have command of my instrument – which requires practice, practice and practice. to do my best to remain teachable, and not fixed in my ways.

Thinking on being a singer like a work full of emotions, how is the task of composing and work with the band to arrive to the sound you like?

When you started on the blues, learning from your favorites musicians, what kind of things do you have like most important, to have a great performance on the style?

JANIVA JM - Writing is a fairly new effort for me. i have almost always been too afraid to try. now those days are gone and i am more willing, less afraid to try. i am grateful for this change.

In terms of the sound of the band, i am a well practiced band leader and believe i understand the way to help motivate players so we all can rise towards our best as an ensemble. this is important. to work with players who respect me and whom i respect. over inflated egos and such never serve the music, not in my experirence. so i no longer subject myself to people who play this way. i have an amazing band and they are excellent human beings. we have a great deal of fun playing music and traveling. it is a beautiful experience – and all of that comes out in the performances. it’s really wonderful.

TS - What about the blues scene in your country?

In the US, there has always been a strong scene – in my opinion. however there are periods of time when it gets difficult to work enough to make ends meet. there are lots of very talented players on the scene here in my opinion. it’s wonderful to witness and be a part of.

TS - There is some difference to be a woman playing the blues?

Hahaha..! well, of course to me there is. i believe a woman approaches everything she does differently than a man.

TS - What kind of “soul matters” describe “Stronger of it”, your last album?

I’m not sure i understand the question, but let me say this: “stronger for it” is a collection of songs about surviving a very difficult period time, and landing on my feet. during that time i am talking

MAGNESS about, i had the best career year i have had in terms of touring, and one of the worst personal years ever! i felt insane, and i made a new record. the process of up and down, loss and gain, sorrow and joy all came out on that record. and i have three songs co-written on that same cd. amazing! and it is aptly titled, because i am stronger for it – having come thru that storm. and i seriously thought it was going to kill me. It is good to be wrong sometimes.

TS -Which sound differences have “Stronger…” than some others of your records?

Certainly the original material is a stand out part for me. the recording process was much slower this time. we took our time making this record, which is against what i normally do, but i trust my producer – dave darling – implicitly. so we went slower than i am used to and there is consequently time for more thoughtful choices to be made; more intimate, more vulnerable, more personal on a certain level.

TS - What kind of things or feelings do you like people gets from the “Stronger…” songs, and what when you perform in general?

It is amazing how well people have embraced this record. i am humbled and proud all at once at how much people enjoy the songs, and sing along from the very first note. it’s such an honor to me. and that becomes part of the energy exchange between the band and the audience. we feed each other. it’s wonderful.

TS -What about your social work? Please, tell us a little about it.

I am honored to stand as an ambassador for foster Care Alumni of America and as a spokesperson for National Foster Care Month programs here in the

INTERVIEW U.S.. i am alumni of foster care which is to say i was in foster homes as a child, and came thru that experience, landing on my feet. so my job is to speak openly as often as possible to encourage and inspire more people to come forward and help youth at risk in this country. also to stand as encouragment to those youth still in foster care and struggling to come thru that process, as a witness and testemony to them that they can have an amazing life – no matter what their history or background is. no matter what they come from.

Both of these appointments are huge honors and daunting responsibilities that i am grateful to participate in. by telling the truth of my experience as a young child in trouble, this helps others to keep moving forward. it’s a remarkable thing.

TS -And to the end, how long it takes to your next tour and what can the people found on the new shows? Do you plan to perform in Buenos Aires anytime?

I would love to come to Buenos Aires to perform!!!! is there a festival you can suggest? i know my booking agency – intrepid artists, intl. is working hard on 2015 bookings now… invite me please!!!!

The next tour is scheduled for early february here in the pacific northwest, then onto Colorado in March and so on. i am excited to attend the Blues Music Awards in May. i think 2013 is going to be a very exciting year indeed!

