Here in the second month of the year, you know the one that has only twenty eight days, I thought I’d talk about my relationship with numbers. That relationship has always been somewhat strained quite frankly.

I had a buddy in high school who excelled in math, a subject in which I had very little interest. I never understood his fascination with numbers, integers and figures. On the other hand he couldn’t fathom my love of history and the curriculum that fell under the general heading of social studies.

To me, meaningless numbers jumping through hoops to make another number was just so abstract and worthless. He pointed out in math there is only one correct answer. Fair enough. I guess that is kind of cool in its own way.

He also reminded me that the subjects that I enjoyed were all based on context, perspective, point of view and available information. I of course replied, ‘That’s why I love them so much.’ Some things in life are endlessly fascinating. I mean, now that we know that ‘E Equals Emcee Squared’ what do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon Einstein?   

So it is, I assure you, only a coincidence that 3 people who are featured in this month’s BLUES JUNCTION are all 33 years old.  

In addition to that, in our newest on-going feature entitled ‘…Revisited,’ we examine, through the luxury that time and perspective affords us, an album entitled Blues Train which was recorded...you guessed it…33 years ago. That album is a late career entry into the great Big Joe Turner’s canon. He is paired with the already veteran little big band, Roomful of Blues, who in the 1980’s were at the peak of their powers. I hope you enjoy the feature entitled, Blues Train Revisited.  

Maybe it isn’t the age, but the mileage I find interesting (another number); the first 33 year old artist who our readers are already likely to be familiar with is the Sao Paulo based guitarist and singer, Igor Prado. He and his great band are celebrating their 15 year anniversary in 2015. The Igor Prado Band have definitely logged a lot of miles both on the road and in the studio.

Like the blues icons from another era who, in many cases already had vast recording careers under their belts by the age of 33, The Igor Prado Band has their own extensive recording credits under their own name, as well as those backing other artists from both the Western Hemisphere’s continents.

I interviewed Igor in the summer of 2012 and since then he has been, it seems, in constant motion putting out one record after another and working the Brazilian as well as European festival circuit in addition to a mini tour of Southern California in the fall of 2013. Enjoy a conversation I had recently with one of the true bright lights of the modern blues world.

In addition to my conversation with Igor, his band will be releasing their latest CD February 17^th on the Delta Groove Music label. It is entitled Way Down South. On this release the band is joined by what is billed as Delta Groove All-Stars. I take a close examination of Way Down South as this CD is in our Monthly Album Spotlight for February.

One of the several North Americans to visit Sao Paulo to work with The Igor Prado Band in the past couple of years is an Austin, Texas, based artist who, compared to Igor, is a relative newcomer to the scene. Her name is Jai Malano.

Many of our readers might remember an interview I had with a Fort Worth, Texas, based baritone sax player by the name of Alex Hernandez. It was his band the Royal Rhythmaires and their vocalist Malano who attracted my attention back in 2011. In the fall of 2014 she completed her first, soon to be released solo album entitled Rocket Girl. Jai Malano stands in our Monthly Artist Spotlight for February.

In keeping things spread all over the blues map this month, I reviewed an album from a duo out of  Minnesota’s Twin Cities. The band’s singer, songwriter and guitarist is a 33 year old named Doug Otto. He is joined by veteran harp man "Hurricane" Harold Tremblay. Check out my thoughts as it relates to this independent release.

Last month our monthly artist spotlight was Richard Innes. The interview I conducted with him inspired an outpouring of emotion and affection through BJP email, social media, personal phone calls and even face to face comments (my favorite kind), the likes of which were overwhelming. That response I believe is tribute to the talent, as well as humility of the man widely referred to as the world's greatest blues drummer.

I also believe it is a testimonial to the fact that our readers “get it.” 

In that interview Richard expressed a modest view of his own talents and abilities. This flies in the face of that other blues world where lower standards, grandstanding and self promotion are now accepted features. This other blues world gathered in Memphis last month. Are you wondering if I forgot to make mention of the IBCs? No, I did not. I just did. We do what we do around here with Richard Innes in mind.

In case you missed it, my interview with Richard can be found in the recently re-vamped and (hopefully easy to navigate) archive section of our site.

Thanks always for the kind words of support as well as the contrarian points of view. I am in the process of gathering up the voluminous letters to the editor that heaped as much praise of the Richard Innes interview as it did mystification and scorn for the rest of our “Best of 2014” issue. I will publish those soon.

Until we meet again, be well and be in touch.

- David Mac