Episode 066–Linda Nicole Blair On Writing Songs with Bruce Hilliard

Linda's was the final episode for 2018, and what pleasure to have her as a guest. In Linda's words: "Music has been at the center of my life since I can remember. Early influences include Karla Bonoff, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell: many other female singer songwriters since then have shaped my taste in music: Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, Mia Borders, Caroline Herring, Susan Cowsill, Lynn Drury, Shannon McNally, Amy Mann and Brandi Carlile. This list is actually pretty endless--I would also have to include the Beatles, the Stones, and the women of the early blues movement, such as Memphis Minnie. I write Americana music, rooted in my life experiences. Many of my songs tell stories, and they are all different; I don't want to write in just one style--I am open to a variety of music, from country to soul. In short, I am a work in progress and I hope you like what you hear. Little Queenie was released on my birthday in 2016, and No Limits, my second album, was released in October of 2017. I am currently writing and recording songs for my next record, due out in the spring of 2019. My style continues to evolve! You can hear my songs here, as well as on Seattle Wave Radio and Local Roots Music NW Radio, available for purchase on CD Baby and BandCamp." A simple but important point is made in this interview as a recurring theme throughout all; music is for everyone and although it helps, no special skills or education are required to enjoy listening to or creating your own. But as seen below, Linda is a bit of an overachiever. EDUCATION-- Writing Fellows Institute, University of Washington, Tacoma; September - June, 2009 Adjunct Faculty Institute, Tacoma Community College; January - March 2006 Summer School for Applied Aesthetics, Lahti Finland; August 18-23, 2002 The School of Criticism and Theory, Cornell University; June 20 - July 26, 2001 The School of Criticism and Theory, Dartmouth College; June 17 - July 26, 1996 Ph. D. English, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; May 1989 M.A. English, University of Southern Mississippi; August 1982 Graduate Study Abroad, University of London; Summer 1981 B. M. E. Mississippi College, 1979 And, that doesn't include any of her music background! “If Chrissie Hynde had bolted Akron for Nashville instead of London, her unbuffered emotion and incisive observations might have taken shape something like those of Ms. Blair. The Washington-based singer/songwriter takes on romantic love’s frequent left turns and rude awakenings with straightforward lyrics and vocals to match. “Wild Night”, in particular, evokes the soulfulness of the afore-mentioned Ms. H. Other instantly attractive tracks include “All The While”, “Lucky Man” and “Far Away”.” — Duane Verh, Roots Music Report Linda's Website Linda's Facebook Linda via Spotify