I'm in a place where the music from 100 years ago is still relevant today. Where not much has changed in the last 50 years. Where the differences of culture, class, or color don't matter. I'm talking about the Blues folks. Not the blues of depression or chemical science, but the Blues of the heart and soul.
I have stood where Elvis walked, and sang, where Jerry Lee Lewis pounded out 'Great Balls of Fire' on Sam Phillips piano, and Johnny Cash's deep timbre of vocals layed down 'I walk the line'. Yes, Memphis Tennessee.
There is a competition here once a year where some self proclaimed Blues Aficianados, 100 +/- of some of the most talented singer/songwriters/musicians I've ever seen, and a few dedicated fans come to pay homage to the dark soul of the music.The competion is fierce. The bands I have seen are something to behold. If we could get half of these players up in Alberta, we'd have a heck of a compliment to our own thriving blues scene. I might add that as Canadians, we can proudly cheer on our own knowing that of the 17 +/- Canadian acts that made the journey, 6 have made it to the finals. I am so proud of our people, we have represented well. I'll let you know how it turns out.
They come from as far away as Australia, The Mojo Webb Band, and Pristine from Norway. France and Italy sent their best. I'd defininately come back to experience this again. As much for the comeraderie of the musicians as the quality of musicianship available. We all roam from club to club, marvelling in each other's talent and individual gifts. Supporting the connections and making new friends. I personally have a case full of business cards for the new aquaintances I've met. Perhaps made inroads to a job or two in the future.
The greatest connection I made has nothing to do with the music industry at all. I met someone here who was one of the people who made a difference to the world in the 60's with the civil rights movement. Our meeting was serendipitous really and will make an excellent column all in it's own, aside from the actual interview about his work and incredible career in changing history. I think the story will be a winner. Meeting him was truely a gift I am incredibly grateful for.
Stay tuned for the winners of the IBC in Memphis, TN and some really great stories of my adventures in the south!
Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole
I have stood where Elvis walked, and sang, where Jerry Lee Lewis pounded out 'Great Balls of Fire' on Sam Phillips piano, and Johnny Cash's deep timbre of vocals layed down 'I walk the line'. Yes, Memphis Tennessee.
There is a competition here once a year where some self proclaimed Blues Aficianados, 100 +/- of some of the most talented singer/songwriters/musicians I've ever seen, and a few dedicated fans come to pay homage to the dark soul of the music.The competion is fierce. The bands I have seen are something to behold. If we could get half of these players up in Alberta, we'd have a heck of a compliment to our own thriving blues scene. I might add that as Canadians, we can proudly cheer on our own knowing that of the 17 +/- Canadian acts that made the journey, 6 have made it to the finals. I am so proud of our people, we have represented well. I'll let you know how it turns out.
They come from as far away as Australia, The Mojo Webb Band, and Pristine from Norway. France and Italy sent their best. I'd defininately come back to experience this again. As much for the comeraderie of the musicians as the quality of musicianship available. We all roam from club to club, marvelling in each other's talent and individual gifts. Supporting the connections and making new friends. I personally have a case full of business cards for the new aquaintances I've met. Perhaps made inroads to a job or two in the future.
The greatest connection I made has nothing to do with the music industry at all. I met someone here who was one of the people who made a difference to the world in the 60's with the civil rights movement. Our meeting was serendipitous really and will make an excellent column all in it's own, aside from the actual interview about his work and incredible career in changing history. I think the story will be a winner. Meeting him was truely a gift I am incredibly grateful for.
Stay tuned for the winners of the IBC in Memphis, TN and some really great stories of my adventures in the south!
Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole
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