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Each week Aki brings with him a special guest performer!

www.akikumar.com/tuesday-night-blues-jam

About Aki Kumar:

Dynamic frontman & harp player Aki Kumar is a bonafide star among the next generation of West Coast blues artists and the world’s first professional blues harmonica player to hail from India. A master of the hugely influential Chicago blues sound, Kumar inherits his style from the harp legends of the 1950s and 60s. Aki has a unique voice in the blues, blending elements of blues harmonica pioneers of yesteryear with a signature sound of his own.

“..old school blues at its finest by way of India. And the lad has soul to spare.”
Dan Aykroyd aka Elwood Blues

Born and raised in Bombay (now Mumbai) – India, Kumar has long established his mark on the West Coast blues scene as a top-notch frontman, vocalist , entertainer and blues harp player. The Aki Kumar Blues Band has been the culmination of his journey through American roots music and constantly showcases his ever-evolving sound. This band performs vintage blues with tremendous skill and energy and is guaranteed to entertain audiences across all venues, from intimate listening rooms to large festivals.

“(Kumar) has a natural propensity for the music, with a rich, deep tone and a sensitive, economic style that emphasizes feel over flash.”
Jonny Whiteside, LA TIMES

In recent years, Aki Kumar has performed all across the United States and internationally (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Brazil, Chile, India), collaborating with some of the top blues artists on the scene. He has also contributed his blues harmonica licks to numerous recordings produced on the West Coast in the last decade, including several albums produced at the world renowned Greaseland Studios. This year marks another exciting year for Aki Kumar, with upcoming recording projects, internationals appearances and other musical collaborations across the world.

FLAVOR THAT’S
RIGHT ON THE NOSE.

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Jeffrey Halford – biography

“The lonesome singer moaned through the speaker that was blown, while I was driving alone.”
“Driving Alone,” Kerosene

Jeffrey Halford, a singer/songwriter and guitarist, was born in Dallas, Texas, growing up listening to Roger Miller on a $2 transistor radio. In 1963, his parents, Colin and Effie Lou, headed west with their two young sons to a Los Angeles beach town in their ’59 El Dorado.

“Harvesters raked the barren fields, and the windswept towns just can’t conceal the emptiness of a time that’s come and gone.”
“Black Gold,” Hunkpapa

By the time Halford turned 18, he and his family had criss-crossed California multiple times. Led by his father Colin, who sought a better job and better life, the family lived in many different parts of the state. Though Halford’s environment continually changed around him, there was one thing that remained the same: surfing. “Shooting the Tube” remained the only thing that kept him sane at the time, serving as an escape from his real world issues. Halford’s parents had their low points, including battling the bottle, house evictions, car crashes, and times where Ray Charles would describe the condition as “Busted.” Surrounded by the best of AM radio, Halford listened to some of LA’s best music, with Wolfman Jack spinning everything from Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye to Howlin’ Wolf and The Doors. Halford soaked up the best of American music and poetry.

“Dreaming ‘bout the ocean, deep blue sea, boats won’t go out, small craft advisory.”
“Small Craft Advisory,” Hunkpapa

Due to trouble at home and some minor clashes with the law, Halford had the worst attendance record in his high school graduating class, according to his principal. However, next came a sunburnt, resonant nylon string guitar from his father, and things started to turn for the better.

“He strung his line and then he watched it sail, and hoped that all good things would prevail.”
“Cry of Hope,” Rainmaker

After high school, Halford enrolled in architecture school in San Francisco. Throughout the streets of the city, he fed off of the talent and spirit of the street musicians. He was inspired, and joined San Francisco street legends Harry Spider and Jimmy Ventilator, playing at the corner of Market and Powell. For over a year, Halford cut his guitar chops on the street, playing to crowds in Chinatown and Union Square until the police closed him down. His street gigs led him to play with Oakland blues greats Sonny Lane, Mississippi Johnny Waters, and JJ Malone. Halford later formed the popular rockabilly band, The Snappers, playing around the Bay Area for over four years with artists such as the Blasters and the Beat Farmers.

