Where in Tokyo, Japan can you go to hear some sweet Delta Blues?
Well every Tuesday night at 9pm bluesman Steve Gardner plays at the Bourbon Street Bar in the Roppongi area of Tokyo, which might be better known for its hostess clubs filled with western tourists/businessmen. But tucked away in a small alley is Bourbon Street and thats where I planted myself firmly twice during this trip to hear and see Steve pour his heart and soul into one amazing blues song after another. Decked out in Mardi Gras memorabilia and serving real southern home cooking, Bourbon Street could easily be smack in the middle of New Orleans. So if you find yourself halfway around the world and are hungry for some blues and chicken fried steak, Bourbon Street is the place to go.
Originally from Mississippi, Steve has been based out of Tokyo, Japan since the early 80’s where he worked as a photojournalist covering major events in the region. Still with his roots in the Delta Blues, Steve published a photo book in 1994 where he documented some of the great blues men of Mississippi and their environment. These days he spreads the blues across Japan both as a solo artist and with his band, with summer gigs in the US a big part of his schedule. So if you hear these words: Come on in the house y’all for more music and tall tales, after all, everybody gets the blues
sometime coming out of a blues joint in Japan go in and say hi to Steve and let him take you over the Big Delta Crossing.