JANIVA MAGNESS

CON ALMA DE BLUES MAGAZINE

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DEV

INTERVIEW

By Gustavo Pollo Zungri Director and Editor CADB Magazine ___________________________________ ___ Translation : Mabel Sosa

Devon Allman Gregg Allman’s son (The Allman Brothers Band) The new Southern Rock/Blues blood gave us some of his time, so we can ask him about his upward career, his relationship with music.

VON ALLMAN

“Shining with its own Light” Con Alma de Blues Magazine

DEVON

D

evon, first of all congratulations for your new release “Ragged & Dirty”, recorded fully analogical and with old school blues instruments. How did this great disc begin to take shape?

THANK YOU! I have always made my records in the southern part of the USA so this time I really wanted to shake things up and go to the electric blues capital of Chicago to get those vibes on the record. I collaborated with my producer Tom Hambridge and worked on writing songs for a couple of months. Some of them came the night before going to start the record. "Traveling" and "Leave the City" were born the same night one night before going in.

GZ - A very bluesy disc where the Boogie, the Chicago Blues, the R&B and the Rock come together… Luther Allison’s song, which is the title of the disc, is a sample of this. When did the Blues come into your life? And what does it mean to you?

When I began playing guitar I discovered Jimi Hendrix and a special track to me was "Red House". The blues hit me as being more raw, more sexy and more honest than most rock or pop music. It was an instant love affair.

GZ - You’re well recognized as a musician in our country, and a few knew that you were Gregg Allman’s son, is that good for you? How have you dealt with the label: being the son of…?

While I am proud of my family heritage I only concern myself with being a better guitarist, singer, writer and producer every day. It keeps me on my game and focused. Some people say I am carrying the torch for this style of music which

ALLMAN is lovely of them to say. But really at the end of the day I want to GIVE to music. Not take.

Music has taken very good care of me and touched me very deeply.

GZ - How was your childhood musically speaking?

Vinyl records and FM radio Drives to the beach where I would lay with my ear on the speaker.

Santana. The Rolling Stones. Curtis Mayfield.

Rush. Sabbath. The Cure. The Smiths. Wings.

The Beatles. Hendrix. Fleetwood Mac. GZ - Two discs released with your band Honeytribe, the works with the Royal Southern Brotherhood, your debut as a solo artist on “Turquoise”, and now this second production called “Ragged & Dirty”… They were two intense years of spreading your talent on the stages; tell us about this passion for your work!

Life is short. Work your ass off. Your work ethic is something no one can take from you nor question when there are results.

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

Photo by : Jayne Tansey-Patron. Fairfield, CT. Team DA

DEVON

ALLMAN

GZ - Javier Vargas told me about you for this interview, he admires and esteems you, what are your memories of the shows with him?

Man I love Javier. We have had some amazing times in some amazing places. He is my Spanish soul brother of the massive blues guitar army. Our rifles have six strings on them. I remember sick jams, exotic islands, whiskey, a lot of airports and seeing myself on MTV at a hotel room in Barcelona.

GZ - How was the musical relationship with your father? Although he is a great influence for you, you have an own personal style and an original talent.

We respect each other as people and musicians. But it takes a certain mental capacity to keep things in check. On the one hand I believe he possesses one of the most soulful voices I have ever heard. On the other hand he is my Dad. We watch football and shoot the shit often. We are touring a bit together this year.

GZ - Do you remember the show when you got the highest recognition? Have you ever felt frustrated on stage?

Once played at festival in Germany to 30,000 people. That was a gas! Never really get frustrated onstage since I have the most wonderful job on the planet. I get to make people feel good and shake their asses.

GZ - Which are your dreams‌ those soul whishes that keep yourself creative?

To help make the world a more beautiful place with art. To inspire younger artists to keep the music alive.

GZ - Finally, is it in your plans a visit to South America one day?

Your next commitments‌?

I have always wanted to see South America and play there. All they have to do is call and I will be there. Someday very soon I hope!!.

