This is the first part of a two-part interview.
Karen Hanson is a friend and colleague. When faced with questions about the blues, particularly which acts I should see when the Western Maryland Blues Festival comes to my town, she is my go-to person.
So when she wrote a book about blues I was excited for two reasons: First, I can read it and, hopefully, become less ignorant about blues. Second, I can repay the favor by helping her gain publicity for the book, titled Today's Chicago Blues.
Karen is a free-lance journalist whose passion is blues music. She teaches writing and literature at a university in the south suburbs of Chicago.
Why did you decide to write this book?
I wrote the book because I knew there was a need for it. People from all over the world visit Chicago just to hear live blues. While information is available, it tends to be scattered and incomplete. My idea was to provide a comprehensive guide to everything in the blues, so that locals and tourists alike could explore the vibrant blues scene in Chicago.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
In addition to providing a usable guide for fans, I also hoped to raise awareness that Chicago is still the home of the blues. Often local residents overlook the cultural treasures in their own back yard. There isn't a city in the world that has the depth and breadth of blues talent that can be found any night of the week in a Chicago club.
What is it about the blues that makes it such an enduring genre?
The blues addresses universal themes in life. We all know what it's like to be lonely, rejected, betrayed and down on or luck. We all feel sexy, proud and ready to party. All these are common topics for blues songs.
What are the biggest misconceptions about the blues?
Three:
1. That the blues is a sad music. The blues started out as party music, and it still is. Not all the songs are sad, and even if they speak of hard times, you'll notice that nine times out ten, in the end the singer overcomes or survives them.
2. That the blues is old and dead or dying. Yes, many of the great blues musicians have passed away. But we can say that about any genre. There will never be a Muddy Waters or a Howlin' Wolf again, true, but there will never be an Elvis, or a Johnny Cash, or a Nat King Cole, or a Kurt Cobain. Yet those genres continue, as does the blues, with numerous musicians who are talented in their own way.
Article comments
1 - jean luc vabres
Hello from France,
Why always focus on the great musicians who performed always in the touristic north side ? How about the west and side part of Chi-Town ? There are great clubs too ! How about such performers as Willie D, Tony Brown,Smilin'Bobby, Bobby Too Tough, Sonny Mack, Cyrus Hayes, and many many more. You want to hear some real good music when you're in Chicago ? Go only to the parking close to the Wallace's Fish Corner located on W.Madison on friday or saturday night, you will have a real great night !
2 - Scott Butki
Hello, France. I asked Karen to swing by and respond to your question.
3 - Karen Hanson
Hi Jean Luc, I know the musicians you are referring to. Indeed, they are very good. Thank you for mentioning them. I would add to your list L.T. McGe, Al Harris, West Side Wes, Little Al Thomas, Mary Lane, J.W. Williams, and the inimitable Holly B. Maxwell.
I do think the North Side gets treated unfairly when people dismiss it as "touristy." The musicians who play regularly at those clubs also often play at clubs on the South and West Sides, let's not forget. And many, such as Jimmy Johnson and John Primer, have unquestionable credentials.
4 - Scott Butki
Part two is now up.