This message is for all the local bands...

The Chicago blues scene is what started blues as we know it. All the big names that play the crossroads festival, or have shaped what we see of blues today started from Chicago. Thats where it was at. They're all big names now, but they started out very, very small.

Muddy Waters was the definitely the spearhead of this scene. Muddy Waters played the New Port Blues and Jazz Festival, definitely making a name for themselves. To this day, even huge rock stars , look to them as an amazing influence. They had a huge effect on so many musicians today.

Muddy Waters wasn't the only blues musicians to come out of that scene. There were others like Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Howlin' Wolf, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield,and Sonny Boy Williamson. These people accomplished amazing things. Buddy Guy is still around to this day, making a huge comeback by playing sold out shows with John Mayer. Freddie King is of the "three Kings" fame, along with B.B. King. Mike Bloomfield was the lead guitarist for two of Bob Dylan's early 60's electric albums, and was also his live guitarist. Paul Butterfield went on to start the Butterfield Blues band,featuring Bloomfield, which also became Bob Dylan's live backing band when he went electric.

The reason these musicians went on to fame, besides having immense talent and passion was simply that they supported each other. Paul Butterfield loved Mike Bloomfield's playing, so he asked him to join his band. They got signed, and went on to an amazing career. Muddy Waters asked Buddy Guy to make guest appearances at their shows, and also to fill slots at shows. Simply because of this, these bands and musicians thrived and grew. They supported each other, and pointed to each other as peers and fellow musicians.

Right now, people say "The Scene is Dead". That can mean a lot of things to different people. To be honest, right now I don't even think there is a scene to kill. Its been dead a while. But that doesn't mean we can't do something about it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying go out and start going to every show on the face of the planet. I'm not saying plaster stickers of your favorite local bands everywhere just because. But I am saying that if the scene is dead, its because WE killed it. A music scene is made up of its people and bands. Nothing else.If the scene is dead, then why is now not the most perfect time to build a new one? This isn't my attempt to point at ANYONE and say "This is your fault". I think we all have an equal part to play in this. I have respect for everyone, and I don't discriminate when it comes to listeners and viewers at a show. I think any band to do this is amazingly foolish and bitter, to cut down a scene that got them to wherever they are today. With that said I love you all, and I am deeply indebted to every band I've shared a bill with, every promote that has booked us, and every person who said our name at the door.

But most importantly, and where I wanted to take this, is the bands.

Like the example above, this band was made up of all kinds of musicians, doing their own thing. They played together, and supported each other. They had drive and passion for their music, and they saw it in the other musicians around them, and helped each other out. I'm not going to pretend to be naive about the current situation right now. Speaking from one band to many others, I know what its like, and I know the drama and situations that come with playing and making music. It can come with fans, or it can come with venues, or even other bands. The latter being the worst.

A scene is made up of bands working together, and helping each other out is what strengthens it.

We're going to be the ones that benefit each other. A friend can help more than you imagine, and from experience, the best shows are the shows where everyone is pumped to be playing with friends, and excited that everyone is there to have fun and do what they love.

So in essence this is a call , out to all the bands in the San Jose/Bay Area music scene, that there are things we can do to help each other, and ourselves, and make this music scene what we want it to be. If you want to answer this call, I'd be honored, and privileged to have you answer it. If not, I still deeply respect your decisions and goals. Everyone has their own, and they don't always mesh. Thats just life.

Like the chicago blues scene, we can make something of ourselves and make a name for San Jose.

I'm sure some of you are saying "Where does this guy get off telling us this?". But I would say this: I'm only stating the facts. I'm throwing my opinion out there, but I would think if you asked any experienced band, they would say the same things. That peer support and community is very important. I'm not pointing fingers to anyone, and if you feel this way, I apologize, its not my intention in the least, and I'm extending this to everyone equally and honestly with no bias. I'm not saying there is no hope, but I'm offering an option to make a new start, and have a hell of a lot of fun doing it. There are those of you who, for one reason or another, don't care. Or you just don't like to go to shows. Or maybe your band isn't where I'm talking about. Everyone is at a different place, and I don't claim to know where that is. If this isn't your bag, then I respect that and I wish you the best in what you pursue.

So lets think together, not separately.

I hope you're all well, and that your season is going smoothly. 2008 has a lot to offer our local music scene, and some big releases are coming up, so be prepared people.

Be well all!

-Alex