Back

Explore every episode of the podcast Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party

Dive into the complete episode list for Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

Rows per page:

1–50 of 79

TitlePub. DateDuration
Special Guest – RW Grigsby24 Oct 202401:14:33
Bassist, singer and songwriter Richard “RW” Grigsby, has logged several lifetimes on the road, and his early rock and roll roots (Rome, GA near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains) burst out like another famous Richard from Georgia on “Road Scholar,” his story of a musician who has spent too much time on the road, working for too little pay. It’s sung by Red’s Blues drummer Tim Wilbur, a pro’s pro (2017 Sacramento Music Awards and Sacramento Blues Society Hall of Fame member), who brought creative percussion ideas -- maracas AND the entire group thigh-slapping percussion. “We sat in chairs in a circle and slapped our thighs at certain points in the song to add accent,” laughs Beth. “Jackknifed” (co-authored with fellow road warrior Mark Hummel) continues the road theme with bio notes from their Golden State-Lone Star Blues Revue adventures. RW played with Carlene Carter, Gary Primich, Mike Morgan & The Crawl, Finger Taylor, Mark Hummel’s Golden State Lone Star Revue w/Anson Funderburgh & Little Charlie, JamesCotton & all the Harmonica Blowouts since 2008-2019( Magic, Lee Oskar, Kim Wilson, Billy Boy, Jason Ricci, Carey Bell, Lazy Lester, Estrin, John Primer, Duke, Billy Flynn, Elvin, Gravenities, Ron Thompson, Harman, Rod Piazza & many others) 2014 Grammy-nominated and Blues Music Award (BMA) winner bassist RW Grigsby has been playing since he was 14 years old and began his professional career when still a teenager.  He's toured the U.S., Canada and Europe since the '80s, and currently juggles playing with Red's Blues, Mark Hummel & the Blues Survivors and The Golden State/Lone Star Blues Revue. He played and recorded with Texas blues stars Gary Primich and Black Top Records’ Mike Morgan and the Crawl in the 1990s.  RW is the bassist on the 2014 Grammy-nominated and BMA-winning CD, Remembering Little Walter. He was nominated for a BMA “Best Bassist” Award in 2017 and was inducted into the Sacramento Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2018.
True Believer CD Release – Stories from the Studio25 Sep 202401:14:18
Mark opens up on recording his new record and touring with legends. Anson Funderburgh Wes Starr Kedar Roy Randy Bermudes Oscar Wilson Joe Beard Billy Flynn https/www.markhummel.com
Johnny Nicholas: Blues Guitar Legend29 Apr 202401:06:40
Nicholas grew up in Rhode Island, United States, where he formed his first band, The Vikings. The band performed cover versions of popular rhythm and blues hits of the time, along with songs by the Rolling Stones. In the mid-1960s, he formed the Black Cat Blues Band with Duke Robillard, Fran Christina and Steve Nardella. Around 1970, he formed the Boogie Brothers with Nardella. After attending the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1970, the band eventually moved on to San Francisco, California in 1972 per-request of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. By 1974, Nicholas had moved to Chicago, Illinois and began playing with Big Walter Horton. During his time in Chicago, he would record music with Horton, Boogie Woogie Red and Robert Lockwood, Jr. In 1974, he created his own single, "Too Many Bad Habits" for Blind Pig Records. Moving to Providence, Rhode Island, he formed his own band, Johnny Nicholas and the Rhythm Rockers, which included Kaz Kazanoff on saxophone, Terry Bingham on drums, Sarah Brown on bass guitar and Ronnie Earl on electric guitar. Nicholas began his stint with Asleep at the Wheel in 1978, when the band asked him to perform with them. During his off time, he would travel to various cities for solo shows, but would often visit Louisiana to play with Link Davis and Cajun accordion player Nathan Abshire. By 1980, however, Nicholas decided to take time off from music in order to raise a family.  in 1991 Nicholas returned to recording blues music with Johnny Shines and Snooky Pryor on the album Back to the Country. After returning to music, Johnny has released one studio album and three live albums on Topcat Records while also returning to regular live shows.
Bill Kirchen of Commander Cody’s Lost Planet Airmen24 Apr 202400:52:46
In 1969, Kirchen took Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen to California and they developed a reputation as musical "outlaws" that were praised by other outlaw musicians and bands like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, The Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band.Kirchen's band "played a collection of rock 'n' roll, hard-core country, boogie and rockabilly sounds produced in a "high-octane mix" that made them a "happening" group in the San Francisco Bay area. Kirchen began to develop as guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and performer. He became known for his vocal and guitar work on such songs as "Mama Hated Diesels", "Down to Seeds and Stems Again Blues" from the band's albums, Hot Licks, Cold Steel & Truckers' Favorites and Lost in the Ozone. His live performance work was captured on the 1973 album Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas, recorded at the Armadillo World Headquarters in 1973.Kirchen's Commander Cody band broke apart in 1976 and he formed a "swing orchestra" called the Moonlighters and began a decades-long collaboration with British musician Nick Lowe. Lowe produced the Moonlighters' second album Rush Hour, and Kirchen toured with Lowe and joined him in the studio from time to time. During this period Kirchen also worked on albums with Elvis Costello, Gene Vincent, and Link Wray. Kirchen was one of the musicians that pioneered the Americana movement in the 1980s, and also with being a founding father of "twangcore," along with Dave Alvin, Wilco and Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys. Kirchen's signature sound has been dubbed "dieselbilly" and incorporates elements of country, blues, rockabilly, Western swing and boogie-woogie, laced with themes of American truck driving music. Kirchen's work in the early 1970s with Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen helped set the stage for the singers like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson and other outlaw country bands with his recordings of songs like "Seeds And Stems."Kirchen is said to have "one of the most distinctive, pure-Fender Telecaster tone guitar sounds in modern music". Kirchen was named "The Titan of The Telecaster" by Guitar Player magazinefor his musical prowess on the Fender Telecaster guitar. He played a 1959 model with a maple fretboard and sunburst finish that he calls the "coal burner" and acquired in 1967 when he exchanged his Gibson SG with a stranger on a bus.He retired that guitar in the early 2010s in favor of a Telecaster with a wider neck.
