On Friday night Sept 1st, Mark Hummel hosted his Harmonica Blowout at BB Kings. Mark Hummel is a consummate west coast based harp player who rarely makes an appearance on the East Coast. Thanks go to BB Kings staff for bring us this wonderful show. Mark's guests this time were Jerry Portnoy, Lee Oskar and Magic Dick.

Mark Hummel opened the show with his harp by performing four songs. The highlight was "Ain't Easy No More", the title track off of his newest Electro-Fi recording. Mark then introduced Jerry Portnoy.

Jerry Portnoy was a member of The Muddy Waters Blues Band. He currently is a member of both the Muddy Waters Tribute Band whenever they perform and his own band, The Jerry Portnoy Blues Band. He also tours extensively as he is Eric Clapton's harmonica player. His set featured a wonderful instrumental version of "Misty".

Next Up was Lee Oskar. Lee Oskar made his reputation as a member of the rock group "War". The highlight of his set was their hit "Cisco Kid Was A Friend of Mine". He also manufacturer's his own line of Blues harmonica's.

Last but not least was Magic Dick. Magic Dick was a member of the J. Giels Band and of Bluestime. Included in his set was the J.Geils Band's harp classic "Whammer Jammer".

The back up band was Mark Hummel's Blues Survivors with Bruce Katz added on Hammond B-3. This performance was a harp-tone festival and it attracted blues fanatics from all over; they were not disappointed. Thank you BB King's.

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