DOUG MacLeod is one of the last remaining bluesmen who learned from the old masters, lived the music, survived the life and carries forward the tradition.

Within the blues world, MacLeod is known for his superb songwriting, guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit and unforgettable live performances.

At the heart of this is his knack for storytelling, bringing characters-from the faceless to the legendary-to strikingly real life.

Next weekend he'll bring his traditional style of blues to Burnley Mechanics, where he'll play in the 21st Burnley National Blues Festival.

We put some burning questions to him beforehand.

This is your second visit to Burnley Blues Festival, what are you most looking forward to?
Well, I got to say the audience. Those folks made it real easy to be one guy with one guitar on that big stage. I hope we can hook up like that again.

Tell us a bit about your music?
My music is honest. It comes from my heart and soul. I know that's not a long answer, but I think there's a lot living in those words.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and why?
I really don’t know how to answer this. There been so many. Some I've worked with. Some I've never met, but heard on records. From Big Bill Broonzy to Kenny Burrell to Jerry Reed to Ernest Banks to Jerry Butler to Tampa Red to Son House to Wes Montgomery to Lightnin’ Hopkins to George Harmonica Smith to Casey Bill Weldon, to Louis Jordan to Pee Wee Crayton to Albert King to BB King . . . see this could just go on and on. Some for playing, some for writing, some for singing, some for teaching, and some for entertaining.

What's been the highlight of your music career so far?
There's been alot highlights for me. But what makes me feel the best is when I know that I touched someone with my music. Made them laugh, cry, think. Helped them get a handle on life.

What is your idea of happiness?
Good woman, good guitar, good food, good dog, good beer, good wine and good music.

What is your idea of hell?
A place where they don’t and won’t have dogs.

Do you have to have the blues to play the blues?
Well if you mean do you have to know life, I'd say yes.

What's the most rock ’n’ roll thing that’s ever happened to you?
I ain’t telling!