1 You’re well known at the Central Club since Jimi the Human days and you have a reputation for supporting women guitarists since the legendary Josie Jason back then to currently Kathleen Halloran as well as many up and coming musicians, can we expect any surprise guests on the day?
I don’t think we are planning for any guests, but you never know what can happen at a gig. Music is an incredible bond between so many people, I’ve met most of my closest friend through music… and usually when I play a gig with new people… I’ll feel like we have a non-verbal understanding of each other by the end.
You know…I’m not sure I deserve this ‘reputation’ you mention… I became musically involved with both Josie and Kathleen based on their remarkable abilities, I really wasn’t concerned about them being ‘female guitarists’ per se.
2 You’ve been so busy with the Screaming Jets among other projects, and having performed in the Double Feature with Geoff Achison in December to wrap 2022, how does it feel to be finally featuring for Double Trouble Blues Sessions exclusive format doing a solo set as well as a band set? Can we expect some special performances from ’To The Moon So Blue’
I really haven’t been doing so many solo shows in recent times, so it will be nice to play some tracks from my latest album. It’s not strictly solo, but is very acoustic oriented.
I‘ve just finished a couple of months on the road with The Screaming Jets, which has been awesome, but I do like to mix it up… so I’m really excited about the Double Trouble session.
3 As the frontman for your own band ‘Blues Machine’ and various backing bands, what is it that differs within these contexts and what is the stylistic thread you intend to lead Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers?
I get a real kick out of hearing different players interpret my songs. I usually give a lose indication of the forms and feels, then quite enjoy what people bring to the table on their own. I’ve always been a jammer, and I think improvisation is where a lot of incredible musical moments are born. That may well be why many of us love the blues scene, it’s a musical style that is a great platform for musical freedom.
4 Some say performances are always “a work in progress”. What can your followers expect from your upcoming gig for Double Trouble Blues Sessions or is it always a case of `expect the unexpected’?
I think that’s kinda true, I don’t think you ever truly ‘arrive’ as a player, you are always trying out new ideas within songs and with your instrument. I guess if we were to stop evolving as players, things would get dull real quick! I’m looking forward to getting my guitar back in my hands once again and making music with some cool people… I always hope the audience enjoys it… but really, I do to get into my happy place.
