Big Bill Broonzy, the
great blues guitarist and composer, when asked by a journalist if what he sang
was “folk” music, took some offense to the question: “I guess all songs is
folk songs; I never heard no horse sing them.” Big Bill’s answer, simplistic only on the surface, spoke a
universal truth. From the
mountains of Tibet to the most remote islands of the Pacific, wherever there is
human habitation, there is music.
In many ways, we are identified as much by our music as we are by our
dress or our language. In America,
the melting pot has created uniquely American music styles, such as Blues and
Jazz—the not-so-distant parents of Rock-and-Roll. All of these have been re-exported to the rest of the world.
Baltimore has always had a lively music scene and has been home of some great original Blues and Jazz musicians—Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday, among many others. The Baltimore Blues Society, founded in 1985, has been the model for those of many other cities.
Showing our commitment to this musical tradition, Gramophone is proud to sponsor the Hot August Blues Festival at Oregon Ridge Park, a festival now in its 16th year. The Grammy-nominated Derek Trucks, a longtime member of the Allman Brothers Band will be featured. Also playing: Joe Bonamassa, who started playing with our own late, great Danny Gatton when he was only 11 years old! Also—Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Jason grew up learning to play the blues in a little town in Alabama, just outside the legendary Muscle Shoals. Chopteeth will add a trip to the musical roots in another continent, playing their West African Highlife music. I dare you to sit still! Old Man Brown, a quartet based out of Baltimore, has played with such notables as Canned Heat and Levon Helm. For the kids, Choo Choo Charlie will have his annual free harmonica workshop.
Most of us here got into what was called the “hi-fi” business because of our love of music. That has never diminished or changed. Music still matters, and always will. Gramophone is proud to represent products that make it sound better.
If you'd like to join us at Hot August Blues, give me a call. We have a limited number of tickets for friends of Gramophone. I hope to see you there at the Gramophone tent.
Hot August Blues at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, MD. Saturday, August 15th. 1-887-321-FEST or www.hotaugustblues.com