Mark Answers Listener Questions25 Mar 202400:35:43
Grammy Nominee, Blues Award Winner, Author, Harp Man Mark Hummel had a banner year in 2014. Grammy Nominated for his Remembering Little Walter CD he produced and performed on, Mark also won Best Blues CD and Best Traditional Blues CD at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, TN. Mark's The Hustle Is Really On climbed to #2 and stayed in the top five for four months on the Living Blues Radio Charts. Hummel's book "BIG ROAD BLUES:12 Bars on I-80" garnered rave reviews and was nominated for best Independent Book release. Mark Hummel started playing harmonica in 1970 and is considered one of the premier blues harmonica players of his generation. Thanks to over thirty recordings since 1985, including the Grammy nominated 2013 release Blind Pig recording Remembering Little Walter (part of the Blues Harmonica Blowout CD series). Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout™ started in 1991 and have featured every major legend (Mayall, Musselwhite, Cotton, etc.) on blues harp as well as almost every player of note on the instrument - a who's who of players. Hummel is a road warrior - a true Blues Survivor. Along the way, he has crafted his own trademark harmonica sound - a subtle combination of tone, phrasing and attack combined with a strong sense of swing. Mark has been with Electro Fi Records since 2000, releasing five CDs. Thanks to Mark's earlier albums, constant touring and appearances at the major blues festivals, he's firmly established his solid reputation around the US and Europe. Born in New Haven, CT but raised in Los Angeles. Mark moved to Berkeley at age 18 to pursue a career in blues music, where he felt the music was taken more seriously. Mark started the Blues Survivors in 1977 with Mississippi Johnny Waters. By 1984 Hummel began a life of non- stop touring of the US, Canada and overseas, which he still continues at least 130-150 days out of each year. Hummel has toured or recorded with blues legends Charles Brown, Charlie Musselwhite, Lowell Fulson, Billy Boy Arnold, Carey Bell, Lazy Lester, Brownie McGhee, Eddie Taylor, Luther Tucker and Jimmy Rogers. www.markhummel.com
Kenny Neal01 Mar 202400:30:59
Kenny Neal  is an American blues guitar player, singer and band member. Neal was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Raful Neal, and he comes from a musical family. He has often performed with his brothers in his band. Neal preserves the blues sound of his native south Louisiana, as befits someone who learned from Slim Harpo, Buddy Guy, and his father, harmonica player Raful Neal.In 1987, Neal cut his debut album for the Florida record producer Bob Greenlee — an updated swamp feast initially marketed on King Snake Records as Bio on the Bayou. Alligator Records picked it up the following year, retitling it Big News from Baton Rouge!!In 1991, he proved to be a talented actor in the Broadway production of the folk musical Mule Bone (by Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston), singing numbers written by Taj Mahal. Hosted by: Mark Hummel
Harmonica Great: Corky Siegel23 Jan 202401:37:01
Corky Siegel is known internationally as one of the worlds great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer-songwriter, creator of CHAMBER BLUES and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together. Co-founder of the SIEGEL-SCHWALL BAND, and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Corky Siegel has a catalogue of recordings on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, and million selling blues/classical recordings on the iconic classical label Deutsche Grammophon. His close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues, his essential part in the blues rock revolution, and his surprising success in bringing together blues and classical audiences make him a pivotal (though inconspicuous) figure in modern music history. “under appreciated national treasure” - DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE.  Corky Siegel
Rick Estrin of The Nightcats30 Dec 202301:53:17
Estrin was born in San Francisco, California in 1949, and fell in love with blues after his sister presented him with Ray Charles’ The Genius Sings The Blues when he was 12. He began playing harmonica at age 15, and by age 18 was beginning to work professionally. Early in his career he played with Lowell Fulson, Z.Z. Hill, Travis Phillips, and Fillmore Slim. Estrin names Sonny Boy Williamson II, Little Walter Jacobs and Baby Boy Warren as key inspirations.  He played with and was mentored by Rodger Collins (whose 45rpm recordings include "She's Looking Good" and "Foxy Girls" In Oakland). Estrin moved to Chicago when he was 19 and worked with bluesmen Sam Lay, Johnny Littlejohn, Eddie Taylor and Johnny Young.  He met and sat in with Muddy Waters at the Sutherland Hotel in Chicago. He told the Sacramento Bee, "Muddy started shaking his finger in my face and said, ‘You outta sight, boy! You play like a man! I know that sound. That's my sound.’" Muddy tried to hire Estrin as a sideman but Estrin did not receive the phone call, and moved back to the Bay Area. He met guitarist Charlie Baty in 1973 and they created Little Charlie & the Nightcats based in Sacramento, California. Estrin fronted Little Charlie & the Nightcats for 30 years and performed around the world. They were nominated four times for the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year. In 2008, Baty retired from touring. Guitarist Kid Andersen joined Estrin with previous band members Hansen and Farrell and they formed Rick Estrin & The Nightcats that same year.   wwwmarkhummel.com www.patreon.com/markhummel
Special Guest – John Primer20 Dec 202300:43:39
John Primer  is an American Chicago blues and electric blues singer and guitarist who played behind Junior Wells in the house band at Theresa's Lounge and as a member of the bands of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters and Magic Slim  He recorded with Muddy and the Rolling Stones at Buddy Guy's Checkerboard Lounge in 1981, a concert that was eventually released as an award-winning DVD, before launching an award-winning career as a front man, carrying forward the traditional Windy City sound into the 21st century. johnprimerblues.com
Special Guest Duke Robillard07 Dec 202301:15:34
Duje Robillard is an American guitarist and singer. He founded the band Roomful of Blues and was a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Although Robillard is known as a rock and blues guitarist, he also plays jazz and swing.