DEVON ALLMAN

Devon Allman & Javier Vargas

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

Devlomnan A

DAN

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Con Alma de Blues Magazine

INTERVIEW

NI WILDE

Singing With heart in hand� ______________________ Dani Wilde (born 25 August 1985, Hullavington, Wiltshire) is a British born Female Singer-Songwriter and guitarist who fuses roots genres including blues, country, gospel, soul and americana into popular song

By Gustavo Pollo Zungri Editor and Director Con Alma de Blues Magazine

________________

DANI WILDE

D

ani, three years have passed and ten editions since our last interview, you have travelled a lot and been on many stages.

What has all this last time left for you?

It’s hard to believe it’s been that long since my last record.

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

So much has happened since then. I toured my last record for Ruf ‘Juice Me Up’ all over Europe, Canada and The USA as part of ‘Girls With Guitars’ as well as gigging with my own band. The past few years have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. I was really struggling at one point; I’d had my heart broken by the man I loved. Then one of my booking agents unexpectedly died and he owed me an awful lot of money and so I found myself very miserable and in debt. I realized I needed a break; some time-out.

So I began volunteering with young children with Cerebral Palsy for a charity called Whoopsadaisy. Those kids were amazing – totally inspirational and really made me realise that I had no right to be miserable – If they could get up and defy not just their own expectations but everyone else then I certainly could do the same with my meager problems too. I played music with the kids and learnt all about ‘conductive education’ which to me seemed like working miracles. I witnessed a Little boy aged 6 who had been told by doctors he would never walk put down his crutches and walk independently. His grandparents were there and they were in

INTERVIEW

tears. I was in tears – It makes you realise how much we take for granted and just what can be achieved with love and dedication.

After a while though I started to miss the road and the studio. I recorded and released some ‘live and unplugged’ singles which charted in the I-Tunes Country Music Charts Top 40 in Europe. It was cool if a Little crazy to see my name in a chart next to Taylor Swift. I love Country Music and feel that if artists like Bonnie Raitt and Ray Charles can mix Blues with Country and Gospel then why cant I. I’ve been touring Europe a lot with my band. I’ve also spent several months out in Spain with The Javier Vargas Blues Band. I sang a duet with Chris Jagger on Vargas’ new álbum. It was a cover of Freddie King’s ‘Palace Of The King’. We recorded in Madrid and then toured festivals and concert halls all over Spain last Summer and Autumn. I’ve also gigged out in Russia a few times now which was an adventure. Politically and culturally it was an interesting time to be in Moscow as they were on the brink of war with Ukraine.

In between touring I was in the studio recording my new album “Songs About You”.

beautiful and timeless. It’s all about the song and the vocal and is inspired by Country, Blues and Gospel music.

I was very lucky to have some wonderful musicians guest of the record. I sang Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals. Stuart Dixon played some electric and acoustic guitar on a few tracks.

Roger Inniss who has played for Chaka Khan and Oli Brown played Bass Guitar and Upright Bass.

We were blessed to have Janos Barrista on Piano (Jimmy Ruffin). Gregory Coulson (The Selecter) played Rhodes and Organ Fergus Gerrand who had just got back from a tour with Sting played Drums and Percussion Bethany Porter (Kula Shaker) contributed her beautiful Cello playing. Hugely talented world music artist Katey Brooks along with Todd Sharpville, Ross Alexander, and my brother Will Wilde sang gospel style BV’s.

Everyone put their heart and soul into the songs.

These guys are all great, well rounded world-class musicians and they had so many ideas to throw into the pot. It was an honor working with them. It was a really fun time.

GZ: This current April a new album “Songs about you” will be released. What can you tell us about it and how was it conceived?

Well the new album was a project shared between Producer Stuart Dixon and I. Stuart encouraged me to make this album when I was at a real low point emotionally. He said I should make an album just for me – to not think about what other people want me to be or sound like – to just write and perform for the love of it and see what I ended up with, so that’s what I did. We wanted to keep the album really organic sounding. That way it would sound, real and

New album “Songs about you” 2015

Dani Wilde GZ : How do you feel when you compose? Do you need to talk about your own experiences? Do you think in giving a message through your songs?

