Ten Years After
This summer it'll be ten years since I attended Centrum's Blues Fest for the first time. Over the years I participated in more workshops, and Blues intensives. And thanks to lessons available on DVD I continued studying with, among others, Mike Dowling, John Miller, and (since taking his workshop at last year's Blues Fest) Happy Traum. Since my work schedule is ever changing, having lessons available whenever I have some time to practice has proven to be invaluable.
Connections made at Centrum's Blues Fest continue to inspire me.
Seattle's Best Kept Secret: 4th Wednesday of the month some fabulous musicians play at Highway 99 Blues Club. Find an atmospheric venue down some steps in one of the old buildings opposite Ferris wheel and Aquarium. Easy parking, right there in front of the building, nice waitress, good seating for everyone.
Last night my company and I were blown away by slide guitarist John "Greyhound" Maxwell's fingerpicking', range of voices and repertoire. The virtuosity of fiddler Jon Parry blew my mind. Jon's solos guided me from Highway 99 to high(er) spheres. His playing made me think of the difference between violin and fiddle and the musicians who feast us on their reach. Wondered whether he had classical background, and a search shows, indeed he does. Guy Quintino on the mighty bass, his neck craning with the swing of sound, at times had me glued to his face, so filled with joy, love for music paramount.
Before getting acquainted with this swell, swinging trio we enjoyed Gary's set, focused on the Blues. During the band's intermission he feasted us on what seems to come so naturally to him, the tunes and songs by his Texas Country men. You can see and feel, that he knows the lay of the land, the places from where the poetry welled.
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