Special Guest Jim Pugh07 Dec 202301:08:04
Jim Pugh’s international performing music career spans 40 years and includes multiple Grammy Award, platinum and gold records. He has recorded and performed with a star-studded array of musicians including B.B. King, Etta James, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Boz Skaggs, Syl Johnson and Van Morrison. He created Little Village Foundation in 2014 to share the diverse music that has always inspired him and to help other artists, especially musicians no one would learn about without Little Village Foundation’s support.
Special Guest Diunna Greenleaf07 Dec 202300:53:00
Diunna Greenleaf, the leader of Blue Mercy, is a native Texan (Houston) who has a background steeped in gospel music. Influenced by the likes of Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Rosetta Thorpe, Sam Cooke, Charles Brown and her own parents Ben & Mary Ella Greenleaf (Gospel). She has developed "Diunna's style of Blues" in the same tradition as so many other great Texas blues men and women. She combines intricate patches of jazz, gospel and heartfelt soul to create a kind blues that takes one on an emotional roller coaster ride.
Special Guest: Jim Liban01 Sep 202401:17:10
Multi-instrumentalist and singer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Most famous for his blues harmonica. Jim began playing drums while in high school during the 1960's. Played with A. B. Skhy (https://www.discogs.com/artist/1578341) until 1969 when he helped form Short Stuff where he stayed until 1984. Jim also fronted the Jim Liban Combo featuring Greg Koch, still performing, Jim recently released 'I Say What I Mean" with The Joel Paterson Trio. https://www.markhummel.com
Special Guest Jim Pugh15 Nov 202301:07:16
Jim Pugh’s international performing music career spans 40 years and includes multiple Grammy Award, platinum and gold records. He has recorded and performed with a star-studded array of musicians including B.B. King, Chris Isaac, Etta James, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Boz Skaggs, Syl Johnson and Van Morrison. He created Little Village Foundation in 2014 to share the diverse music that has always inspired him. Jim Pugh http://markhummel.com
Live from The Backroom in Berkeley California31 Oct 202301:23:37
Mark Hummel brings together some of the top blues players in history for his Chicago Blues Party at the Backroom in Berkeley California.  The supergroup includes: Mark Hummel - Harmonica/Vocals Oscar Wilson - Vocals Joe Beard - Guitar/Vocals Billy Flynn - Guitar Wes Starr - Drums Randy Bermudes - Bass
Special Guest: Big Creek Slim25 Sep 202300:32:13
Big Creek Slim is a blues man as sure as the day is long. Don’t believe it? Hear that voice. Feel the passion and intensity that he brings to the blues. Big Creek Slim’s trademark is authentic pre-WWII country blues and early Chicago Blues. Right now he’s the hottest Scandinavian blues name and has received a rain of awards, and has excited the blues crowds all over Europe. Big Creek Slim Website www.bigcreekslim.dk https://bigcreekslim.dk/
Special Guest: John Nemeth19 Sep 202301:05:26
John Németh is an American electric blues and soul harmonicist, singer, and songwriter. He has received five Blues Music Awards for Soul Blues Male Artist, Soul Blues Album, Traditional Blues Album of the Year, Instrumentalist - Vocals and Instrumentalist - Harmonica. He has recorded ten albums since 2002, having also backed Junior Watson, Anson Funderburgh and Elvin Bishop. He has opened for Robert Cray, Keb' Mo', and Earl Thomas. AllMusic noted that he is a "vocalist with great range, ability, and soulfulness, Németh had also developed into a top-notch blues harmonica player..."  In 2013 alone, he was nominated five times for a Blues Music Award, making nine such nominations in total.
Special Guest: Jason Ricci31 Aug 202301:17:08
Jason Ricci has appeared as a guest harmonica player on albums with Johnny Winter, Terence Blanchard, Nick Curran, Ana Popovic, Walter Trout, Cedric Burnside, The Mannish Boys and Joe Louis Walker among others. Ricci was named "Best Harmonica Player" at the 2010 Blues Music Awards, and also performed on Grammy winning 2014 Johnny Winter album Step Back. In February 2015, Ricci played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Paul Shaffer Band, Tom Morello and Zac Brown to induct The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.[1] Ricci also continues touring with his band Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind as well as with other bands such as: "Harmonicon" (Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Ricci), "JJ Appleton and Jason Ricci" and "Mark Hummel's Harmonica Blowout Tour". In 2017, Jason Ricci and The Bad Kind signed a record deal with the Eller Soul label and released their new album Approved By Snakes released on June 16, 2017. Jason Ricci's YouTube Channel Jason Ricci's Website Mark Hummel's Website
Special Guest: Willie Chambers11 Aug 202301:38:55
#chambers #gospelmusic #mississippi #blues #musichistoryMark talks with legend and Chambers Brothers founder Willie Chambers about starting the band. Recording with Bob Dylan and Barbara Dane. Turning down Woodstock and performing at Newport. Alice Cooper living in their band house and told by Clive Davis that he would not allow them to record "Time Has Come Today" which became their signature hit.
