While many of Aaron Griffin’s friends from Webster Groves High School’s class of 2013 have gone on to universities, Griffin is enrolled in the College of Musical Knowledge known as the Soulard Blues Band. At age 19, he’s too young to drink at gigs, but he’s skilled enough to hold his own with musicians who are 40 and 50 years his senior—even if he’s not fully in on the fun.
“You’re watching people party and have fun,” he says, “and I have fun playing for them, but mostly it’s about observing.”
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On- and offstage, his fellow band members serve as mentors. He soaks in the vibe from the band’s colorful founder, bassist Art Dwyer, who’s “had an impact on my life with the crazy but useful things he says,” notes Griffin. He considers drummer Kirk Grice “a quiet leader.” And vocalist Marty Abdullah “is always up, a go-getter, and is fast-paced onstage, which I like,” he adds. From the lot of them, “I’ve picked up on some old people’s jargon,” Griffin says.
Like many blues players before him, the traditions are being passed down through generations. But in this case, there’s a twist: Aaron’s dad, Larry Griffin, once held down the band’s guitar position himself. Larry is still a frequent visitor during the band’s Monday-night jam sessions, which Aaron began sitting in on at the ripe age of 13.
Griffin works afternoons at J. Gravity Strings, a downtown guitar store. He’s also working on a few side projects. He plans to return to school someday, he says, “but not for now.”
Being around guitars all day, Griffin has improved his skills to a level that impresses his veteran bandmates. “He knows the technical part, as well as how to make a song feel,” Abdullah says. “His solos are great. He sings well, plays a fantastic guitar, and comes from a good family. He’s a natural-born performer and entertainer.”
As for his contemporaries’ responses? “Some come to my gigs and say, ‘Oh, this is a real, professional band. That’s cool,’” he says. “Others are like, ‘Whatever.’ A lot of young people aren’t really familiar with this kind of music, the blues and old R&B.
“It’s weird because a year ago I was just sitting in with [the Soulard Blues Band], and now I’m a part of the band,” Griffin says. “It’s a cool dynamic that we have now. With me being the young guy, I try to bring energy when I can.”
Catch Griffin and the Soulard Blues Band every Monday from 9 p.m.–1 a.m. at Broadway Oyster Bar. For more info, visit soulardbluesband.com.
