What Is This Blog?

About five years ago, I began studying music. I played trumpet as a youngster, but I always wanted to play guitar.

So at the age of 46, I began studying the guitar. A few private lessons here and there and then making use of the great website, JustinGuitar.Com. If you want to learn guitar, do it, and hit that website, it’s free.

Music in Middle Age

I played for a bit, before I started singing while playing and then started in earnest with the Harmonica.

What is interesting is the role of the Blues in both the study of Harmonica and that of Guitar.

Keith Richards, lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones, said, “If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.”

I think Richards’ statement could probably be said for harmonica as well. While there is a thriving country harmonica community, even it is influenced by the Blues. 

Now to that point in my life, I had not listened to much blues. One could argue, however, that I got some blues second hand from my love of the classic era of Black Gospel Music. But be that as it may, I knew little more of Blues music besides the stories of rendezvous with the devil, highly sexualized lyrics, and just plain ole griping about things.

Appreciating the Blues

It didn’t appeal to me, however, my study of harmonica and guitar really taught me an appreciation.

This Blog is a look at my attempts to learn the music as well as make connections to my theological training.