Steve Arvey

Barry Middleton (BM) interview with Steve Arvey (SA) - USA - May 2010

BM: What were your first experiences of the Blues?

SA. Maxwell Street in Chicago. This was an area where many Blues Musicians would perform in the streets for tips. It was incredible all the great Blues Players that were on the street

BM: Who were the influences on your musical career?

SA. Started with Ben Andrews who is a great Acoustic Fingerstyle guitarist in 1979 he turned me on to Leadbelly, Skip James, Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Mctell and many other classic players.

BM: What’s next in your musical career?

SA. A Strong Guitar Cd with lot's of Guitar Riffs and Chops.

BM: Do you think Blues is making a comeback?

SA. In some areas of the world yes.

BM: Does singing the Blues come from experience?

SA. Feeling the Blues comes from experience. If you can feel it you can sing it.
Blues is about one thing. A Man and a Woman. That is what Son House said.

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

SA. 1979 Main Street Bar. Robert Hunter Saxophone, Foots Berry Keyboards, Ben Andrews Guitar, Steve Arvey Bass. Al Carson Drums

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

SA. People who like to Dance and Sing while I play.

BM: What other instruments do you play?

SA. Harmonica, Bass, Drums

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

SA. Leadbelly

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

SA. Radio. If Blues was played on regular radio stations then more would like it.

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

SA. Play for yourself and the joy it brings you. Don't take yourself seriously. Make fun of yourself and your band mates. aka John Lennon

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

SA. Jazz, Opera, Classical and Celtic

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

SA. Davey Knowles Isle of Man

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

SA. 1978 Epiphone Acoustic. 35 Guitars

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

SA. Selling Refurbished Microwaves at the Red Barn Flea Market in Bradenton Florida

Thank you Steve

Barry Middleton
Nottingham Blues Society