I find it easiest to write when I am upset, angry or really happy. Actually if I’m feeling any intense emotion I tend to reach for my guitar and the songs just flow out. Also If I get into a new artists music that really inspires me, I tend to feel the need to write.

I grew up on a musical diet of Motown and Blues: lots of John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Etta James.

More recently though I have been inspired by Country/Americana/Jazz artists such as Lyle Lovett, Patty Griffin, Foy Vance and Gregory Porter. Sometimes I sing about my own experiences.

The song ‘Cruel World’ on my new album is a really honest account of how I felt when the man I loved told me I wasn’t ‘Special Enough’ and he moved on and met someone new. I wanted to be a good friend to him and to be happy for him but I just wasn’t strong enough to do that. Other songs on my record though tell other peoples stories.

The song ‘Time’ is about a little old lady I met in America and is about her life; the young spirit behind the wrinkles and grey hair – the child inside and the woman’s journey – and the life she lead.

Sometimes I lecture to students at Britain and Irelands Modern Music Institute (BIMM) and one of my songs “Begging For Love” was for my students.

It tells them to “Have Pride” and not to waste their time on someone who treats them bad; to not make the mistakes I have made.

GZ: You are a sensitive person not only when you write but doing good works too, like your foundation and humanitarian work fighting to prevent infant poverty in Kenya. How did this feeling come to your heart?

Well, Live Aid happened in the year I was born. I grew up watching Michael Jacksons music videos” Heal The World, We Are The World, Man In The Mirror and this really had a big impact on me. For me, music and being able to help children who desperately need help go hand in hand.

I support a charity called Moving Mountains in Kenya. I first teamed up with them in 2007 where for my University Degree Project I wanted to use music as a fundraising tool to bring Musical Instruments and Education to children in Kenya’s Slums.

This was so rewarding for the children. A lot of them don’t get much ‘Play’ or ‘Fun’; it’s a tough life out there. A third of the kids in the slum are HIV. A third are Orphans. Others come from single parent families and are expected to work or look after younger siblings. Many turn to drugs/sniffing glue.

Parents give their children bottles of glue to sniff because they hope it make help the children to forget how hungry and poorly they are. Music gave the children hope/enjoyment/a dream. The childrens music group reached the final in the National Kenya Music Competition (a feat unheard of for a slumschool) and it meant we paid for them to get a bus to the capital city ‘Nairobi’ to compete against rich boarding schools and private schools. One of our slum children won a first place prize for his recorder performance. The children at the music club are now able to learn Guitar, Harmonica and Recorder as well as Choir and Piano.

I also help moving mountains to fundraise for the essential things that we take for granted at home; things like pens and paper, footballs, fixing classroom roofs, clean running water, electricity, and food. Moving Mountains run a rescue centre to ensure that no child will starve. Children who go there can get a meal of rice and beans each day. This is tough to maintain though, especially when there is

INTERVIEW

drought or floods which destroy crops and raise the price of food.

So if you can help. Please visit my website www.daniwilde.com jGZ; Javier Vargas visited us in Sept. 2014, and you played in shows with him (he spoke highly on you), how did you live this?

Working with Javier was a wonderful experience. His band are wonderful people. I was invited to sing lead and backing vocals on Javier’s new album “From The Dark” which we recorded in Madrid. Javier’s vocalist is a British Blues, Gospel and Rock singer called Gaz Pearson. Wow, Gaz is one hell of a vocalist. He kind of reminds me of Paul Rodgers, Steve Marriot and Robert Plant; Just wonderful, passionate, gritty soulful vocals.

Javier is a very creative and kind soul. The songwriting and grooves on the record are great. I recommend you spotify it and if you enjoy it, go ahead and buy the CD (Cause spotify only pays the artist $0.0007 per play which is just a bit crappy but hey, it’s a great way of discovering new music).

Dani Wilde GZ: You have opened many concerts for featured musicians like Jools Holland, Nazareth, Johnny Winter, etc. Do you have an anecdote with any of them to share?

