Archive for the ‘Blues’ Category
Not Just Good for 11 Updated
Hey, remenber way back on 8.13.06 when I wrote about the 11 year old blues guitarist in Peoria (IL – Sorry AZ)? Well here is a story in the Peoria Journal Star about him. The print version had a picture but apparently, the JS hasn’t heard of digital photography.
Not Just Good for 11…
Along with many other accomplishments, I am a singer songwriter (amateur, I hasten to add) living near Peoria Illinois. I get a regular performance fix by playing at open stages or open mics wherever I find them. One of my favorite spots these days is the Rhythm Kitchen Musical Café. They have musical open stages there every Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
The people who play there form an eclectic aggregation (I do folk blues and rock material for example) but there is a strong blues flavour to the Wednesday night players and fans. Last Wednesday, this 11 year old kid comes in, accompanied by his father, and blows everybody away with his hot, hot licks. Think Stevie Ray Vaughn or Edgar Winter. This kid plays in their style and may one day surpass their achievements.
I want to know how he does it. I don’t mean play with so much skill. Talented kids can learn the music theory, the scales, riffs and solos if they really want to. Many have in the past and many more will do so in the future.
What I don’t understand is where this kid, or the 6 year old Mozart for that matter, gets the soul to make music that moves an audience.
To make real music of any kind, a player needs a connection between mind, heart and soul. How does a child who has experienced next to nothing of life, form that connection?
I don’t know how they do it, but they do. And it is wonderful to behold.
