I`d say that the blues is alive and well, and even drawing more fans every day. I live in western NY, and on any given night a short trip up the thruway to Buffalo...there are a TON of blues clubs and sometimes just getting in the door can be a job. The sweet thing is, once in the door, you see a huge diversity in the ages and races of the fans. The thing about the blues that`s always drawn me is that it isn`t about hearing the music, though I do, it`s about FEELING the music. I myself have been in a couple of club bands...never any really good ones, but aside from quiet time with my sweetheart I`m never happier than when I`m involved in a little music-making. I`ve introduced a lot of people to this particular genre, and even my 21 year old daughter has become a fan. I don`t think it`s a responsibility to push the blues, but if I can get just one person to listen a bit, I believe the music will do the job. I know that I didn`t really get into it until I was about 25...and I was a classic rock only type then. Since my introduction to the blues, I`ve been led to a lot of other genres as well. I think we`ll see a steady, solid, blues scene for a long time to come. I hope so...and have no reason not to believe it. You see...the blues are the roots for so many types of music, and there are a lot of young people performing the blues today. BB King is on his last tour...thank goodness that there ARE lots left.
Jack