Attending Telluride Blues and Brews music festival has become one of the most anticipated events of the late summer/early fall for the “locals” who want to get away for a weekend.
When I’m asked why, I have to spend time getting to the heart of what makes Telluride, and Blues and Brews at that, so special.
YES, it’s smaller than Bluegrass, allowing for a more intimate experiences at any stage across the board.
YES, the leaves are gorgeous and changing and they allow for a deeper state of introspection when you’re able to see them change day over day as the season progresses over a few days.
YES, you can feel the winter chill during those Juke Joint sets all over town or in the line for the famous/infamous grilled cheese stand.
But the truth to me, and the soul of why people keep attending the fest year after year, at least musically speaking, can be attributed to the King of Blues and Brews, none other than Anders Osborne.
I was first introduced to Anders as a B&B attendee a handful of years ago and it’s been inspiring to see the demand for his music grow. He’s like a fine wine- his music, stage presence and entity seem to get better with age.
So I set out to understand just how long Anders has been playing Blues and Brews and really what makes him so great.
What I’ve learned:
- He has written all of his own material and co-writes lots of music with notables including: Keb Mo, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Tab Benoit, etc.
- His album with Keb Mo in 199 won a Grammy.
- He has had songs covered by Brad Paisley, Tab Benoit, Jonny Lang, Edwin McCain, Sam Bush, Trombone Shorty and Aaron Neville and Kim Carnes.
- His songs have appeared in movies and TV shows (notably in HBO’s New Orleans-based drama, Treme)
- Some of his open admirers include: Toots and The Maytals, Stanton Moore, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Keb Mo, The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh, Jackie Greene and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.
Long story short: the heart and soul of Blues & Brews begins and ends with Anders Osborne. Long live Anders. Long live Telluride’s charm and long live B&B.
