My Ithaca College jazz improvisation (yes, that was my major) and guitar instructor Steve Brown once told me that – and I quote – there’s good music and there’s bad music, and a good musician can tell the difference. I’m not sure if he actually coined the phrase (he did hang out with jazzster Miles Davis way back when), but it’s one I’ve often used myself over the years. Thankfully, I’m not quite as opinionated these days – at least when it comes to music – yet in this case, it’s undeniably applicable. And with soul-rocker Eric Lindell’s kick-off of the Chenango Blues Association’s Summer Concert Series on Thursday, I think you’ll find it hard to argue with me on this one.

To put it mildly, this year’s line-up of performers – not to mention Blues Fest itself – is one for the ages. The best part? I get to write about it ... all of it.