Mark Hummel's Little Walter Harp Blowout w/ Magic Dick of The J. Geils Band & Sugar Ray Norcia
Mark Hummel, born in New Haven, CT but raised in Los Angeles, developed a passion for blues harp and rock-blues in high school. Inspired by legends like Muddy Waters and Little Walter, he frequented the Ash Grove club in LA, where he saw blues icons like Charlie Musselwhite and James Cotton. Since 1985, Hummel's Blues Survivors have toured extensively, and his memoir "Big Road Blues: 12 Bars on I-80" captures his road adventures. With over thirty recordings to his name, including the Grammy-nominated "Remembering Little Walter" (2014), Hummel continues to redefine harmonica music with his latest release, "Harpbreaker" (2018).
Hummel, along with guitarist Anson Funderburgh, has collaborated with a plethora of blues legends such as Otis Rush, Snooks Eaglin, and Delbert McClinton. Drummer Wes Starr boasts an impressive resume, having played with notable acts like Asleep At The Wheel and Willie Nelson. Pianist Clay Swafford's credits include performances with James Cotton and Jerry Lee Lewis, while upright bassist Bill Stuve has been a longtime member of Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers.
Magic Dick, renowned as the original harp player for the J. Geils Band, contributed to the band's string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s. Hits like "FreezeFrame" and "Whammer Jammer" solidified his status as a harmonica virtuoso. Post-J. Geils Band, Magic Dick founded "Bluestime," releasing two albums with the band for Rounder Records.
Sugar Ray Norcia is the leader, singer and harmonica man for forty five years of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, one of the top blues outfits out of New England. Providence, RI native has had Ronnie Earl( original Blue Tone guitarist), Duke Robillard, Kid Bangham and Little Charlie BATY as guitar players in his band. Ray also was the singer for Roomful of Blues for eight years and recorded three albums on Rounder with the band, two nominated for Grammy Awards. Norcia has performed with Big Walter Horton, Otis Rush, Big Joe Turner, Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy Rogers, James Cotton, JB Hutto and many other blues icons. Ray has nominated for 10 BMAs.
