BG & The Mojo Hands Duo Take the Stage at Clare & Don’s

Get ready for an evening of authentic delta blues on the patio of Clare & Don’s Beach Shack. Local blues duo BG & The Mojo Hands will take the outdoor stage tonight in the tradition of blues legends Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie Patton and Lightnin’ Hopkins. Brian Gross will sing and play acoustic guitar and dobro and Roger Edsall will play harmonica.

Gross and Edsall also play with three other blues musicians in the BG & The Mojo Hands band. Gross formed the blues band in 1994 and started playing solo acoustic shows in 2000. He added harmonica to his acoustic shows a few years ago and Edsall began performing with him.

Learn more BG & The Mojo Hands in this Q&A with Gross.

How was the band formed? How did you first get into playing blues music?

The band was formed in 1994 after I played the blues jam circuit and with the DC Blues Society Band. I selected band members from the jam sessions and then through word-of-mouth in the local blues scene. I had been playing mostly rock since high school until a friend steered me toward blues, and I was hooked. I have continued branching out since the “early days.”

How has the band’s sound changed or evolved over time? Is there a particular style or era of blues music that you draw inspiration from or are focused on at present?

The band started off playing mostly Chicago Blues and added west coast swing and jump blues, swamp blues and rockabilly to the mix. I am inspired and influenced by all of these and also the country acoustic blues of the 20s and 30s. Not only do I dig these additional types of music, but some of them are more danceable. It’s a kick to see people having a great time dancing to our music. Some of the best swing dancers in the area come out for our shows.

What professional blues musicians have influenced you the most over the years?

There are so many – the Delta blues musicians mentioned earlier, Earl Hooker, Guitar Slim, Junior Watson, the Kings of Blues (BB, Albert, Freddy), Elmore James, Ronnie Earl, Hollywood Fats, Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester, Bobby Radcliff, Django Reinhardt, Carl Perkins, Little Charlie Baty, Paul Rishell. I guess that’s a lot! I’ve been fortunate to study with a few of these guys which has helped me develop as a guitar player. It’s great to be taught by your heroes.

How long have you been in the D.C. area? What do you think of the music scene in the metropolitan area? Any favorite venues?

I’ve lived in the D.C. area for 35 years. I think the local music scene is pretty active and there are a lot of great musicians. The worst experience is when audiences are indifferent to the music. Then we are just musical wallpaper. However, the D.C. audiences are very educated and informed. At almost all of the venues, the crowd is quite supportive. It’s the biggest rush when they not only applaud, but whistle and shout. My favorite venues to perform at include Clare & Don’s, Cafe Ole, The Birchmere, Blues Alley Glen Echo Park’s Spanish Ballroom and Bumper Car Pavilion, Clarendon Ballroom, Columbia Lakefront Festival and Mason District Park.

What do you love most about playing blues music? What about playing the blues makes your heart sing?

There’s a lot of feeling in playing the blues, and there are several different types to explore. The early country acoustic blues can be pretty complex and challenging to play. There are musical conventions within blues, as with other genres, but it’s what you do with this form through improvisation, feeling and feeding off the other band members that can make this music special.

Click here for more information on BG & The Mojo Hands.

Thursday, Aug. 11, 7 p.m.; No cover
130 N. Washington St.; 703-532-WAVE