Barry Middleton (BM) interview with Bob Hall (Bob) - June 2010

BM: Why do you feel that young people are not as attracted to the Blues as other Genres?

Bob: Each generation has a form of music with which it identifies. For us it was the blues, perhaps because we empathised with the African American experience in the US. For the present generation other forms of music speak louder

BM: What other styles of music have you drawn inspiration from?

Bob: Old Timey

BM: Do you think the blues scene on the continent is better than in the UK?

Bob: No

BM: Which country do you enjoy playing in most of all?

Bob: USA

BM: Who was the last blues act that you paid to see?

Bob: Honeyboy Edwards

BM: What was the last blues CD that you bought for yourself?

Bob: Rhythm ‘n’ Blues – 10 CD box set compilation from Membran Music

BM: What do you do to relax when you have some spare time away from music?

Bob: Read, listen to radio 4, study to go sailing.

BM: What makes a good gig for you as a performer?

Bob: The audience. If they give you something back for your efforts their energy is irresistible

BM: What can be done to keep the blues music fresh and modern or do you think it should stay in the past?

Bob: Personally I prefer old blues but mostly I perform original songs because I think I can relate to them better as a performer and hopefully the crowd can too.

Thank you for the interview Bob

Barry Middleton
Nottingham Blues Society