City Beat, from Cincinnati has a great article about a musician and film maker, Chuck Land who is trying to keep the blues alive in Cincinnati. Land who plays piano has made a documentary already about the local music scene, and if I read it right he has only sold 3 DVDs ! Hmmmmmmmmmm, that doesn't bode well for Cincinnati blues. (read more about his story here) I suppose you always wonder about the politics involved in something like that. A guy makes a film about the blues, and Cincinnati has a very active blues society, you would think that he could sell more than a few DVDS? Also the funds from the sale of the DVD are suppose to go to a relief fund for musicians. Trust me on this, they need it. If music is your job, there is no retirement plans, or health care, you are on your own. It is a tough life, especially if you are a blues performer. The pay is low, and sometimes the audience can be painfully indifferent. So here is a guy trying to do something right, and no one is buying it. Makes you think for a second.
I am sure there is more to this, and the Cincy Blues Society hopefully will contact me about it and we can get this figured out. In the meantime if you want to check out Chuck's myspace page, Click Here. You want to check out his webpage, and buy his DVD, click here.
I applaud Chuck and everyone who is working to keep the blues alive.It's such an important part of musical culture.I don't understand the lack of interest in the blues or great music in general.The draw today seems to be music without substance.I hope someone can light the spark that will revive some of the great music that would be a welcome addition in today's market.
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