Bushmaster Blues presents a beach double-header
Hammerheads Dockside and its Dewey Beach will be hosting a double header on Saturday, Sept. 16, with musician Gary Brown of Bushmaster Blues performing at both locations.
Brown has been entertaining audiences of all ages for a quarter of a century with an envious guitar style to accompany his original songwriting comprised of funky cool blues rock music at music festivals, vineyards, breweries and popular East Coast venues.
His passion for guitar and the pursuit of a good tone has reached across a wide range of countries via the radio, earning him positive reviews.
Although he is humble with compliments, his stage presence is the complete opposite bursting with emotion and energy.
Brown speaks about his music with Jennifer Popiel.
As a teen you learned guitar by hanging out and playing along with musicians from your area. When was the pivotal moment in your life that you decided this is what you wanted to do and what is it that made you so passionate about the guitar?
Actually, there wasn't one particular event or inspiration other than my parents’ record collection. Music was always around and guitar was the particular instrument I was drawn to.
Can you elaborate on your constant pursuit of a good tone and why it is important to you?
Your tone is your voice. If you do not have an alluring voice, no one wants to hear you speak regardless of your message.
Your 2012 album, "Bushmaster – Revolution Rhapsody aka: Uprising Music," not only has received extensive airplay in several countries including the U.S., it also received several reviews and debuted at #41 on the Roots Music Chart and #21 on the Living Blues Magazine Radio Chart. Do you believe its success is based on its content from immigration to equality, environmental, civil rights and other issues, in that you have been able to reach out to people who can relate to so much of what is going on in the world?
I am humbled and grateful for how well Revolution Rhapsody did and yes I do think it resonated with people for all the reasons you mentioned. However, I would like the next album to do a lot better.
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What is some of the poignant feedback you have heard from listeners in regards to the album?
I have heard a lot of really touching responses, and Revolution Rhapsody has gotten some great reviews, but I tend not to dwell on compliments. I don’t know why; I sort of get embarrassed.
As an original singer/songwriter, how do you prepare for your next song creation? Do you have a special process or secret location that helps you with creativity?
No. There is not one particular formula for my song writing process. Although, I wish there was because it would make the process a lot easier.
You have been entertaining audiences of all age ranges since 1992. How do you believe you have grown as a musician and as a person? Is there anything that audience members have taught you during this journey?
I think I have grown in many ways, musically and otherwise. And yes, my audiences have taught me many things including giving me much inspiration. I feel blessed to be able to play my guitar, and touch people with my music.
Out of all three of your albums, is there a fan favorite or most requested?
I think people really like "Drowning On Dry Land.”
How have you managed to keep the energy going strong for 25 years so far?
That's a really poignant question, and a good one. I have to say that the love and appreciation that people have given me for my music and guitar playing because it sure is not the money – haha!
IF YOU GO
What: Bushmaster Blues
Where and When: Hammerheads Dockside, Saturday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m. and Hammerheads Dewey Beach, Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10 p.m.
Info: www.bushmasterblues.com