Curtis Salgado & Alan Hager: Masters of Soul-Infused Blues

Curtis Salgado and Alan Hager are an acclaimed American blues and soul duo known for their raw, emotionally charged performances and masterful musicianship. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, their collaborative work, including the 2018 album Rough Cut, earned them the 2019 Blues Music Award for 'Acoustic Album of the Year,' cementing their status as top-tier artists in the contemporary blues scene.

Early career

Curtis Salgado, born in 1954, built a formidable reputation over decades as a powerhouse vocalist and harmonica player, famously inspiring John Belushi's Blues Brothers character. His early career included work with Robert Cray and as a frontman for Roomful of Blues, leading to a successful solo run with multiple Blues Music Awards. Alan Hager, a virtuoso guitarist deeply versed in pre-war blues and jazz, honed his craft through intensive study and performance, establishing himself as a sought-after accompanist known for his technical precision and vintage tone.

Breakthrough

The duo's formal partnership solidified in the late 2010s, culminating in their first collaborative album, Rough Cut, released in 2018 on Alligator Records. This stripped-down, acoustic-focused record was a critical and industry success, winning the Blues Music Award for 'Acoustic Album of the Year' in 2019 and introducing their potent chemistry to a wider audience within the blues genre.

Key tracks

I Will Not Be Denied — This Salgado original showcases his gritty, soul-drenched vocals and personal lyrical resilience.

So Near to Nowhere — A track highlighting Hager's intricate guitar work and the duo's seamless, conversational interplay.

I Want My Dog to Live Longer — The title track from their 2021 follow-up album demonstrates their ability to blend humor with deeply felt blues craftsmanship.

You're Going to Miss My Sorry Ass — A fan favorite live number that encapsulates their energetic, back-porch blues spirit.

Their 2021 album, I Want My Dog to Live Longer, continued their successful formula, earning further acclaim and a nomination for the 2022 Blues Blast Music Award for 'Acoustic Album.' The duo tours extensively, delivering live shows that are both a history lesson in American roots music and a vibrant, contemporary performance.

For fans of the Curtis Salgado and Alan Hager sound, similar artists featured on our site include Charlie Musselwhite A harmonica legend who bridges traditional and modern blues. Eric Bibb A gospel-infused acoustic blues storyteller with a gentle, melodic approach. North Mississippi Allstars A group that also roots its music in raw, hill country blues traditions.

The music of Curtis Salgado and Alan Hager is a staple on dedicated blues and roots radio stations across our network. Their songs frequently appear in rotation on specialty blues programs, independent music radio stations, and online streams focused on authentic American music, from their award-winning albums to live session tracks.

Listeners can discover the genuine blues and soul of the Curtis Salgado and Alan Hager duo on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com, where their music is regularly programmed for audiences who appreciate masterful acoustic instrumentation and soul-stirring vocals.