I’m terrible at being able to quote what people have said. When I met my heroes the experience has washed over me like a magical dream. Pee Wee Ellis says that “Love Is Music”. He is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. He is so kind and humble and yet he is the man who invented Funk… the man who co-wrote “I’m Black and I’m Proud” – He wrote music that gave people power and freedom and changed the course of history, influencing the civil rights movement – giving hope to those who needed it in the hardest of times. What an honour to have shared the stage with him, to have shook his hand, to have hugged him and have him smile and me and treat me so kindly. I have an interest in journalist and I was fortunate enough to interview Pee Wee

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about his life for neon-nettle magazine which you can read at: http://www.neonnettle.com/interviews/56-an-exclusive-interview-with-funk-pioneer-dr-alfred-peewee-ellis I have been lucky to meet and work with many of my hero’s from Johnny Winter to Mike Vernon, to Louisiana Red. I know I am very lucky to have had these experiences.

GZ; You also lecture at Britain and Ireland’s Modern Music Institute. Please tell us about it.

I teach kids aged 16 and upwards songwriting, vocals and performance skills. It’s nice to give back.

Some of these kids have had tough lives and music will hopefully be the thing that gives them confidence, self worth and helps them towards a positive future. Some of these kids are so hugely talented that I wish I could click my fingers and give them the opportunities I have had. Instead I shall support them all I can in the hope that they will put in the hard work and that I will see them touring the world and meeting their hero’s in upcoming years.

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INTERVIEW GZ: How is it that you perform in a Russian choir singing Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky?

My friend Tabitha Smith is a Blues and Folk singer-songwriter. She is also interested in choir music and she invited me along to sing at a Russian Choir.

It is a world away from the blues. The blues is something that’s been a part of my life since I was born and that I will always treasure but Classical Choir Music is a whole new adventure and a challenge.

I sing the high soprano part… When done well it sounds like angels singing. Tabitha will be coming on the road opening up for me in Europe later this year.

Pamera, Nora and Ahadi..

Ciudad Embu, Kenya “Moving Mountains”

GZ; Did you meet Gary Moore? Is it true that you were neighbors? If yes, how do you remember him?

Any anecdote with him?

Gary lived in Brighton, my home town. I only met him a handful of times but he was very kind to me.

Actually even though he lived nearby, I first met him in the north at Leicester Blues Festival. He invited me to his backstage room and gave me some advice.

He told me if I covered ‘Rather Go Blind” on my next record he would come and perform it with me.

That would have been wonderful. Unfortunately he didn’t live long enough for that to happen

Javier Vargas & Dani Wilde

in ‘Heavy City Blues Tour’ 2014 SPAIN

GZ: We thank you in advance for your time, and to end this interview we would like to know which Dani Wilde’s future plans are.

Well, I’m away on tour in Europe for a month in April/May. After that I’ll be touring and promoting this album as much as I can. I’m hoping to record a live Album/DVD in the future too.

DANI WILDE

Dani Wilde and Will Wilde

INTERVIEW

DANIEL& RA Kin

The Golden Argentinian Blu Daniel Raffo was born in the neighborhood of Floresta, Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1963. After participating in different bands, Daniel Raffo initiated his King Size Blues project in 1988, recreating Blues classics, as well as some soul musicians. In the 1990s, he started to accompany several American musicians, at venues such Buenos Aires Blues Special Club, various theaters and touring to neighboring countries. Their first contact on a stage with a foreign musician began in a jam in the 90s with Taj Mahal, and then opening the show in Argentina of Hubert Sumlin.

Daniel Raffo is the godfather of this magazine which was released at first in Spanish for Latin speakers and now, we are interviewing him for the English edition of the magazine.

Report by CADB Magazine

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DANIEL

RAFFO

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ow did you do to alternate with the different formations that have had this band since 30 years ago? Which is the formation band you have at the present time and what are the shows you are giving at present?

At this moment I have six different shows, but all of them have a common denominator that is “the Blues�.

I always play with musicians who love and know the style deep inside, then I choose the repertory. But as there are different shows I have to adapt the band to the place.

