If The Blues Are To Survive, These 3 Things Must Happen

Lyrics must evolve, instrumentation must evolve, and diversity must come to the blues. And there’s something else that’s even more important.

To some, it’s a new day dawning. Emerging young talent. An energized base. Revolution in the air. To others, it’s a status quo that is neither relevant nor obsolete — merely ongoing. To still others, it’s a crisis. Promise dying on the vine. A way that’s lost its way.

No, I’m not talking about the Democratic Party. I’m talking about the blues — one of the most important musical genres ever to emerge upon this glorious globe. In my opinion, the blues are in trouble. Yes, I’m in that third camp. I think this is a crisis.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not all or nothing. There are lights on the horizon. Fantastic Negrito has been a breath of fresh air. The Ben Harper-Charlie Musselwhite collaboration was powerful. Larkin Poe, Gary Clark Jr., and Samantha Fish are in the ascendance. I personally don’t believe they’re “there” yet, but they’re on the way, and they’re working at it, and that’s beautiful.

But regrettably, they’re rarities amidst a sea of mediocrity.