Chris McDermott about Latvian Blues Band

As a traveling musician, I have been blessed with some great experiences of meeting unforgettable people, playing some inspired music and sharing cultural depth and warmth. Out of all of my experiences, my trips to Latvia to play with the Latvian Blues Band are my fondest. Musically, they can really play!!! They are not just another European Amerilife Blues band appearing the style. They get it! And they really feel it deep down. I was at first surprised at the cool dedication to being great musicians all five members live by. They have studied their stuff and maintain a regular hunger for new knowledge. I think the experience pf playing behind a different American Blues act every weekend for four years is about the best music school anyone could attend. Like the masters of old, these guys have learned their craft in the club amongst the smoke, drinks and the crowd who lets you know immediately if something is working or not. There is no better way to develop really sharp musical instincts. Rhythmically, the whole band can groove in many styles and add a refreshing spark of their own. Each player is a true individual and is a pleasure to listen to individually. As a band they have a chemistry that translates into their music. You can feel that each of these crazy Latvian mofos loves the other like a brother. So much fun on stage and off stage, I can’t wait to get back to Riga to play with these guys and if I could, I’d show up just to hang out with such warm, friendly honest, funny, cool, and ridiculous people. I Love the Latvian Blues Band!!! And thanks to them I love Latvia and the Latvian people.

(2003)

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