Con Alma de Blues Magazine

INTERVIEW

When you play Blues sometimes you can make it in a little Blues Bar or on a huge stage, so it’s always changing. Last year for example I played three times with the band I named "King Size Brass Band" with nine members, or in Blues Pubs with a quartet to make my “jump blues” show. It all depends… For example sometimes I tour alone and play with local bands who know the style. I just have to give them the playlist in advance, arrive one day before the show for rehearsal, and go to the stage to play the Blues.

CADB; You are just about to release an instrumental album with own songs, although it is known that it’s not commercially recommended these days. Why didn’t you decide to record your songs before in spite of your 30 year career?

It wasn’t due to a number of indecisions when entering a studio, songs appeared at the right time and I felt a great motivation to put them in a record. Immense artists have been criticized for their products, for alleged “bad ideas” when choosing what to record and then they had a huge and unexpected event.

CADB: We know that you not only teach Blues guitar but your classes cover everything about the genre. What is the most interesting exchange that you find with your students?

I’m excited to see them interested in all things related to Blues, musical secrets and others, which also contribute to them when they have

to play the instrument. Most of them perform alive with their own bands. That is great!

CADB: How you see the International Blues scene and locally in your country at this time?

While today we have no one as purest as BB King, Albert King, Albert Collins , the famous super gender, Otis Rush that left the music scene more than ten years ago, we’ve got Buddy Guy for example still standing . I see a lot of Blues artists taking those places and also following that legacy such as Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell, Bob Stroger, Eddie Clearwater, James Cotton , Jimmy Johnson and many more .In my country, Argentina, the Blues scene is very well in my opinion, with many good musicians, and it gives me a great satisfaction to see in action musicians who have passed through my classes in a greater or lesser extent. This is my pride!

DANIEL

RAFFO

CADB: How do you define you as a musician and what is your inspiration at the moment of composing?

The melodies come; I don't feel to wait for them.

I define myself as a serious melomaniac before than a musician, and we must not forget that it’s the starting point!

CADB: What do you admire in other colleagues?

I admire those who touch me.

That is what I admire of my colleagues. I don't care nor the instrument they play, nor the style of music they do‌ it is just when the music touches my heart.

DANIEL RAFFO

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Bob Stroger, the living legends of blues Chicago in a good conversation he had with another Argentine great bassist Dario Gorosito to “Con Alma de Blues magazine”

BOB STROGER

INTERVIEW _____________________ bassist following your steps into the Blues?

By Dario Perro Gorosito Musician Bass Guest Traslation: Mabel Sosa

_________

A

mong all the discs where you’ve played, including “In the House” and “Bob is in Town”, which was the one that gave you more personal satisfaction?

I thank my first cd Bob in the House, it was fun and it was for a dear dear friend Big Daddy Fritz DG - Who were the bass players that inspired you?

Oh the bass man was Calvin Jones who was bass player with Muddy Waters for years and bass player Bobby Anderson, those were the guys who got me started.

Bobby Anderson was with Koko Taylor in the early years.

DG - Which musician you didn’t record with and you would have liked to?

I think I’ve recorded with my special guys you know, I can't think of any one.

DG - Years pass, musicians pass and your style remains as pure and strong as your first recordings. Do you currently see any

Yes, a lot of bassists in Europe and South America play lots of my licks but everyone have their own style.

DG -Which was the drummer you felt more connected to?

My drummer were Willie Big Eyes Smith, Odie Payne and Jessie Green.

DG - Although your sound is in your fingers rather than your dearest Fender Jazz Bass, which bass would be a second choice?

No, I have no second choice. I only play old bass and it’s got to be a jazz or pc bass, sorry about.

DG - Any unknown anecdote about Muddy Waters or Otis Rush?

When I was with Otis we had some many fun times together, that is something I have thank about… he was just a fun guy.

DG - What advice would you give to those of us who are trying to play the Blues?

Just work hard, listen to others and love what you are playing. Blues is a feeling, you are playing the music while the singer is telling the story if you’re not careful you can over play the blues.

