"Con Alma de Blues Magazine" Nº7 English Edition Con Alma de Blues Magazine Nº7 /English Edition | Page 31

Con Alma de Blues Magazine
OFFERINGS is a collec-
tion of songs that fully
displays the musical ta-
lents possessed by bassist
JOSEPH VELOZ.
I give credit to African Americans for
bringing the Blues to life and creating
a style of music that is culturally rich
and full of emotion. However, I believe
the Blues has universal appeal and has
inspired many cultures worldwide to find
new ways to express themselves through
Blues music. I've played the Blues with
musicians of many different races. I hear
the music with my ears and in my soul. I
don't find any difference due to the bac-
kground of the other musicians around
me or the color of their skin.
GZ: How do you see the Blues among
the young in your country? Is it
necessary to return to the roots or
unfortunately there are other inte-
rests?
I have seen some signs that interest
in the Blues among young people is
very promising. I've had the oppor-
tunity to work with some very
talented young people in their teens
and 20's in the Detroit and other
midwestern cities, and have been
impressed to see them seek to go
back to the roots of the music on
their own.
GZ: Do you have any anec-
dote about a show or an
important artist you played with on
any stage in the world?
When I played at “The Blue Note” in
New York City, I was really feeling like
I had reached a milestone in my career
and remembering all of the legendary
Jazz artists that were there before me.
I was there performing with the great
Matt “Guitar” Murphy. He was a long
time hero of mine and as we played
together and the evening progressed, I
realized it wasn’t about “Arriving” but
only about playing the music for those
who love it. He was so humble and just
there to have a good time and share a
little bit of his gift to an audience that
valued the Blues culture.
And then there was the time when I
played in Nottingham, England with
Joanne Shaw Taylor and had to walk
off side stage after the second tune.
Apparently I had eaten some bad sushi
before the show. I somehow mana-
ged to vomit repeatedly while playing
the whole set standing off stage and
continue my performance without too
many people even knowing what was
happening.