The old adage, “he can’t carry a tune in a bucket,” aptly describes my total lack of musical talent. But though I can’t sing or play a note, I thoroughly enjoy watching, hearing and making photos of people who can. And while I listen to a variety of musical genres, the blues reigns above all the others.

I grew up in Chicago, where the blues is existential and elemental, a sometimes subtle, sometimes raucous soundtrack to daily life. You can still get up close and personal with world-class bluesmen and women every night in small bars, clubs and theaters in cities and towns all over the world. The raw passion that the music pulls from both performers and the audience makes for a very emotional experience…and expression-filled photos.