Have a good day hope you understand what I'm trying to say

Bob Stroger

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CHICA CIEL

N

ati, Congratulations. With a career in ascent, convictions and dreams that came true, and I suppose there is a lot more to achieve. But everything has a beginning, How was yours in music?

Thank you very much. Despite everything is done with effort and I still feel myself at the beginning -because there is a lot to learn-, I look backward and I realize there is a long time I have been in love with music. I started when I was 8 in the primary school chorus. It was a great experience that lasted 7 years. What I used to enjoy more were the Negro Spiritual songs the director of the chorus introduced us. Good music was always part of my daily life at home, my mother used to listen to folklore and my father, jazz. It was 7 years ago when a very close friend of mine and great harmonica player, Ximena Monz贸n, introduced me the blues and I was delighted. By then I had started my singing lessons but I could not find my way until Xime talk to me about Gabriel Gr盲tzer, who make me get into the style in deep. The first time I sang on stage was in 2010 and I did not want to go back anymore.

GZ: Your repertoire usually combines blues and other styles, such as R&B and Jazz, Who influenced you? And, what other type of music would you like to interpret?

That is true, I combine some styles, but I consider the blues as the root of everything. When I met the blues I started to understand all the music I had been listening to throughout those years. My father used to listen to Jazz and Ella Fitzgerald inspired me a lot when I was 15. Before that experience he gave me my first CD player as a gift together

INTERVIEW

with my first CD at the age of 13. It was LET IT BE

by The Beatles. I keep on admiring these musicians as I love their independent careers. I believe this is the other style I would like to interpret although this is coming true since I joined some musicians (Diego Czainik, Fernando Couto y Santiago Sorrentino) in an acoustic format to perform folk and country including songs by The Beatles, Creedence, Johnny Cash & June Carter, Travelling Willburys, among others.

GZ: Do you have any favourite phrase that encourages yourself at difficult moments?

Many and none at the same time. There were moments in which I had to decide and others in which they decided for me. I think that “Every cloud has a silver lining” suits each of those moments. I also repeat it to other people. When you follow your dreams with conviction, you have to take into account that there will always be obstacles. The only way to overcome difficulties is to focus the attention in your aims. This does not mean that sometimes one can feel itself defeated, but love to music rewards you by cheering you up to continue.

For that reason, let me add that many times, a song can also encourage yourself at difficult moments.

Mine would be “I Believe In Music” by Louis Jordan, among others.

Natalia Chica Ciel GZ: 2014 was the reward time; you released your first album Blues&Ritmo. How was the development of it? Where can we get it?

Having the chance of recording on the first year of the band was a gift. It helped us to make decisions on the repertoire. As you said before, I like combining styles, and when Inartec Studio called us in mid-2014 it made us think about what we wanted to show and how we wanted to sound.

Since I started to listen to blues, my admiration to the blues women has been growing day by day, and many of them passed through the history of music in darkness. That is why I proposed interpreting Blues and R&B from the 40’s and 50’s with song written by or for the afro American female singers from that moment. Most of the songs are unknown, only a follower of this style can at least hum a tune from the tracks in the album. We also added songs that I wrote and one by Javier Goffman that respect the characteristics of the style.

I have to highlight that the participation of Javier Goffman, who sings three songs in the album, has been of great value to us.

For the CD contact us privately to our facebook fan page ChicaCiel Blues&Ritmo or writing an e-mail to chicaciel@gmail.com We will be presenting this album in June 20 at El Bardo Bar (Cochabamba 743, San Telmo), Where we will also have CDs to sell. You are all invited.

GZ; You have ventured into the world of drawing and have exhibited in music contexts, haven’t you? Would you give us a drawing?

I have been drawing since I was very young; it

is part of my life. I am very happy to be able to combine music and drawing, it is something that completes me. To tell you the truth, it is a hobby, but you never know the twists of life.

