What Am I Doing Here: Thoughts!
As a musician, I could give a rats behind about politics. But I have to say, I am growing so tired of all this Clinton/Obama crap. The Dems need to get active, and say, “Enough!” It is pretty clear to me that America wants, (and needs) change! It is also clear to me, after hearing their rhetoric, that there will be no change with Clinton or McCain at the helm of this great ship. This IS NOT a campaign for Obama! It is just an observation.
Let me delve into change or lack of change for a bit. Let me tell you about something that has not changed in my business: Money! 30 years ago, the band I had earned about 300.00 per gig. The norm today is still between 300 and 400 a gig, for a blues band. What’s up with that? Hell, a bad rock and roll band makes three times the money a very good blues band can make.
Now people are going to say, “Hey! No one is forcing you to play music (blues) for a living. No one is forcing you to live without adequate health coverage” And, they are right, in a sense. Art sucks!
I am a musician. I am an artist (debatable in some circles!), but nonetheless a fact! I choose to give people the experience of hearing and feeling the “blues.” It’s a gift I have, and (here comes the religious part), God gave it to me, and I will give it back. I understand things better, when I look at it from a “blues” perspective! That’s my life. That’s my art. That’s my cross to bear, and that’s my richness!
I know a lot of really arrogant musicians, who get miffed if someone doesn’t compliment their “greatness”. I don’t expect people to prostrate in my presence. As a matter of fact, I still get embarrassed when folks compliment me on my talent. I am not the most humble person in the world, but I still get a bad case of the “Aw shucks!”, when folks tell me how good they think I am. I still insist, I would not hire me for a guitar player!!! But, I am coming to realize, I am considered a good guitar player, by many of my peers. Most of whom I respect greatly!!! That feels good!
There is one thing I know. When I play, I take people on a journey. I give them a ticket for discovery! Sometimes self discovery. Most folks hear their own story in the songs I write and the songs I play. That’s why I do it. Sadly, the money to me is secondary to the pleasure playing the blues brings me. Call me selfish. My own children have suffered through rough times, because of my love of the music. But, you know what, they love what I do. My young son and daughter (5 and 10 years old respectively) think I’m famous! They get the biggest kick out of being around the stage when I’m playing. What they don’t understand about the blues, they understand about their father’s love of it. They understand what it feels like to be on stage, because they have both been up there with me at times, and neither of them shy away from the opportunity to do so!! Damn! I think I’ve ruined them!! (Ha!)
So what’s the point of this post?
Good blues players love the music! Not that R&R players don’t love what they do. But, as BB King said, “Blues had a baby, and they called it rock and roll.”
So, the next time you want to go out and enjoy some musical entertainment, find a blues band. Not a rock and roll band that plays a little blues, but a “blues” band. Here’s a few active ones: Cadillac Pete and the Heat! Rev. Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys! Howard Leudtke! Westside Andy and Mel Ford! Billy Flynn! James Solberg! Alex Wilson! Paul Filipowicz! Oh, and Michael “Big Dog” Murphy and the MOB (shameless plug!) All of these bands, play their butt’s off, and they all play the “blues!” These are NOT rock and roll guys. These are straight up, aggressive blues bands, that understand and respect and love the blues.
Listen to them. Follow them. Let them take you on that journey of discovery. Discover the blues, and you will buy another and another ticket for the next blues train you can find.
”All aboard!!”
dog