By Jeremy Segel-Moss

Every year the fall brings change in more ways than just weather. In the blues community, this year’s change came in the form of the loss of St. Louis Legend, Oliver Sain. When I started writing this column in September it dawned on me that I’d have to write about the passing of some of my favorite musicians. I just didn’t think it would be so soon.

A transplant from Mississippi, Sain came for a weekend to play with Little Milton Campbell and stayed to become The Man with the Golden Horn -- Ambassador of St. Louis Rhythm & Blues. In the last 40-plus years Sain has been one of St. Louis’ premiere musicians, bandleaders, songwriters, producers, arrangers and, by consensus of the folks drinking at B.B.’s, one of the best damn storytellers, period.

He is well known for songs such as "Booty Bumpin’," "Bus Stop," and my personal favorite, "The St. Louis Breakdown." Sain also worked with numerous St. Louis musicians at his studio on Natural Bridge – Archway Studios. David Dee, Little Milton, Albert King, Fontella Bass, and Barbara Carr to name a few.

To help put Sain’s life into perspective – At the age of 17 he was playing with Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson and Elmore James and at the age of 70 one of his songs was sampled by P. Diddy.

In all truth, Sain’s life is worth international attention, but being a St. Louis Rhythm & Blues artist sort of leaves you at a disadvantage for making news. Also in truth, Sain’s contributions will never be more appreciated and loved than here in St. Louis. I was reminded of how many lives he touched when, in good St. Louis form, traffic was stopped in every direction surrounding the church hosting Sain’s funeral.

On a lighter note -- the changing of the seasons isn’t all bad. In fact, fall and winter are the best time to experience blues in St. Louis. Away from the big stages and the mass crowds of festivals, winter allows musicians to show their true sides. Small bars like the Broadway Oyster Bar offer bands the opportunity to play quieter sets, pay closer attention to the music and interact more personably with the crowd. Mix the intimate atmosphere of a corner bar with our love for the jam and you get St. Louis Blues Magic.

Blues Magic is what Oliver Sain was all about. Up until the very end Sain was making his way down to B.B.’s Jazz. Blues & Soups for his weekly Thursday night gig. So, in his honor I’d like to offer a suggestion. While Oliver is having a good time at the big jam in the sky – lets spend the winter at a nice cozy bar, with a drink, and let the blues soak all the way through. I think Oliver would approve.