Special Guest: Mark Wenner27 Jun 202300:43:07
THE NIGHTHAWKS Mark Wenner: Vocals, Harmonica Mark Stutso: Drums, Vocals Paul Pisciotta: Bass Dan Hovey: Guitar, Vocals The Nighthawks was an idea in Mark Wenner's brain long before he was able to implement it. The musical product of pre-1958 radio in Washington, D.C., he did not know there were rules against mixing blues, R&B, honky-tonk country, doo-wop, gospel and rockabilly into one delicious stew. http://thenighthawks.com http://www.markhummel.com
Special Guest: Barry Goldberg26 Jun 202300:49:01
Barry Joseph Goldberg is an American blues and rock keyboardist, songwriter, and record producer. Goldberg has co-produced albums by Percy Sledge, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, and the Textones, plus Bob Dylan's version of Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready". barrygoldbergmusic.com http://markhummel.com
Special Guest: Steve Weston26 Jun 202300:49:13
#thewho #rogerdaltrey #bluesharmonica Steve grew up among the vibrant music scene in Essex, listening to Dr Feelgood among others.He started out playing in various bands on keyboard before finding his harmonica mojo as the front man in West Weston and the Bluesonics, and he hasn't looked back since.He has become the harmonica player of choice for Mud Morganfield when he's touring Europe, as well as playing with Trickbag in Scandinavia, and then playing on the number 1 album with Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey, no less. cannedheatmusic.com  www.markhummel.com www.patreon.com/markhummel
Special Guest Terry Hanck25 May 202300:31:34
#elvinbishop #terryhanck #blues #funk erry Hanck is an American electric blues saxophonist, singer, songwriter and record producer, who won a Blues Music Award in 2016 in the 'Instrumentalist - Horn' category. Previously Hanck earned both a Blues Music Award and a Living Blues Award for 'Best Horn' in 2012, and was nominated for the latter prize in the 'Best Song' category. In May 2015, he won the International Songwriting Competition for his soul ballad, "I Keep On Holding On." Born in Chicago, Hanck was influenced by the blues, soul and jazz of the 1950s and early 1960s. After moving to California in 1965, Hanck later toured with Elvin Bishop for over a decade, before leaving to tour and record with his own band for now almost 30 years. Living Blues writer Lee Hildebrand has written that "Hanck is one of the most formidable saxophonists in the blues and soul business. He has a virile tone and attack and an uncanny command of upper-register notes." www.terryhanck.net Mark Hummel Patreon Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest Dick Shurman – Blues Hall of Fame Producer15 Aug 202401:01:34
#johnnywinter #chicagoblues  #grammywinners  #aligator  Richard L. Shurman He has produced numerous recordings by notable musicians including Johnny Winter, Lurrie Bell, Eddie C. Campbell, Albert Collins, Little Smokey Smothers, Jody Williams, Roy Buchanan, Big Bill Morganfield, Larry Garner, Robert Cray, Hip Linkchain, Magic Slim, Charlie Musselwhite, Otis Rush, Johnny Heartsman, and Fenton Robinson. Shurman has also written many liner notes, and is the publisher of Chicago Blues News. In 2005, he was the recipient of the Blues Foundation's "Keeping the Blues Alive" award.[6] He co-produced Showdown!, an album which won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1987. Shurman was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2014 for his multitudinous contributions as a 'non-performer'. https://www.markhummel.com
Special Guest: Fito de la Parra23 May 202301:17:43
#cannedheat #woodstock #blues #rock&roll Fido is a founding member of Canned Heat. Canned Heat rose to fame because their knowledge and love of blues music was both wide and deep. Emerging in 1966, Canned Heat was founded by blues historians and record collectors Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson and Bob “The Bear” Hite. The band attained three worldwide hits, “On The Road Again” in 1968, “Let’s Work Together” in 1970 and “Going Up The Country” in 1969 became rock anthems throughout the world with the latter being adopted as the unofficial theme song for the film Woodstock and the “Woodstock Generation.” cannedheatmusic.com Mark Hummel Patreon Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Sugar Ray Norcia02 May 202300:47:01
#bluesharmonica #blues #roomfullofbluesSugar Ray Norcia is an American electric and soul blues singer and harmonica player. Formerly the singer for Room Full of Blues, he is best known for his work with his backing band, The Bluetones, with whom he has released seven albums since 1980. Mark Hummel Patreon Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Magic Dick07 Apr 202301:27:13
Magic Dick, (Richard Salwitz) plays harmonica for the J. Geils Band. Salwitz was born in New London, Connecticut. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he met John "J." Geils and Danny Klein and became a founding member of the J. Geils Band in 1965. Salwitz's harmonica playing became a major and distinctive element in the J. Geils Band's sound during their hard-rocking 1970s heyday. His performance of "Whammer Jammer" on the band's live album Full Househas been particularly noted. In The Rolling Stone Record Guide (1979), music critic Dave Marsh described Salwitz as possibly "the best white musician to ever play blues harmonica." He was often referred to as "Magic Dick and his Lickin' Stick". Mark Hummel Patreon Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest UK Blues Legend Bob Hall25 Mar 202301:24:49