“Meanwhile, down at The Clayton, they were falling deep into the red. Harry said it felt so good living right on the edge.”
“North Beach,” Rainmaker

Over the last 25 years, Halford has been touring the country with his band, the Healers. They have played shows with some of music’s most acclaimed artists and songwriters, as well as Halford’s influences, such as Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, George Thorogood, Gregg Allman, Etta James, John Hammond, and Texas Greats Augie Meyers, Guy Clark and Robert Earl Keen. His newest CD, Rainmaker, is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed record Broken Chord and is currently at #12 on the Euro-Americana Charts* and climbing. His original roots rock and roll songs etch a uniquely American landscape.

PURCHASE TICKETS!

Let The Holidays Begin! Come join us for this special event at The Poor House Bistro Studio in San Jose, CA.

In the world of music and beyond, someone to be on the lookout for is Maxx Cabello Jr., a local musician who switches seamlessly between soulfully playing his guitar and rocking out on it. Maxx Cabello Jr. remains true to his Bay Area roots as well as his original music. Don’t miss this show!!!

November 22, 2019
www.poorhousebistro.com
91 S Autumn St, San Jose, CA 95110

http://www.markhummel.com/

Grammy Nominee, Blues Award Winner, Author, Harp Man Mark Hummel has had a banner year in 2014! Grammy Nominated for his “Remembering Little Walter” CD he produced and performed on, Mark also won Best Blues CD AND Blues Traditional Blues CD at Blues Music Awards in Memphis. Mark’s, “The Hustle Is Really On” climbed to # 2 this year and stayed in the top five for four months in the Living Blues Radio Charts. Hummel’s book BIG ROAD BLUES:12 Bars on I-80, has been garnering rave reviews all around the U.S., and was nominated for best Independent Book release.

Mark Hummel started playing harmonica in 1970 & has gone on to become one of the premier blues harmonica players of his generation. Thanks to over thirty recordings since 1985, including the Grammy nominated 2013 release Blind Pig recording “Remembering Little Walter”, part of the Blues Harmonica Blowout cd series Hummel started in 1991. These events have featured every major legend (Mayall, Musslwhite, Cotton, etc.) on blues harp as well as almost every player of note on the instrument- a who’s who of players.

Hummel is a road warrior – a true Blues Survivor. Along the way, he has crafted his own trademark harmonica sound – a subtle combination of tone, phrasing and attack combined with a strong sense of swing. Mark has been with Electro Fi Records since 2000,releasing five CDs. Thanks to Mark’s earlier albums, constant touring and appearances at the major blues festivals, he’s firmly established his solid reputation around the US and Europe.

Born in New Haven, CT but raised in Los Angeles till he graduated high school. Mark moved to the Berkeley at age 18 to pursue a career in blues music, where he felt the music was taken more seriously.

Mark started the Blues Survivors in 1977 w/ Mississippi Johnny Waters. By 1984 Hummel began a life of non- stop touring of US, Canada & overseas, which he still continues at least 130-150 days out of each year. Hummel has toured or recorded with blues legends Charles Brown, Charlie Musselwhite, Lowell Fulson, Billy Boy Arnold, Carey Bell, Lazy Lester, Brownie McGhee, Eddie Taylor, Luther Tucker and Jimmy Rogers.

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Each week Aki brings with him a special guest performer!

www.akikumar.com/tuesday-night-blues-jam

About Aki Kumar:

Dynamic frontman & harp player Aki Kumar is a bonafide star among the next generation of West Coast blues artists and the world’s first professional blues harmonica player to hail from India. A master of the hugely influential Chicago blues sound, Kumar inherits his style from the harp legends of the 1950s and 60s. Aki has a unique voice in the blues, blending elements of blues harmonica pioneers of yesteryear with a signature sound of his own.

