"Something Inside Me 'Knew' I Could Play It" Says Grammy Nominated Harmonica Player Billy Branch Ahead of Yue Space Show, Jan 5

With the temperatures in Beijing dropping into negative numbers and electric heaters moving closer and closer to the bed, many of us are in dire need of keeping the chills at bay. Thankfully Yue Space is hosting a warm-up session with a hot twist of Chicago blues. 

Yes, harmonica player and blues master Billy Branch is bringing the time-tested genre to shake Beijingers out of the winter stiffness. His list of awards and accomplishments are seemingly endless. He is a three-time Grammy nominee, a retired two-term governor of the Chicago Grammy Chapter, Emmy award winner and an owner of numerous humanitarian and music awards. 

Billy Branch has been playing blues since '70s and is still actively touring and recording. Ahead of his Jan 5 Yue Space gig, we spoke about his love for harmonica, Chicago blues, and the genre's evolution over the years.

You are classified and known as ‘Chicago Blues’ player. What are the specifications of this genre?

The blues is African American folk music that originated in the Southern States of the USA. The Chicago blues is an offshoot of the traditional acoustic blues brought from the Southern cotton fields of the South to the big city of Chicago. Because it is loud in the urban city environment the musicians found ways to make their music heard, thus the Chicago blues is characterized by the electrified amplification of the guitar, harmonica, and bass. Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Little Walter were leaders in the development of this unique Chicago blues sound which spawned rock and roll in the late '50s.

How did harmonica find its way into your life? Did you try to master other instruments later, or stick exclusively to the harp?

I was 11 years old when I saw a harmonica in a display case at a store. Something inside of me “knew” I could play it. I had a dollar in my pocket and I bought it. To my delight, I could immediately play any tune I could think of! From that day on I always had a harmonica in my pocket or in my mouth! I am proficient in harmonica, but I dabble with other instruments. I hope to become proficient in piano one day.

Who were your main inspirations and teachers when growing up?

My father played the bass in an army band during the Korean War and my grandmother was a proficient piano player and singer, but neither nurtured me to play either instrument. However, I must have inherited an aptitude and love of music from them because I always loved singing and listening to music.

You have been active in blues scene since the ‘70s. How do you feel it has changed over the years?

I look at the blues scene of the Seventies and I become nostalgic because so many of the great talented musicians that I came to love and admire have passed on. There is now an abundance of young aspiring blues musicians throughout the world, with varying degrees of talent. The blues seems to be slowly edging its way into mainstream culture. However, it has a long way to go. 

You have since been awarded multiple Blues Music Awards, received three Grammy nominations, an Emmy award, and numerous humanitarian awards. Which one is the most precious to you and why?

Each award or nomination has its own special place in my heart. However,  I have to say the awards recognizing my Blues in Schools work with children, and the humanitarian awards that recognize my efforts to help those who are less fortunate are maybe the most meaningful.

What music do you tend to listen to yourself?

I have eclectic musical tastes, so in addition to the blues, I listen to a little of everything, from classical to new age to music from other cultures.

You have graduated from university with a degree in political science. If you were not a musician, who do you think you would be?

I planned to pursue a law degree, so more than likely I would have become a lawyer.

Anything you would like to add or wish the blues-lovers in Beijing?

I look forward to meeting everyone and sharing with you this wonderful African American art form.

Catch Billy Branch perform at Yue Space on Friday, Jan 5, 9pm. Advance tickets are RMB 180 or RMB 220 at the door.

More by the author here.

Images courtesy of Billy Branch