Welcome to the March, 2021, edition of BLUES JUNCTION. Who among us could have imagined that when I wrote the Letter from the Editor for March last year that everything in our lives would change so dramatically? That is at the positive end of the spectrum. For many, the Covid-19 Pandemic meant the loss of life and serious long time health issues. Loss of income and employment for many others put forth another chain reaction of heartache.

However, I don’t think it is unrealistic to think that at this moment, we may have turned the corner and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. As I write these words President Biden just announced that his 1.9 trillion-dollar COVID-19 relief package has received Congressional approval. Of course, more substantially, the successful rollout of three different vaccines, which appear to be incredibly successful in fighting the novel corona virus, is very encouraging. We’ll be patient but there is now a real hope that some sort of normalcy is not too terribly far away.

We have some new features here in March, including a story that is centered around Southern California based blues man Nathan James. It comes from Don “T-Bone” Erickson of Des Moines, Iowa. Don has been an occasional contributor and friend of BLUES JUNCTION and myself for many years now. Nathan has a new album out and that is discussed in this piece.

Last month we here in America celebrated Black History Month. I have some thoughts on that observance. Additionally, you are welcome to enjoy my musings in a missive entitled, 2020 Vision and Beyond.

In addition, the best of 2020 is represented in the other three articles featured; check them out, we know you'll find something you love.

Thanks always for your continued support and readership. Be well and be in touch.

- David Mac