NorCal Blues Reviews

Blues Blowout at Cache Creek - 2/1/08

As avid fans of the blues and music in general, it was with great suprise that I ran across an add on-line for the Blues Harmonica Blowout at Cache Creek Casino on February 1st. I called up my girl and said get your shoes on baby, we're off to another show. I know right about now your thinking, blues at Cache Creek? Those were my initial thoughts also. Well, much to our delight it was a fantastic show, with rich blues tradition rarely seen in northern California.

Front man Mark Hummel got it started of with a jumpin' version of his hit, "Get on the Right Track" and it just got better as the show went on. After Mark's set the house was ready to party. Fingers Taylor was up next. Now Finger's has an odd stage presence, kind of wanders around without looking up... but he can play a harp and that's what mattered on this night. His regular gig is harp player for Jimmy Buffet's Coral Reefer band.

Tradition came alive next as Lazy Lester came to the stage in true Lazy fashion. Mark Hummel introduced him and the place was ready... but no Lester. This brought forth the typical comment from Mark, "why do you think they call him Lazy"? By the time he made it to the stage it was obvious that he was feeling no pain. After a moment to realize where he was, he pulled his harp out and took us all to blues school. Lester is a blues legend that has played with about everyone that ever played the blues in the bayou and any chance to see him perform is a treat.

Kenny Neal came out next, making a bit of a come back. No guitar tonight, just Kenny's great vocals, his harmonica and a lifetime of blues pasted on from his father and so many great Louisiana blues icons. Kenny stole the show and reminded us all of what a great talent he still is. This guy is always on and tonight was no exception.

As if this wasn't enough, the legendary British blues hound John Mayal finished up the show with his rockin' blues menu. It was great to see him and I'll tell you he's still wound tight. Age has not slowed the natural performer that seems to have been around about as long as Lazy himself.

It was a great night of blues, a real treat. After the show my girl and I talked with the whole crew and let Lazy tell us his jokes over and over again. He still wasn't feeling any pain and quite frankly by then, we weren't either.

"Keep your eyes and ears open, the Blues are alive in northern California!"

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