Sugar Blue - the harmonica virtuoso

Us: Your mom was a dancer at the Apollo Theater, and your auntie gave you your first harmonica. Could you share a bit more about your childhood and perhaps your fondest memory?

Sugar Blue: Well, I remember vividly when my aunt gave me my harmonica. I fell in love with it instantly. I started playing it and never looked back. One of my cherished memories from childhood was when my mother took me to the Apollo Theater to see Stevie Wonder. I was around 12 years old, just like Stevie at the time, and witnessing his performance was truly inspiring. It ignited a fire in me, thinking, "If he can do it, I can too." It was a pivotal moment filled with excitement and possibility.

Us: Did you have a favourite blues song?

Sugar Blue: Yeah, "PC Blues" by Lester Young, that's the one. I'd play it over and over, wearing out my mom's records. She thought I was going to ruin them! But I couldn't help it, I was obsessed. And you know what she told me? She said, "That's the blues, boy." That's when it all clicked for me. It was my gateway into the blues world.

During the '60s, I started exploring folk music, listening to folks like Huey Ledbetter, Bob Dylan, and then the Rolling Stones came along with their British blues. I was like, "Who's this McKinley Morganfield guy?" So I hit the library, digging up everything I could find. Muddy Waters, Little Walter - man, that harmonica sound blew my mind!

And then, there was Robert Johnson. His music... pure magic. He's one of those artists I wish I could've jammed with, you know? Such a legend.

Us: So, after immersing yourself in jazz and various influences, you made a significant move to Paris. How old were you at the time?

Sugar Blue: Well, I was in my late twenties, actually. I encountered Memphis Slim in the West Village, and after jamming with him, I sought his advice about moving to France. He encouraged me, suggesting that if they liked Sonny Boy Williamson, they might appreciate my style too. So, with nothing to lose, I embarked on that journey about a month later.

Us: Paris also marked the point where you crossed paths with the Rolling Stones. You collaborated with them briefly, but then opted to return to Chicago to pursue your own artistic path. What prompted this decision?

Sugar Blue: Yeah, my encounter with the Rolling Stones was quite the experience. However, I realised that I wanted to establish myself as my own artist, not just a sideman. After some recordings with the Stones, I sought advice from Slim again. He wisely pointed out that I had reached a peak in Europe and suggested that I go back to Chicago to learn from harmonica masters like James Cotton, Junior Wells, and Big Walter. So, once more, I followed his counsel.

Us: Willie Dixon holds a special place in the hearts of many blues enthusiasts and you've had the privilege of playing with the Chicago Blues All Stars. Could you share your experience with us and describe what Willie Dixon means to you?

Sugar Blue: Oh, Willie Dixon, now there's a legend! He's truly one of my favorites for his immense contributions to the blues scene. I mean, he's nothing short of a genius, you know? His songwriting prowess is unparalleled in Chicago blues history. He didn't just create, he innovated.

And let's not forget his impact on artists like Muddy Waters. Some of Muddy's greatest hits wouldn't exist without Willie Dixon's penmanship. They rightly call him the Poet Laureate of the Blues. Working with him was a dream come true, an honour of a lifetime.

I remember spending countless hours reading about him in the New York City library, listening to his records, marvelling at his creations for the blues greats. The chance to meet him, let alone collaborate, was beyond anything I could have imagined. It was like ticking off a major item from my bucket list.

Us: How do you perceive the changes in blues music from when you first started to the present day?

Sugar Blue: Ah, it's a bittersweet reflection, I must say. Many of the blues masters I admired have departed, leaving behind a void that's hard to fill. Sadly, I have to admit, the music has been somewhat diluted over time. It's like watering down fine wine; it loses its richness and depth.

There are still a handful of exceptional players out there who are injecting new life into the genre. But, truth be told, I prefer my blues straight up, no dilution. The music will endure, the tradition will persist, but where it's headed remains to be seen.

Us: We appreciate your honesty. So, who do you think is responsible for diluting the blues? Is it musicians outside of the culture, like white or Asian artists, or could it also be black artists who've gone commercial?

Sugar Blue: No, it's not about race or ethnicity. It's about reverence for the roots and tradition of the music. Those who pour water into the blues are the ones who lack respect for its origins. Whether you're black, white, Asian, or anything else, if you don't understand the history and essence of the blues, you're just watering down the brew with ignorance.

To me, being a musician means being a bit of a musicologist, delving deep into the genre's roots and understanding its evolution. Otherwise, you're just cooking Italian food without knowing the first thing about Italy. It's bound to fall flat.

Us: Have you ever performed for dancers before?

Sugar Blue: Oh, absolutely! Especially back in my Chicago days, man. The clubs were always buzzing with people up on their feet, grooving to the rhythm.

Us: So, what's your take on dancers who come from all over the world to move to your music?

Sugar Blue: I love it! There's nothing quite like seeing people lose themselves in the music, letting their bodies become one with the beat. My advice to them? Just let loose, feel the vibes, and let the music take you on a journey. Dance is all about self-expression and enjoyment, so I'd love to see them fully immerse themselves in the rhythm and the joy it brings. Let the good times roll!

Us: What advice would you pass on to the younger generation, whether they're musicians, dancers, or just passionate about music?

Sugar Blue: Well, let me drop a little wisdom from the blues. "You gotta live the life you love and love the life you live." Pour your heart and soul into whatever you do, and trust me, it'll shine through. Without that passion, it's like playing an empty tune. So, find what moves you, and let it fuel your journey.

Us: What does blues mean to you?

Sugar Blue: Blues is the essence of life itself. It's the heartbeat of humanity, the soulful expression of joy, pain, and everything in between. As Willie Dixon eloquently put it, "Blues are the roots, the rest of the music are the fruits."

Blues is the fertile soil from which jazz, country, hip hop, rock and roll, reggae, funk, and countless other genres have grown. Without the blues, the musical landscape would be barren, devoid of the rich tapestry of sounds that we cherish today. It's the foundation upon which our musical heritage is built, and its influence resonates in every note we hear.