5 Quick Questions with Busy Blues Lady, Kathryn Grimm

Kathryn Grimm is a musician in perpetual motion. The Portland, OR-based blues lady fronts not one, but two working groups, on vocals and guitar: Kathryn Grimm and the Blues...

Kathryn Grimm is a musician in perpetual motion. The Portland, OR-based blues lady fronts not one, but two working groups, on vocals and guitar: Kathryn Grimm and the Blues Tools; and Hippie Love Slave.  Grimm returned to her previous residence, Los Angeles, playing bass in Billy D and the Hoodoos last October, when the latter headlined the Woodystock Blues & Rock Festival. When Blues-E-News caught up to Grimm recently, she was back in L.A. recording new tracks (including a song whose subject matter is near and dear to her, domestic violence).

BEN: As if fronting one band isn’t enough work, you lead two – Kathryn Grimm And The Blues Tools, and Hippie Love Slave. What are some of the similarities, and differences, between the two groups?

 KG: Thanks for asking this.  Hippie Love Slave was formed when I first stepped foot in Portland starting with “Fizzle” on bass (now in Ecuador) and several others playing my blues originals.  With member changes (Kelly Clifton on bass and Charlie Swift on drums) we eventually became a trio playing a cool mixture of blues, rock and jazz with psychedelic undertones and we are writing collectively.  These changes suit the band name, which I love, but it isn’t a name that helps me as a blues artist.  The Tools were born to play one genre (electric blues) with bass drums sax and guitar.  This allows me to play blues in one band and anything else in another.  I’ve been playing, writing, teaching and studying music for a long time so I have a love for many styles.  Blues is and will always be my first love though.  I think you can hear the influences of other styles when I’m playing blues.  I call it Blues with an edge…

BEN: You started out playing the blues in Los Angeles, before moving to Portland a few years ago. Can you compare the two live blues music scenes in each city?

KG: Portland’s love for the blues is like no other city I’ve experienced, except Memphis.  Though Los Angeles is much bigger (I was concerned whether I would be busy enough here), I’ve been very surprised by how much Portland has going on.  The Waterfront Blues Festival is the best I’ve seen.  Several radio stations here play blues music and support local blues artists.  There are several venues in Portland that feature strictly blues music.  Sonny Hess, founder of the the NW Women in Blues Group and owner of Portland’s beloved blues club The Blue Diamond, has taken me under her wing and included me in several of her events.  Probably the biggest difference is the support and camaraderie I’ve felt here among the musicians.

BEN: Many of your songs sound Blues/Rock, while others have more of a Folk/Americana feel. Is this something you knowingly do when you construct a new tune, or does it just happen naturally?

KG: Kind of both.  Often the blues songs I write begin with a groove and the lyrics are built around that telling a story but not always something personal.  My moodier, introspective songs, like those on the “Transition Girl” CD, mostly began with lyrics that I built the music around.  Those tend to be more folky, rock or jazz-like.  Mostly I just let it flow and songs pour out of me especially when I’m fired up about something and feel the need to express myself.

BEN: Let’s talk a little bit about your upcoming album, what will the overall sound and feel of that record be like?

Kathryn Grimm and the Blues Tools

KG: I’ve been wanting for some time to do a sequel to the Grimm Again album that was picked up by Portland’s Burnside Distribution.  It has a great electric blues energy to it; the new one will have a similar vibe with lots of smoking guitar and will perhaps include a cover or two from a favorite artist.  Not sure of the title “Grimm Again Again”?? (laughs)

BEN: Any upcoming shows or special events you’d like to mention here?

KG: Yes!  Hippie Love Slave performs February 23rd at Portland Burger (304 SW 2nd Ave., 9:00 to midnight) and March 17th at Mac’s Place in Silverton (201 N Water Street, 9:00 to 1:00).  The Blues Tools will be at The Blue Diamond on March 24th (2016 NE Sandy, 9 to 12:30).  I will also be the featured guest for all five Wednesdays with The Fenix Project at The Blue Diamond.

More about Kathryn Grimm’s music projects can be found at http://kathryngrimmmusic.com/and https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.grimm.90.

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