Brian Kramer

JUNIOR WELLS 1934-1998

Jefferson Magazine, 1998

Brian Kramer, center, in the studio with Junior Wells band, New York. Photo: Roston

Junior Wells was my friend and mentor. When I was introduced to him at the age of 22, he sort of took me under his wing. He taught me many lessons in how to bring what was within me to the surface, and he helped me create a solid foundation on my journey through the blues. He also taught me that the blues is colorless and it belongs to anyone who chooses to speak their feelings in it.

Juniour urged me to find my own voice, not to be afraid to be original and to stay true to myself, and always make each note meaningful. He patiently guided me through my young clumsy guitar-playing with his enthusiatic directions on developing perfect timing, and he made me focus on the conversational possibilities when accompanying other musicians.

He generously shared his insights and experiences with me, and I was a sponge, trying to soak it all up.

At the age of 24, I got a record deal on a small, new (now defunct) new York label. When I asked Junior to be involved, he accepted. I knew he did it out of friendship and had some faith in me. I recall him saying that he hadn't accepted any offers to do a record in 13 years, because nothing appealed to him, and this really touched me.

During the sessions, Junior was inspired, and in top form. He guided and directed my band through his songs like a master leader, and accompanied me on my songs, always adding the right touch. It was a true collaboration.

The crystalization of that experience is all contained in a little instumental Delta Blues, played simply with Junior blowin harp and with me pickin' an ol National. During the song he caught my eye, and at that moment I knew he was speaking to the blues inside me which he had helped nurture.

He changed my life! (Of course the recording — Brian Kramer and the Bluesmasters featuring Junior Wells Monsoon Records FVCC-4862 — was never promoted properly, was in limited distribution, and never got the chance it deserved.)

The day Junior passed away I was in Gotland performing with my band. We closed the show with a song I've been doing through my career. It was an energized, inspired version of Junior Wells' Messin' With The Kid. I always think of him when I do the song, so as I ripped through the final verse with total abandon, I vividly recall the feeling that Junior would have approved. The next day I found out that he died.

Junior Wells, you had a big heart! Though in reality I know I was just a small part of your life, you were a very large part of mine. The path I've chosen with my music has brought me countless good fortune and unforgettable memories, and I owe the courage to take that path to you.

I miss you already, Amos.

Brian Kramer

[Brian Kramer is a Stockholm-based artist from NYC, who plays solo and with his band Shades of Blue - Red]