#ukblues #bluesharmonica #bluespiano #petergreen #fleetwoodmac Mark and Bob hanging out at Bob's house in Sheffield, England telling stories about the famous and infamous in UK music. Founder&member of several British blues bands including The Groundhogs, Tramp, The Sunflower Blues Band and The De Luxe Blues Band, Hall has worked and recorded with artists such as Peter Green, Danny Kirwan and Mick Fleetwood, of Fleetwood Mac, and is also a long serving member of Savoy Brown, and guests with The Blues Band, featuring Paul Jones, Dave Kelly and Tom McGuinness. Hall was also a founder-member, with Ian Stewart, of the Boogie Woogie Big Band which later became Rocket 88, and which included Hal Singer, Don Weller and Dick Morrissey, Charlie Watts, Alexis Korner, and Jack Bruce. Bob has accompanied: John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Witherspoon, Chuck Berry, Homesick James, Lightnin' Slim, Lowell Fulsom, Charlie Musselwhite, Snooky Pryor, J. B. Hutto, Lazy Lester, Dave Peabody, Baby Boy Warren, Eddie "Guitar" Burns, Eddie Taylor, Big John Wrencher, Mickey Baker, and Eddy Clearwater. Mark Hummel Patreon Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest Big Joe Louis21 Mar 202300:19:21
#bluesharmonica #bluesguitarist Marks talks with Big Joe Louis while touring the UK together. Big Joe Louis was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and moved to the UK during the 1970s. The Blues Kings were formed 18 years ago and have taken their special kind of real down-home Blues to venues the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland and with great success in virtually every country in Western Europe and Scandinavia. 1998 and 1999 brought two invitations to play in the USA, leading to exceptional reviews. Mark Hummel Website Big Joe Louis Website Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Angela Strehli06 Feb 202300:52:29
#antones #fabulousthunderbirds #stevierayvaughan #austinmusicians Angela discusses her long career and talks about her friends in the music biz: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, Huey Lewis, Gregg Allman, Janis Joplin and more. In the early 1960s, Strehli learned the harmonica and bass guitar before becoming a vocalist. In 1966 she visited Chicago, and attended concerts given by Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. In her final university year, Strehli and Lewis Cowdrey formed the Fabulous Rockets. Strehli then sang as a backing vocalist for James Polk and the Brothers and assisted with Storm, which had been formed by Cowdrey and Jimmie Vaughan. In 1972, she was a founding member of Southern Feeling, along with W. C. Clark and Denny Freeman. Three years later Strehli became the stage manager and sound technician at Antone's, a nightclub in Austin, Texas. By 1986, Strehli had recorded Stranger Blues (EP) which help launch Antone's own record label. Her debut album was Soul Shake (1987, Antone's Records), and she appeared on Dreams Come True, with Lou Ann Barton and Marcia Ball (1990). Her own effort Blonde and Blue (1993, Rounder Records) assisted in building the Austin, Texas blues scene, alongside nightclub owner Clifford Antone, Kim Wilson, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan. In 1998, Strehli released Deja Blue, and Blue Highway followed in 2005. Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Chris Cain-Mark Hummel Play Live – AUDIO ONLY25 Jan 202300:07:59
Guitar virtuoso Chris Cain and Harmonica Legend play a couple songs for you live. Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Chris Cain  http://chriscainmusic.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Chris Cain25 Jan 202300:53:39
Guitar virtuoso Chris Cain began playing professionally as a teenager in local clubs, at festivals, and at private events. .Cain received four Blues Music Award nominations in 1987 for his debut album, Late Night City Blues, including Guitarist of the Year. He signed to Blind Pig Records in 1990 and released his second album, Cuttin' Loose, then released Can't Buy A Break in 1992 and Somewhere Along the Way in 1995. 2018 brought more nominations, including Blues Music Awards Guitarist of the Year, Blues Blast Awards Best Males Blues Artist and Best Contemporary Blues Album for the 2017 release, Chris Cain. Chris records for Alligator Records. Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Chris Cain  http://chriscainmusic.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guests: Kid Andersen & Wes Starr26 Dec 202200:54:52
#greaseland #robertcray #wesstarr Mark sits down at Greaseland Studios with guitarist/producer Kid Andersen ( Charlie Musselwhite, Rick Estrin, Little Charlie,Terry Hanck)  and legendary drummer Wes Starr. (Asleep at the Wheel, Hal Ketchum, Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets, Omar and The Howlers). The guys talk about their attraction to the Blues and their journey to California. Kid began playing as a younth in Norway and came to the US at the invitation of Terry Hanck.  Wes was raised in Georgia and was exposed to the best of the blues. Wes made it to California via Nashville & Austin among other stops. The guys also open up about sobriety and their path to becoming a sober performer and the challenges of staying sober on the road and in an industry that expects abuse. Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Greaseland Studios https://www.facebook.com/Greaseland/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Nick Gravenites07 Nov 202201:19:40
#electricflag #sanfranciscoscene Nick Gravenites played in clubs with Mike Bloomfield, Charlie Musselwhite and others. In 1967 he formed the Electric Flag with Bloomfield. Gravenites also wrote the score for the film The Trip and produced the music for the film Steelyard Blues. Gravenites is credited as a "musical handyman", helping such San Francisco bands as Quicksilver Messenger Service and Janis Joplin's first solo group, the Kozmic Blues Band. He wrote several songs for Joplin, including "Work Me, Lord" and the unfinished instrumental track "Buried Alive in the Blues". Gravenites was the lead singer in the re-formed Big Brother and the Holding Company (without Joplin) from 1969 to 1972. He also worked extensively with John Cipollina after producing the first album by Quicksilver Messenger Service. Gravenites produced the pop hit "One Toke Over the Line" for Brewer & Shipley and the album Right Place, Wrong Time for Otis Rush, for which he was nominated for a Grammy Award. Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Greg Piccolo25 Jul 202400:41:34
