Grammy-nominated West Coast bluesman Mark Hummel first picked up a mouth harp in 1970. A fearless road warrior and true survivor, he is now considered one of the premier blues harmonica virtuosos of his generation. Along the way, he has crafted his own trademark sound: a subtle combination of tone, phrasing and attack, combined with a strong sense of swing.
Born in New Haven, Conn., and raised in Los Angeles, Hummel moved to Berkeley at 18 to pursue a career in music and started the Blues Survivors with Mississippi Johnny Waters in 1977. His all-star band pays tribute to their friend, colleague and fellow blues hero James Cotton on July 23 at 6 p.m. for Bluesdays in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. | markhummel.com
