Sammy Mayfield at this week's Rock & Rails

Master blues guitarist Sammy Mayfield comes to this week's Rock & Rails stage after playing with a list of major gospel, soul and blues musical legends. During his time as musical director with Solomon Burke, he traveled the world and he's shared the stage with Ike Turner, The Neville Brothers, Charlie Musselwhite, Little Richard and others.

In recent years, he's continued to produce work and locals can also hear him on the airwaves every other Saturday with KUVO's All Blues radio show. Recently, Mayfield took time to speak to us about his career and his creativity.

Q: As you look back on your history as a musician, what do you see?

SM: Well, I've been playing most of my life. I started playing when I was 9 years old. In schools. I played saxophone and guitar. Then I got to play around the country and around the world as Solomon Burke's Musical Director and I was with him when he died in Amsterdam. It was October 2010 when he passed.

Q: What was it like for you to work with him?

SM: We were like brothers. We played all over the world. All the major festivals, starting in the 70s. We had a great time but when it was over, it was over. Then I was in Los Angeles for a long time and eventually moved back to Denver, which was my home.

Q: Were there any performances that stood out for you, as you played around the world?

SM: I played with so many people. Me and Ike Turner, we're good friends. Big Mama Thornton at McNichols. She wrote "You Ain't Nothin But a Hound Dog," the Elvis song. Played the American Rhythm and Soul Festival with Emma Thomas, Johnnie Adams, The Neville Brothers, Little Richard. Clarence Gatemouth Brown. So much fun. All these guys. And Italy, I loved playing in Italy.

Q: When you play with this caliber of people, how does it affect you and your playing?

SM: I think it made me better because I learned so much from these guys. It made me learn the music and cherish the music. Feel like it's supposed to be played. And you gotta do it right. You can't just stand there.

Q: How is it supposed to be played?

SM: From your heart. Your soul.

Q: Do you feel like you've had the chance to pass the torch to younger musicians at all?

SM: Sure. As much as I can. I've played with a lot of younger guys and I think they see, the only way to learn is to watch. To see it.

Q: We've talked about your gigs around the world, and who you've played with. Let's talk about what's going to happen next Thursday. And coming to Niwot.

SM: Oh, I'm looking forward to it. I haven't been there in a while and I'll have my full band. Jim Ayers on keyboard, Scottie Rivera on drums. My horn players. Johnnie Woodward, he'll be on bass. These guys have been with me for a long time. When I come back from touring, this is my band that I use. I'm going to bring my entire show and we're gonna have a good time.

Q: What can people expect from the show when they see you?

SM: The blues. The real deal blues. And we're a show band too. We're gonna have a good time. We'll be partying.

Q: That sounds amazing. I think we're all looking forward to it.

SM: (laughing) Yup. Me too.