At age nineteen, Duke Robillard recruited Greg as one of the earliest members of what became the Rhode Island based powerhouse, Roomful of Blues. The unifying magnet within the group in its early years, 1969 -1971, was focus on the rootsy, retro, danceable, swing sound of the ‘40s and ‘50s. This “new” sound to teenage ears and the recall of this music to the older folks, filled dance floors all over the band’s New England home-base and eventually on the global stage. For the next twenty-four years, Greg Piccolo had amazing experiences playing with and/or recording with such music legends as Big Joe Turner, Earl King, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson”, Pat Benetar, Red Prysock, Stevie Ray Vaughan, to mention only a few. As Roomful players would come and go, Greg’s twenty-five year contribution evolved to lead singer and bandleader, all the while being noticed world-wide for his signature “fat” tenor sound, unique sax style, and distinguishable vocals. After nearly twenty-five years with Roomful of Blues, Greg sensed a calling to go back to his roots and develop his “heavy juice” sound. This “less is more” approach gave him the freedom to cover the gamut of his musical longings, which include traditional jazz, r&b, and rock’n roll. He had compiled a well of songs which demanded their own arrangements and band configurations outside of the classic “Roomful sound.” In 1994 he stepped away and officially formed his own band, Heavy Juice, which led to his first solo release, self-titled, “Greg Piccolo Heavy Juice,” on the legendary Louisiana-based Black Top label. Following were two releases, Red Lights and Acid Blue, on the famous California-based Fantasy Label (now Concord), and his first all instrumental tenor sax release titled “Homage” on the Pennsylvania-based Emit Doog label. His most recent release, “Who Did This?” is a tribute to his favorite sax recordings and includes an original recorded tenor instrumental. Now at seventy years of age, Greg Piccolo is still practicing his horn every day, writing his own material, and traveling the world with Heavy Juice. Piccolo is an example of someone who has always played from his heart.
Special Guest: Tad Robinson19 Oct 202200:44:57
Tad Robinson (born June 24, 1956) is an American singer, harmonica player, and songwriter. Robinson was born and raised in New York City. He graduated the New Lincoln School and attended Indiana University's school of music and graduating in 1980. He played regionally with a group called the Hesitation Blues Band, then moved to Chicago, where he became the vocalist for Dave Specter & the Bluebirds, singing on their 1994 album Blueplicity for Delmark Records. In 1994, he released his first album under his own name on the same label; seven more have followed, five on the Severn imprint. Robinson has performed at notable festivals in several countries, including the United States, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. He has been a Hohner harmonica endorsee since 1985. Tad Robinson https://tadrobinson.com/ Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Lee Oskar05 Oct 202200:39:27
#leeoskar #summeroflove #sanfranciscomusic #lowridersong #blackpanthers Born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1948, Oskar was six years old when a family friend gave him his first harmonica. "I came from an area where every kid on the block had a harmonica", he remembers. He grew up listening to Danish radio, enjoying all types of music and cites Ray Charles as the biggest influence from that period. At 17, Oskar decided that the United States was where a harmonica player should make his career. So he moved to New York at the age of 18 with little more than a harmonica in his pocket. With no money, Oskar played harmonica in the streets of New York. Eventually arriving in Los Angeles, via Toronto and San Francisco, Oskar soon met and joined forces with Eric Burdon who had recently disbanded The Animals and was searching for new collaborators. Together, the harmonica-playing Dane (born Lee Oskar Levitin ) and the British blues-rock singer made the rounds of the L.A. clubs, eventually hooking up with the soon-to-be members of War. Burdon agreed to the novel idea of pairing up Oskar's harmonica with Charles Miller's saxophone to form a horn section. This team-up set War apart from the start, giving Oskar room to display the full spectrum of his improvisational prowess. Oskar's harmonica magic was always a vital element in War's music and performances. Oskar continued with War for 24 years non-stop. At the end of 1992, during the time of dispute over the WAR trademark, Oskar took a few years to continue his solo career and to focus on his Lee Oskar Harmonica manufacturing. Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: The James Cotton Band05 Oct 202200:43:09
#jamescotton #harmonicablues #markhummel The James Cotton Band sits down and talks with Mark about playing with Mark's longtime friend and harmonic legend James Cotton. James Henry Cotton (July 1, 1935 – March 16, 2017) was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter, who performed and recorded with many of the other great blues artists of his time and with his own band. He played drums early in his career but is famous for his harmonica playing. Cotton began his professional career playing the blues harp in Howlin' Wolf's band in the early 1950s. He made his first recordings in Memphis for Sun Records, under the direction of Sam Phillips. In 1955, he was recruited by Muddy Waters to come to Chicago and join his band. Cotton became Waters's bandleader and stayed with the group until 1965. In 1965 he formed the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet, with Otis Spann on piano, to record between gigs with the Muddy Waters band. He eventually left to form his own full-time touring group. His first full album, on Verve Records, was produced by the guitarist Mike Bloomfield and the singer and songwriter Nick Gravenites, who later were members of the band Electric Flag. In the 1970s, Cotton played harmonica on Muddy Waters' Grammy Award–winning 1977 album Hard Again, produced by Johnny Winter. Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel Accidental Productions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOnWFbj8SGiV34ixhO0Cwg
