The harmonica is the closest instrument to the human voice and the tasks of blowing and breathing make it highly individualistic. I know of no two harp players who sound the same, yet they all must have that Tone. Then there is Passion, the harp player is usually the band's leader, or co-leader. It would be highly unusual to find one who could not also sing. Then there is Commitment. These harp players are the most dedicated to the music, its composition and recreation. They are crusaders. Having said this, I just described Mark Hummel.

Mark Hummel's third Electro-Fi album and his ninth overall is his best yet. Mark Hummel opens with Ray Charles "Get On the Right Track" and continues with Muddy Waters' "She's Got It". The next two songs are the first of five great compositions written by Mark. "I Didn't Need Another Heartache" and the "Big Easy Ain't Easy No More" with its "Second Line" intro. "Blues" has replaced "Folk" as the music of the people and the topical "Ain't Easy No More" is both a political statement and possibly "song of the year". It shows the extent of Mark Hummel's commitment to the music and to those who make it. This also gives the album a concept that continues from the very first track until the last.

"Jump With You Baby" is the BB King classic. "Harpoventilating" is a Mark Hummel original harp instrumental and a tour de force. "So Glad" is another original and Mark switches to a chromatic halfway through. "You Got To Reap" and "Blues Is Here To Stay" are both from Eddie Boyd. Mark Hummel continues with Aaron Willis' "Creeper Returns", Sonny Boy Williamson's "Stop Now Baby", and Jimmy McCracklin's "I'm To Blame". He completes the cd with "Bird Brain", a lighter jazzier harp instrumental with an almost comical touch.

This album is a success on every level. It needs to be played several times before one realizes the virtuosity displayed, and the depth of its content. It is a "Blues" statement. The band is called the Blues Survivors and consists of Charles Wheal, guitar; Marty Dodson, drums; Steve Wolf, bass; Bob Welsh, keyboards; Mike Rinta, trombone; and Scott Peterson, saxophones. Mark Hummel continues to crusade across the country bringing his "Blues Harmonica Blowout" revue along with him. At a recent show at BB Kings in New York City, Mark Hummel's guests harp players were Jerry Portnoy, Lee Oskar and Magic Dick. Mark Hummel is a Blues crusader, visit his website markhummel.com

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com