Singin The Blues And Feelin Good About It

Cascade Blues Association's Journey to Memphis

Each year the Cascade Blues Association (CBA) in Portland Oregon holds its annual Journey to Memphis Blues Challenge.  Because CBA is an affiliate of the Blues Foundation (blues.org), the winners of the CBA blues challenge qualify to compete in the annual International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis TN.  IBC has affiliates around the world, and the annual IBC is the largest gathering of blues musicians in the world each year.

It Was May 11 2019

The Jimmy Haggard band decided to enter the Journey to Memphis and see how well our band from Eugene Oregon would fare competing against the heavy hitters from Portland.  The Portland metro area is TEN (10) times the size of the Eugene metro area, so Portland has a much bigger talent pool to draw from.  Well, we found out there is definitely some major talent in Portland Oregon.

And The Judges Said

Last week, the Jimmy Haggard Band received the judge's scorecard info from the CBA Journey To Memphis Blues Challenge

For "Blues Content" the Jimmy Haggard Band received the scores of 9, 7 and 8 from the three judge panel. 

What Does That Mean? 

The International Blues Challenge (IBC) establishes the criteria and scoring guidelines.

Scores of 8 and 9 are "typical of the quality of blues artists who 'headline' major blues clubs." The only things higher is a 10 for "the quality of blues artists playing the main stage at blues festivals."

What is Blues Content? 

Here is what the IBC says about Blues Content. "Blues Content: The sound and feel of the music should be true to any of blues sub-categories: traditional blues, country blues, soul blues, blues rock and/or contemporary blues. Judges will be listening for inspired and original song selections or new takes on blues standards. Creative reach is encouraged."

We Did Not Win That Night

Even though we didn't win that night to move on to the finals, I don't feel bad. Being told that the "sound and feel of the music" is on the level of blues artists who headline major blues clubs doesn't seem like something to feel bad about.  In fact, I feel damn good about it. 

Here are the guys who joined me at the CBA Journey to Memphis, from left to right:

TRex (Bass), Glen Weldon (Drums), Chris Kliemann (Keyboard), Jimmy Haggard (Guitar/Lead Vocal)

Next Year In Portland!

Enjoy the Music!

Jimmy