Q. How did you come up with the name Budaka?

Jones
Wow I could spend some time on this one. It’s just something I have to do. I have been creating art and music as early as five years old. I remember very clearly early on that I wanted to be an artist and musician. I’m sure there was an influence from my parents and older brothers. My mom would sing and whistle all the time. She would play the piano for my brothers and sisters. You know songs like a Doe a Deer a Female Deer from the Sound of Music and Puff the Magic Dragon. My older brothers had and excellent record collection of 60s and 70s rock that was always being played at full volume; everything from Dylan, Zeppelin, Beatles, Steve Miller, BTO, Meatloaf, to Todd Rungren all the basic classic rock of that time period. My Dad was an architect and dabbled with painting so that may have influenced my idea to be an artist. It all came natural it was an escape and I seemed to be better at it then the other kids. I would win all the art awards in school, that kind thing. So it became my identity its part of me. I cherish all the friends and musicians I have met and known doing this music thing. My friend Pete Witham from the band Spookie Daly Pride is my biggest influence he’s the master in my eyes. He was the lead guitar in the first band I was in. It was named Full Circle in the 90’s not the band that’s out there now. My little brother Jeff kind of sparked the whole getting out there and playing in front parties and crowds. He got the guitar first and the harmonica, and was jamming with his buddies before I did. Although I remember being about seven years old and I stole a harmonica from another kid’s toy box and took it home I could play the thing pretty good I swear.

Jones
Practice but it truly is just natural. I have tried studying from books and listening to the masters like little Walter and John Popper but I never really spent that much time trying to do what they do. I probably should have and should still. I have a lot to learn. That’s what’s amazing about this whole journey there is always more I am never full, I want more, I love music. I am always singing it’s like breathing. When I am sad or happy I just do it its like an old friend that’s always been there for me or place I can always go to get away, or maybe a habit. I can’t imagine a world without music. I see these primitive tribes on the Discover channel and you can see how music and dance is a major part of there culture. There’s something about music that is deep within human genetics that appears to have always been there. I could get into physics and string theory with you about vibrations sounds and the creation of the universe and all that. No I want go there, maybe next time. But back to the question its all about doing it again and again and having a passion for it. I just bring it as it feels. The riffs always change a little bit; I stick to the structure and style of the song but like I said it’s always a little different. I don’t know if that’s good or bad in the eyes of the highly trained musicians. It’s just the way I do. It goes back to the blues and a feeling and improvisation. I have to say the blues is a major influence on my music. I could be happy doing blues jams. I Love getting on stage with people I have never met and a making music instantly. That’s where I met Craig Earl Hay at a blues jam in Katy Texas being hosted by the Houston talent Flash. You never know who you can meet at a blues jam. The public should take advantage of it more; especially in the south it’s so rich in music talent. I guess that brings up one thing I would like to say to the public. About how important it is to support local music you know buy the cd and the t-shirt put some cash in the tip jar. Making a living at music is nearly impossible with out the big corporate backing. Musicians do it because they love it. Am I preaching? Oh well Amen.