Q&A with Kirk Fletcher

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen
Photos courtesy of Kirk Fletcher

Kirk Fletcher is a blues guitarist who was a member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He performed with Cyndi Lauper, Michelle Branch, Eros Ramazotti and Joe Bonamassa. His solo album “Hold On” garnered a nod in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2019 Blues Music awards. He is touring this summer and has a new album with Blues covers possibly coming out. So Keep Checking In On Him!

KB: Did you always want to be a singer and musician growing up?

At first I grew up just playing guitar, I had no interest in singing. But as I got older, I searched for expressing myself even more with my music and also fronting my own band. I just felt the need to try to sing myself. I also got so inspired by my fellow bandmate the great Nick Curren at the time I was in the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

KB: What is so special about the blues?

Well, the Blues is the most special thing for me. Blues means a lot of things to a lot of people. But for me Blues music is not only a certain genre of music but a way of life, culturally, spiritually and where my music starts and ends. It’s so connected with so many things. To me it’s soulful and I try to have it in some way in every thing I do. So many artists have a strong Blues influence, think about it: Aretha Franklin or ZZ Top are completely different artists but they both have heavy Blues background, to me at least.

KB: You were a member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds? How did you become part of this?

I had played with the T Birds front man Kim Wilson’s solo band for a couple years off and on. So when the guitar slot opened for the TBirds Kim called me.

KB: You played alongside Cyndi Lauper: what was it like working with her?

Cyndi is a great person and a great artist. I did a benefit show with her in LA, but I didn’t get the chance to tour with her unfortunately. But it was definitely fun playing with her.

KB: What makes a great blues guitarist and who is in your personal Top 5?

Well that’s a good question. I feel these days you should be well rounded and have studied the greats and understand the difference between the different styles in Blues. It’s a little bit more involved than a lot of people think. The nuances and those subtle things is what makes Blues guitar great. My Top 5 probably changes everyday.

1. BB King
2. Otis Rush
3. Robben Ford
4. Eddie Taylor
5. Buddy Guy

KB: Are there any current artists you would love to collaborate with and why?

Los Lobos, Keb Mo, Jason Isbell to name a few

Because these guys make great music and write great songs. Songs are probably my favorite part of it all. I can try and put neat guitar parts to great songs. So it’s fun

KB: You can make an album with 7 of your most favorite songs (not your own): what would you pick and why?

Oh boy now that’s a very difficult question. I would probably pick those songs off the album “Dreamer” by Bobby Bland. That whole album just moves me so much in every way. It’s just highly crafted Blues music with a certain steamy late night vibe.

KB: What are you currently up to? Touring, new material?

I’m touring this summer a fair amount. Going to Korea next month for the first time and later Portugal, South America, Romania so looking forward to my travels. I have an album of Blues covers coming out possibly by the summer on the Vizztone Label.

Check out Kirk’s website: HERE

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