Paul Lamb

Barry Middleton (BM) interview with Paul Lamb (Paul) - May 2010

BM: What were your first experiences of the Blues?

Paul: A track called Have you heard by John Mayall in the 60's

BM: Who were the influences on your musical career?

Paul: Sonny Terry, Big Walter Horton, Big Bill Broonzy, Sam Hopkins

BM: What’s next in your musical career?

Paul: I am releasing my 16th album in September "Mind Games"

BM: Do you think Blues is making a comeback?

Paul: I hope so

BM: Does singing the Blues come from experience?

Paul: Yes

BM: What was the first gig that you played and who with?

Paul: I played a solo before the main act who was Long John Baldrey at a gig called Lamp Glass Ceeler in the north east.

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

Paul: A good appreciative audience

BM: What other instruments do you play?

Paul: None

BM: If you had the opportunity to play with any blues artist dead or alive live on stage who would it be?

Paul: I have been lucky to perform with most over the years but would like to have played with Lonny Johnson

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

Paul: Its not pushed in the media & so not in the public eye.

BM: What’s your advice to a young person just starting out?

Paul: If you believe in yourself , dont let others put you off just go for it.

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

Paul: Inspiration comes from all genres soul, classic...Blues had a baby & they called it Rock & Roll

BM: Who is your favourite young act on the British blues scene?

Paul: Not sure about his age but Ian Segal is a class act

BM: What was your first harmonica and how many do you own?

Paul: First was Hohner marine band & I have thousands?!

BM: If you wasn’t a musician (in a band) what would you be doing?

Paul: Painter & decorater , as my Father made me get a trade & so I am a fully qualified Brother of the brush

Thank you Paul for the interview

Barry Middleton (Chairperson)
Nottingham Blues Society