Martin Clarke's the Blues Session on Radio Wey has become a popular stop for blues players from all over the world. To listen in visit www.thebluessesssion.co.uk at 9pm on Friday nights!

Q: Martin, thanks for being our guest this month. Your Blues Session is now well known and loved amongst blues fans, but how did you get into radio initially?

 

I first got interested in radio when I started a career in electronics and started with an illegal AM CB radio and later became a licensed operator (G7DUK) I combined my love for music and radio and joined a pirate radio station in 1982 called Surrey Sounds. In 1983 I joined Radio Wey although I later left due my work as an engineer taking up so much time. I rejoined Radio Wey in January 2008 and now also broadcast on KCOR based in Kansas.

 

Q: Was it always the blues for you? When did you love of the music start?

 

I actually have a jazz background but have always appreciated Blues and Reggae. My true love for music started in the late 70’s when I was listening to all types of Jazz and Jazz Fusion. Blues came later on…

 

Q: What ingredients make a great Blues Session for you?

 

The Blues Session on Radio Wey is all about live music. As my good friend Robin Bibi often says ‘Keep it live’ A good session also includes an informal interview so my listeners can also get to know the band or artists better. It’s also all about having fun and this is why I believe guests like to come back.

 

Q: Tell us about some of your favorite guests?

 

I have had so many talented artists on my show over the last two years that I would not know where to start. The Mustangs were awesome, so were the Richard Clarke Trio. My favorite guest artist so far though has been Marcus Bonfanti who is such a skilled musician/song writer and a really nice bloke. Alan Glen inspired me to pick up Harmonica and has almost moved in at times as he has been a guest with various other musicians. Alan Glen has been an inspiration to my harmonica playing and I’m honored to be his friend.

 

Q: If you could have any blues great from the past or present on, who would it be and why?

 

From the past it would have to be Muddy Waters; from the present Joanne Shaw Taylor; but only because she is my friend on Facebook. Dani Wilde is cute too J

 

Q: Where did you first hear about the Mustangs?

 

From memory I believe I was sent a promo CD, but to be honest I’m not sure.

 

Q: How have your radio sessions with them gone?

 

The full band session was amazing and Adam is such a perfectionist when it comes to getting the right sound. As a consequence what went out on air was top notch. The session with Adam and Derek was also great with a completely different sound; which made the whole session fun.

 

Q: What are you plans and ambitions for the Blues Session?

 

Keep doing the same by helping to promote live blues/R&B music and support developing bands and artists. I desperately need a live lounge as Studio 2 is too small at times. So if anyone with a bag full of cash wants’ to build Radio Wey a new studio complex please contact me.

 

 

 

Q: You must hear loads of new blues - what can you recommend we look out for?

 

I’m very lucky that I get sent stacks of CD’s by promoters and by individuals artists/bands. I try my very best to listen to all the CD’s but to pick out any to recommend would not be fair as all the material I receive is worthy of Air Play.

 

Q: Do you think Blues is in a healthy condition in the UK?

 

I certainly feel there is an undercurrent in the Blues and I believe we are on the up. Paul Jones does a great show on BBC Radio 2, but why only 1 hour? Come on BBC get in touch! We could do with another ‘Grey Whistle Test’ style show on national radio; basically my show but national…

 

Q: What are you personal favorite blues albums?

 

The first album to touch my soul was Buddy Guy with ‘DJ Play My Blues’. Just listen to the bass lines and the guitar that almost cries. Pure genius! No wonder Eric Clapton sang his praises. SRV ‘The Sky is Crying’ is another great album with a fantastic cover of  Jimmy Hendrix’s ‘Little wing’

 

Q: You play some mean blues harp yourself; do you prefer being on stage or being in the crowd?

 

Mean Harp? Thanks for that… I always like to be center stage (smiling now) seriously I love to play and be part of the band. The rush is amazing and I hope to join a band one day, if any band would take me.

 

Q: And so to our regular final question...what is your favorite Mustangs track?

 

The track, ‘Put your money on me’ from the album ‘Nothing stays the same’ is very good, but saying that I like all of the tracks… The Mustangs Rock!