Special Guest: Charlie Musselwhite Part 205 Oct 202200:44:05
#bluesharmonica #elvinbishop #chicagoblues #charliemusselwhite Harmonica legends Mark Hummel and Charlie Musselwhite talk about Charlie's years of touring and recording. Charlie talks about his collaborations with INXS, Cindy Lauper, Ben Harper, Dylan, The Band, and others. Charlie and Mark play a tune at the end of the show. Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel.  Charlie Musselwhite www.charliemusselwhite.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/markhummel
Special Guest: Charlie Musselwhite Part 114 Sep 202200:38:07
#charliemusselwhite #elvis #chicagoblues #memphisblues #harmonicaparty Charlie Musselwhite joins Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party for a conversation with the legendary Harp player. Charlie talks about growing up in Memphis and going to the Amusement Park and movies with Elvis Presley and the Memphis Mafia. Charlie remembers his unique childhood that brought him to music and to the blues. Charlie tells Mark about the move to Chicago and trying to find a place in the blues scene, First working in a record store and sharing the stage with Chicago Blues legends Lew Soloff, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Sonny Boy Williamson, Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and Big Walter Horton. Charlie Musselwhite recent recordings include Grammy nominated releases with Elvin Bishop #elvinbishop Ben Harper #benharper . Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Special Guest: Elvin Bishop16 Aug 202200:39:10
Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party brings in Elvin Bishop singer, guitarist, bandleader, and songwriter. An original member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of that group in 2015 and the Blues Hall of Fame in his own right in 2016 Elvin talks about Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite. Elvin discusses searching for a singer for his hit Fooled Around and Fell In Love. Elvin talks about his days at The Fillmore for Bill Graham, and physics! #elvinbishop #paulbutterfieldbluesband #bigfuntrio Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Special Guest: Anson Funderburgh30 Jul 202200:57:14
Mark and Anson talk about meeting BB King and playing with Delbert McClinton, Boz Scaggs, and Beavis and Butthead creator Mike Judge. Funderburgh was born in Plano, Texas, United States. Anson was with The Bee's Knees in 1976 and recorded "Cold Hearted Woman". In 1977 the Rockets began with Anson, Mark Hickman on Fender bass, David Watson on drums and vocalist Darrell Nulisch. In 1981, Funderburgh released the Rockets' debut album Talk to You By Hand from New Orleans, Louisiana based Black Top Records. The band consisted of Anson, with Darrell Nulisch on vocals and harmonica. The album included a cover version of Earl King's song, "Come On". Talk to You By Hand was also the first ever release by the record label. In October 2012, was the first U.S. and European tour of Golden State / Lone Star Revue, an All Star package that included Funderburgh, Little Charlie Baty on guitar, former Rockets drummer Wes Starr, bassist Richard W. Grigsby and leader, harmonicist and singer Mark Hummel. The quintet was featured on Hummel's 2014 release on Electro-Fi Records, The Hustle Is Really On, nominated for a Blues Music Award for 'Best Traditional Blues Album' in 2015. Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Special Guest: Country Joe McDonald26 Jul 202200:49:42
Country Joe and the Fish formed in Berkeley, California, in 1965. The band was among the influential groups in the San Francisco music scene during the mid- to late 1960s. The Woodstock festival's most memorable moment was McDonald's unexpected solo performance of "The Fuck Cheer". The audience  responded by chanting along with McDonald. McDonald's rendition of propelled the song into the mainstream  and was featured on the Woodstock film.   The performance of the song was cause for The Ed Sullivan Show to ban Country Joe from ever booking the show. Joe discusses his early years and the forming of Country Joe and The Fish.  The legendary stories become true as Joe tells timeless stories about friends, Bob Dylan Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Barry Melton, Jimi Hendrix and others in a career that has spanned 60 plus years. "The guitar neck turned into a snake and I had no idea what was playing."Joe tells the story of the band taking LSD and trying to perform at the legendary Matrix club in San Francisco. Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Special Guest: Billy Flynn26 Jun 202200:45:52
Mark talks too long time friend and midwest blues guitar legend Billy Flynn. Billy Flynn was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin.[1][3] In 1970, a local blues club opened and Flynn was inspired by the music provided there by Luther Allison, Johnny Littlejohn and Mighty Joe Young. Flynn was fortunate to be spotted playing outside the venue by Jimmy Dawkins, who arranged for Flynn to play with him on stage.[4] Flynn joined Dawkins's backing band in 1975, and he played and toured with them until the end of the decade.Flynn also worked locally during this period and played alongside Sunnyland Slim. In the early part of the 1980s, Flynn was a member of the touring ensemble Jim Liban and the Futuramics.[4] In the late 1980s, he joined the Legendary Blues Band. He also played with Mississippi Heat. In addition to his own work and works mentioned later, he has worked and recorded with Bryan Lee, Little Smokey Smothers, Mark Hummel, Willie Kent, Snooky Pryor, Big Bill Morganfield, John Brim, Jody Williams, Little Arthur Duncan, Deitra Farr, and Billy Boy Arnold. Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Special Guest: R.J. Mischo18 Jun 202200:44:42
