Carli Berry
reporter@pqbnews.com
Sam Hurrie said he’s had a passion for blues since he was 14 years-old.
He’s has been playing blues for 56 years. “I discovered it almost by accident at 14.”
The local blues/roots artist will be performing at the McMillian Arts Center this Friday, Aug. 14.
His performance in Parksville is a first and said he plays a majority of “old pre-war 1930s blues.”
Now living in Powell River, Hurrie said he has spent time living in the Comox Valley so people may recognize him. “I really enjoy playing on the Island,” he said.
Hurrie will be performing solo at the MAC, with his special 1930 National Steel guitar. Also known as a resonator guitar, the guitar has a wooden neck, but a steel body which allows it to act like a speaker, Hurrie said.
It can be a very loud instrument, he said, but he won’t be playing too loudly at the MAC.
In the past, Hurrie has played with Alberta talent Doug Cox, who is most recently known for his soundtrack work on the TV show Duck Dynasty, according to Cox’s website.
In 2005 the duo released Hungry Ghosts, which carries a folk feeling. The most popular song on iTunes, Little Martha which showcases a mix of soothing classic and electric guitar.
The album is available for purchase on iTunes.
One can purchase the album for $9.99 or each song individually for 99 cents.
Hurrie’s obsession with the music of black America lead him to travel across Canada, the U.S.A and Europe.
He said his favourite place to perform has been during the Sunflower River festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi. “If you can play with those folks and get out alive you’re in good shape,” Hurrie said with a chuckle.
He said the roots of blues come from the Mississippi, “that’s where blues started.”
Hurrie also plays harmonica and a little piano, he said, but mostly plays guitar and sings.
Tickets are $15, $12 for OCAC members and are available at the MAC.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the performance at 7 p.m.