The Old Rhythm Room, Houston’s Washington Street (09/13/03) — Image by kenne
If you knew Houston blues, you knew that Washington Street had its share of stories. On that night twenty-two years ago, Mark May’s set was another chapter. In the dim light, you could see The Blues Hound and Jimmy “T-99” Nelson, figures who had witnessed the scene shift from the Chitlin’ Circuit days to modern club stages, still holding onto the music.
Houston Blues Legend Diunna Greenleaf — Image by kenne
“[Blues] is about – and it’s always been about – that raw honesty with which the blues express our experiences in life, something which all comes together in this music, in the words as well. Something that is connected to us, common to our experiences. To be honest, though, I don’t think anyone really knows exactly what it is. I just can’t stop playing it.”
Carolyn Wonderland (June 2009) — Photo Collage by kenne
“I always kind of look at it like this, if I’m in a room full of guitarists, I’m the singer. And if I’m in a room full of singers, I’m the guitarist. And I’m happy that way no matter what because I can be useful. All I want to do is play music, play the songs.”
Beale Street, Memphis (January 21, 2010) Image by kenne
The Houston Blues Society annually selects local musicians to participate in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. We were there in support of our good friend, Sonny Boy Terry.
I was able to spend a few hours with Kenneth and Mary, re “Ken and Mary’s Blues Project” on Monday. They are friends we try to spend some time with when we are visiting in the Houston area — love you guys!