RJ Mischo is considered by critics and fans worldwide to be in the upper echelon of today’s great Harp players and singers. RJ started playing at the age of ten and by the time he was 19 he was working as a full-time professional musician. Mischo has performed at major festivals and night clubs throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, Finland, Lichtenstein & Luxembourg, RJ Mischo’s music is drenched in the grease of the juke joint shuffles that have stayed in style since before they called it Rock & Roll.  “Mischo’s magnificent tone, formidable chops, and affable, self-assured vocals…” make him a top entertainer; the kind of entertainer that only 25 years of touring experience will bring to the stage Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Special Guest: Lady Bianca25 Jul 202400:54:22
Lady Bianca is an American electric blues singer, songwriter and arranger. Lady Bianca has worked as a session singer, depicted Billie Holiday on stage, and since 1995 released six solo albums, three of which were nominated for a Grammy Award. Born Bianca Thornton, in Kansas City, Missouri, her first exposure to music was through gospel, and she studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her first professional gig was with Quinn Harris and the Masterminds, when she was aged 17. Harris dubbed her 'Lady Bianca', and the combination contributed two tracks to a compilation album released by Reynolds Records in 1970. In 1972, she played the role of Billie Holiday in the San Francisco stage production of Jon Hendricks' Evolution of the Blues. In the mid 1970s, she worked in various clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she met bass guitarist Henry Oden. They were subsequently married for 15 years. She then joined Sly and the Family Stone as backing vocalist and keyboard player, and appeared on their 1976 album, Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I'm Back. Starting in October the same year, she toured for one month with Frank Zappa in North America, and a recording of her singing "Wind Up Workin' in a Gas Station" appeared in 1992 on You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 6. The complete concert of 29 October 1976 in The Spectrum, Philadelphia (with Lady Bianca singing on several tracks) was published on two CDs by the Zappa Family Trust in 2009, entitled Philly '76, on which she is credited as Bianca Odin. The release included the previously released version of "Wind Up Workin' in a Gas Station," as well as "Dirty Love" and "You Didn't Try To Call Me." She is also heard employing the technique of multi-phonics with her voice on a wordless solo in "Black Napkins." After November 11, she left the band because of conflicts with Zappa. When not touring, she performed locally in the recording studio, backing musicians such as Lee Oskar, Merle Haggard and Taj Mahal. In 1977, she co-founded the short-lived ensemble Vitamin E, and they released the commercially doomed Sharing album on Buddah Records. Lady Bianca then joined another group, Zingara, which was set up by Lamont Dozier in 1980. The trio included James Ingram, Wali Ali and Lady Bianca, but again, it did not have any lasting appeal. Between 1981 and 1986, Lady Bianca toured with and recorded backing vocals for Van Morrison, appearing on recordings such as Beautiful Vision (1982), Inarticulate Speech of the Heart (1983), Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast (1984), A Sense of Wonder (1985), and No Guru, No Method, No Teacher (1986). Lady Bianca also worked with John Lee Hooker and Willie Dixon. In 1984, she met Stanley Lippitt, a songwriter and her eventual husband. She continued to perform locally and undertook more low-key recording work. After recording demos with Lippitt, she was noticed by Joe Louis Walker who helped arrange a recording contract. Her debut solo album, Best Kept Secret was released in 1995 on Telarc Distribution. Her backing vocals work continued in the 1990s, when she worked with Frankie Lee and Maria Muldaur. Lady Bianca's next solo effort was the critically acclaimed Rollin' (2001), which was released on the Rooster Blues label. Bianca formed her own record label, Magic-O Records, and with Lippitt have their own production and publishing company. Further albums were recorded and issued on Magic-O. These included All by Myself (2004), Let Love Have Its Way (2005), Through a Woman's Eyes (2007), and A Woman Never Forgets (2009). In April 2007, at the Bay Area Black Music Awards, Lady Bianca was awarded as Best Blues Performer. In March 2008, she was voted into the West Coast Blues Society Hall of Fame. In 2009, she appeared with Van Morrison at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Lady Bianca and the Magic-O Rhythm Band have appeared at many blues music festivals, including the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1987,
Tommy Castro | Live | Ron Thompson Memorial Concert28 Apr 202200:15:57
Tommy Castro performs at the Ron Thompson Memorial Concert July 31, 2021. Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Gary Smith | Junior Watson | Live | Ron Thompson Memorial Concert28 Apr 202200:16:16
Gary Smith and Junior Watson perform at the Ron Thompson Memorial Concert July 31, 2021. Please SUBSCRIBE to Mark Hummel's Harmonica Party YouTube Channel. Mark Hummel  Accidental Productions
Mark Hummel | Rusty Zinn | Robert Welsh | Live at Ax Studios25 Apr 202200:08:29
Mark Hummel Rusty Zinn and Robert Welsh play a couple acoustic numbers at Ax Studios following their recent podcast chat. Please like and subscribe and consider joining us on Patreon . Mark Hummel’s Website Produced by Accidental Productions Please check out our sponsors and affiliates. Seydel Harmonicas Electro Fi Records
Special Guests: Rusty Zinn and Robert Welsh25 Apr 202200:38:08
Mark talks with long time friends and collaborators Rusty Zinn and Robert Welsh.  The guys talks about their influences and their individual times with legends: Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and their time on the road together. Please like and subscribe and consider joining us on Patreon . Mark Hummel’s Website Produced by Accidental Productions Please check out our sponsors and affiliates. Seydel Harmonicas Electro Fi Records
© My Podcast Data