I exhibited in some downtown pubs, in the “Centro Cultural Centeya” for the cicle “Blues en Los Barrios”. Nowadays, you can find some of my pieces of art at El Maceo Centro de Arte in the neighbourhood of Villa Urquiza. I also made sublimated t-shirts with my drawings last year and I am planning to launch more very soon.

You just have to tell me what portrait you want and you got it!

GZ: Where do you want to be in some years?

What dreams do you have?

It is very difficult to answer this. I just want to be happy and follow my heart feelings.

GZ: You participate in the "Boulebard Gospel Singers" chorus directed by Gabriel Grätzer.

You have been part of "Las Queen Bees" and you have also participated in different proyects, such us:BGC (Bada-Goffman-Costales); Mafanculo; and Hugo Gonzalez Neira (ex Aquelarre). What did you learn from those experiences?

EXPERIENCE is what i gained from all those opportunities and it gives me the courage to lead my own project. I have the best memories of the experiences that had an end. Present time would not be the same without them and I am grateful to have been part of them.

The project I had with Las Queen Bees modelled me, I have learnt a lot with the girls, not only as musicians but also as human beings.

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We all went on board through an adventure with less or without previous experience at all.

I am honoured to share stage with BGC every time they invite me, it seems as if I am sitting for an exam but enjoying it at the same time.

The most important aspect is all the things I learn while I listen to them; just imagine when I sing with them. With Mafanculo I feel free to interpret blues classics that inspire me at the moment of singing. This situation tries my versatility on stage since we do not rehearse and they sometimes ask me to sing something in particular. I feel very comfortable with this band and I celebrate each time I play the blues with the gifted guitarist Sol Bassa. The fact of playing with Hugo Gonzalez Neira gave me the experience of sharing stage with people I have never seen before. It is a challenge to meet different people and fulfil what they expect from you.

This makes you realize where you are able to get to while doing what you like.

I want to add that, apart from the Country & Folk project we started with Czainik, Couto and Sorrentino, I was also called from a 60’s Soul Group Girls project called Black Mambas. In these two bands as well as in the Gospel chorus directed by Gabriel Grätzel I enjoy the magic of harmonizing voices and meeting others through this. It is amazing.

GZ; What was your best and worst moment on stage?

The best moment took place while playing with Las Queen Bees in the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

All of the sudden we were all dancing together spontaneously. When I watch the video I cannot believe how we enjoyed and had fun. The worst moment happened with the same band. Once I

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Natalia Chica Ciel

I completely forgot the lyrics of one of our songs so I got near Sol, who started playing her guitar, and I asked: how does it start? It was a tense episode that I remember with a smile.

GZ: Thank you very much for your time on answering this interview Nati. How do you see the local blues scene? What would it take to improve?

I am very young in the local blues context. In my humble opinion, the blues is growing in our country but I do not know how it had been before I met the genre. I feel very happy to see young people joining a jam with their instrument. It is amazing the way the blues grabs you and never lets you go.

I consider there is lack of union. After all, we are in the same place for the same thing. And most of us are going to remain in the same place.

Music was done to join. Regrettable, as human beings, we all have ambitions and ego so we tend to deviate from our objectives. I do not want to be pessimistic but this situation may never change.

GZ: Who would you like to thank?

First of all, I want to thank my father, Arnaldo Ciel, who made me feel this passion to music. I also want to thank Ximena Monz贸n because she introduced the blues to me. To my singing teacher, Gabriel Gr盲tzer, who showed me different ways that led me to thousands of unimaginable places in the blues. To my partner and personal teacher, Javier Goffman, who constantly fosters my career and makes me feel the blues through stories and anecdotes. To Carlos Bada and Jorge Costales, because they always treat me as a peer on stage. And, last but not least, I thank the mu-

sicians that play with me: Daniel Scarcella, Ismael Napol, Santiago Sorrentino and Diego Bogado. I chose them because I admire them as musicians and, more than that, because they are good people.

Without them, this adventure would not be possible at all. Thanks to every and each person I mentioned!

And to your support through this interview.

Natalia Chica Ciel

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