Blues Pinoy

Blues music is one of the most important creations of man. As written in an earlier post, "Blues is not just a genre - it's a microcosm of life itself. There's sorrow, happiness, hope, loneliness, religion, hunger, satiety, sin, redemption, and love - all embedded in the songs and expressed through voice and instruments." Blues may now be considered an international phenomenon - it has crossed borders, no longer an exclusive American property. But here in the Philippines, it still is not a popular music form, much to the dismay of Pinoy Blues die-hard fans. Luckily, Blues has lately been experiencing a revival. With the tireless efforts of Blues stalwarts who conduct seminars, clinics, and provide "Blues exposure" through concerts and performances, plus video blogs like this one by haringulan , slowly but surely, the Blues is getting the attention it deserves.

Friday, April 1, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. - April 2 at 1:00 a.m. Featuring: 1. Jook Jam - plays Delta, Jackson, Bentonia, and other regions of Mississippi, Texas, Piedmont, and Eastern seaboard. 2. Rascals McFly- plays Texas, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer and the likes. Skarlet Jazz Kitchen is @ Scout Ybardolaza corner Timog Avenue (across Shell) Quezon City, Philippines

"The Crossroads with Capt. Eddie @ NU 107.5 is sad because, unfortunately, the curtains will fall on The Crossroads after 14 years and 6 months (752 shows) of the best blues and classic rock at NU107..." (see more) ...and it had to happen on an "All Soul's Day!" This is a big (low) blow for the Philippine Blues scene, more so since there currently is a significant resurgence of interest on this particular genre, and it's a fact that "The Crossroads" is a major contributing factor to this. I do hope that NU107 reconsiders their decision to discontinue the program. The Blues may be unpopular here in our country (and not a big money-maker as well) but, hey, it's THE BLUES! It's where every other major music genre came from. As the great Willie Dixon has said, "The Blues is the roots, everything else is the fruits." No Blues = No rock = No NU107. OK, I guess "The Crossroads" doesn't make much dough for the compa...

It's great to see more and more of the younger generation becoming Blues aficionados, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Pinoy Blues vanguards over yonder. And another Pinoy Blues harp player has come out and been counted!

Mabuhay, Pilipinas!  Yup, this is my first post. In the Philippines, Blues is quite an unpopular genre. This in part is brought about by what we hear and don't hear on the radio. Yes, blame it on the radio. Everyday, we get to listen to top 40 tunes, hip-hop, corny ballads, and a lot of cheesy stuff... but how often do you hear Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and even Juan de la Cruz Band songs being broadcast on air? I could even hear someone say, "Buddy who???" Anyway, I hope this blog would provide Pinoy blues fans all over the universe something to waste their time on, and would give those who haven't been introduced to the Blues yet, a chance to appreciate this very beautiful form of music. Spread the word...