Interview
Guitar Mac Slide Guitar & Vocals
Born in Cotton Plant Arkansas, I was introduced to playing blues guitar at a very young age, learning the Delta style still prevalent in that region. Moving to the South Bay Area in 1968 and settling in Sacramento, Ca.1989 I have been a big part of the blues scene. It is my wish to keep America’s Art form and my culture alive by performing and promoting the Blues tradition.
In order to achieve my goal's I keep a positive out look, always infused with a love of life that no amount of hardship could curtail.
Pursuing entertainment directors with a passion to perform and demonstrate my style of music has allowed me to perform all over the world. As a result I have had the opportunity to pass my knowledge on to young people eager to enhance our culture and keep this Art form alive. 2 years of music studies at Ohlone College 1980 and 1981 added to my ability to become a successful song writer, composer and band leader. I have 6 CDs on a world wide market today that add to the potential of stardom.
My roll as a radio personality also bring the blues to the audience that love the blues. I have also associated myself with blues organizations that have the same goal to educate the public and become aware of their heritage.
Guitar Mac .West Coast Blues Hall Of Fame. Blues Band Leader Of The Year 2006.
Born in Cotton Plant Arkansas, I was introduced to playing blues guitar at a very young age, learning the Delta style still prevalent in that region. Moving to the South Bay Area in 1968 and settling in Sacramento, Ca.1989 I have been a big part of the blues scene. It is my wish to keep America’s Art form and my culture alive by performing and promoting the Blues tradition.
In order to achieve my goal's I keep a positive out look, always infused with a love of life that no amount of hardship could curtail.
Pursuing entertainment directors with a passion to perform and demonstrate my style of music has allowed me to perform all over the world. As a result I have had the opportunity to pass my knowledge on to young people eager to enhance our culture and keep this Art form alive. 2 years of music studies at Ohlone College 1980 and 1981 added to my ability to become a successful song writer, composer and band leader. I have 6 CDs on a world wide market today that add to the potential of stardom.
My roll as a radio personality also bring the blues to the audience that love the blues. I have also associated myself with blues organizations that have the same goal to educate the public and become aware of their heritage.
Guitar Mac .West Coast Blues Hall Of Fame. Blues Band Leader Of The Year 2006.
Why this name?
I Chose my band name Blues Express Back in 1979 Because I started a radio show Blues express To make thing's easy my band name and my radio program I used the same name not to be to confusing to myself.
Do you play live?
i PLAY LIVE WITH MY BAND AND Solo Any place i can get a booking I like Festival's The most Mostly I spend most of my time in Night clubs. I love playing outdoor Market's With My band Or solo Acoustic.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
I think the internet can be the number one source for getting a band or artist known in this day and age.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Yes I would Most defintally.
Band History:
Artists Guitar Mac has opened for or performed with are .....
Larry "Arkansas" Davis
Little Frankie Lee
Little Charlie and The Night Cats
John Lee Hooker
Elvin Bishop
Taj Mahal
Little Milton
Clarence "Gatmouth" Brown
Chambers Brothers
Performances In Europe
Paris Casino, Paris France
Downtown Concert, Saint Brieuc, France
North Sea Jazz Festival, Holland
California Performances
Sacramento Blues Festival, 1983 to 1993
California State Fair, 1993 & 2000
House Of Blues Las Vegas Nevada 1999
Reno Blues Festival Reno Nevada
Great Basin Brewing Co Sparks Nevada
Lou's Pier 47 San Francisco, Ca
John Lee Hookers Boom Boom Rom Sf Ca
Biscuit's & Blues San Francisco, Ca
Noe Valley Ministry San Francisco, Ca
Chi Chi Club San Francisco, Ca
Stone San Francisco Ca
Calif Slide Show San Francisco,Ca
Concord Pavilion, Concord
Blues In The Schools Program
Oakland Heritage Festival
Monterey Blues Festival
Veterans Hall, San Luis Obispo
Modesto Junior College
Cafe Blues LaRue, Sacramento
Larry "Arkansas" Davis
Little Frankie Lee
Little Charlie and The Night Cats
John Lee Hooker
Elvin Bishop
Taj Mahal
Little Milton
Clarence "Gatmouth" Brown
Chambers Brothers
Performances In Europe
Paris Casino, Paris France
Downtown Concert, Saint Brieuc, France
North Sea Jazz Festival, Holland
California Performances
Sacramento Blues Festival, 1983 to 1993
California State Fair, 1993 & 2000
House Of Blues Las Vegas Nevada 1999
Reno Blues Festival Reno Nevada
Great Basin Brewing Co Sparks Nevada
Lou's Pier 47 San Francisco, Ca
John Lee Hookers Boom Boom Rom Sf Ca
Biscuit's & Blues San Francisco, Ca
Noe Valley Ministry San Francisco, Ca
Chi Chi Club San Francisco, Ca
Stone San Francisco Ca
Calif Slide Show San Francisco,Ca
Concord Pavilion, Concord
Blues In The Schools Program
Oakland Heritage Festival
Monterey Blues Festival
Veterans Hall, San Luis Obispo
Modesto Junior College
Cafe Blues LaRue, Sacramento
Your influences?
My musical Influences.Are Robert Johnson Muddy Waters Elmore James Taj Mahal John Lee Hooker Bo Diddley Chuck Berry B.B.King Lonnie Johnson.Roy Brown.Big Joe Turner
Favorite spot?
Lou's Pier47 San francisco Ca.
Equipment used:
I use a fender Twin Gretsch Guitar Dobro.With me the equipment is not what get the sound it;s the tech, The best Blues sound came out of the most cheapest equipment.
Anything else...?
Blues Is played from the heart you must feel it to play it.