It is tough describing the blues. Perhaps one reason is that it refuses to be put in a box. It definitely has some connection to the church, but it has just as much connection to voodoo, sin, and humanly justice. Maybe Blues is a reaction to hard times, but that is the same to much of any music made. It would be more accurate to describe the Blues as an emotional and soulful reaction to troubles in mind and body--this soulful reaction might be similar to gospel in church. But the Blues I am talking about is more than just church gospel. It includes a type of gospel one will sing to your shotgun or a glass of whiskey before and after something tragic. Blues might be an attempt at some salvation beyond the church's power.
For me, I was inspired by many artists this week, and it is almost pointless to choose one song, or one artist for that matter. John Lee Hooker, Lightin' Hopkins, Johnny Shines, Big Mamma Thornton, Howlin' Wolf, Skip James, and many others are so unique and different that to choose one is to exclude many others. Try understanding "Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues" by Skip James or "Too Wet To Plow" by Johnny Shines. Now compare the two songs and artists. It is inconceivable to do so literally. Instead, I decided to be inspired by the Blues feeling, and made a visual rendition of Blues in action. My take on the Blues is to mind and express power through each person's individuality and soul. Pictured above people are doing there own thing, trying to express what they can to themselves, others, and the audience uniquely.
For me, I was inspired by many artists this week, and it is almost pointless to choose one song, or one artist for that matter. John Lee Hooker, Lightin' Hopkins, Johnny Shines, Big Mamma Thornton, Howlin' Wolf, Skip James, and many others are so unique and different that to choose one is to exclude many others. Try understanding "Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues" by Skip James or "Too Wet To Plow" by Johnny Shines. Now compare the two songs and artists. It is inconceivable to do so literally. Instead, I decided to be inspired by the Blues feeling, and made a visual rendition of Blues in action. My take on the Blues is to mind and express power through each person's individuality and soul. Pictured above people are doing there own thing, trying to express what they can to themselves, others, and the audience uniquely.