“..old school blues at its finest by way of India. And the lad has soul to spare.”
Dan Aykroyd aka Elwood Blues

Born and raised in Bombay (now Mumbai) – India, Kumar has long established his mark on the West Coast blues scene as a top-notch frontman, vocalist , entertainer and blues harp player. The Aki Kumar Blues Band has been the culmination of his journey through American roots music and constantly showcases his ever-evolving sound. This band performs vintage blues with tremendous skill and energy and is guaranteed to entertain audiences across all venues, from intimate listening rooms to large festivals.

“(Kumar) has a natural propensity for the music, with a rich, deep tone and a sensitive, economic style that emphasizes feel over flash.”
Jonny Whiteside, LA TIMES

In recent years, Aki Kumar has performed all across the United States and internationally (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Brazil, Chile, India), collaborating with some of the top blues artists on the scene. He has also contributed his blues harmonica licks to numerous recordings produced on the West Coast in the last decade, including several albums produced at the world renowned Greaseland Studios. This year marks another exciting year for Aki Kumar, with upcoming recording projects, internationals appearances and other musical collaborations across the world.

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Thompson was born in Oakland, California, United States, and had mastered basic guitar and slide guitar techniques by his mid-teens.[1] He was educated at Newark Memorial High School, in Newark, California.[2] In the early 1970s, Thompson played backing to Little Joe Blue, and worked solo and as a sideman in San Francisco Bay Area clubs. He joined John Lee Hooker’s backing band in 1975, staying with him for three years. In 1980, Thompson formed his own group, the Resisters, and secured a recording contract with Takoma Records.[1] He played at the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1978, 1979 and 1983.

In 1983, he released his debut album, Treat Her Like Gold. Thompson also found employment separately working with Lowell Fulson, Etta James and Big Mama Thornton. Thompson’s second album Resister Twister was released in 1987 and nominated for a Grammy Award,[3] plus 1990’s Just Like a Devil, was taken from his work on Mark Naftalin’s Blue Monday Party radio show.[1]

Thompson’s 2007 album, Resonator was a purely acoustic production.[3]

Pianist Sid Morris as a teenager in the 60’s he began playing piano in a blues band with South Bay blues pioneer Gary Smith. Gary later introduced him to pianist Alberto Gianquinto, a San Francisco native who was a member of the original James Cotton Blues Band. For a short time in the early 70’s, Alberto was his mentor. Currently residing in San Jose, Sid has been performing since 1970 and continues to be an active member of the San Francisco Bay Area music community. Raised in Houston, Texas before his family moved to the South Bay, Sid performed at the very first San Francisco Blues Festival in 1973 and subsequently appeared at four other SF Blues Festivals. During his early years on the scene, Sid was mentored by Alberto Gianquinto. In 1976, Sid participated in the now legendary recording of the album, Blue Bay, an anthology featuring the elite of Bay Area musicians.

Singer, Drummer, Songwriter, and Bandleader Lindsay Beaver is much more than a young woman with musical talent, she is a force that knows no bounds. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada – Lindsay has been leading her band across North America and Europe for the past several years playing her own blend of Rock n’ Roll, Soul, Punk & Blues. She has shared the stage with Legendary Artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Bob Margolin, Paul Oscher and more. Her limitless voice and ferocious standing-drumming, once seen – never forgotten, have become known across festivals, theaters, and clubs from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

Her songwriting and albums have given her an impressive list of accolades and awards that include a 2015 Juno Award nomination (Canadian Grammy), 15 Maple Blues Award Nominations, a 2015 Blues411 Award, multiple Sirius/XM INDIE award nominations, as well as several nationally syndicated radio features and numerous 4 & 5 star reviews in publications from around the world. Her unforgettable live performances are executed with electric energy and amazing finesse, which draws upon a deep well of influences that range from Little Richard to The Ramones, and from Howlin’ Wolf to Iggy Pop – Lindsay’s love of blues and rock and roll music provides her a catalog of songs with the perfect mix of originality, tradition, and attitude to establish a true identity.

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“Mighty Mike Schermer is probably the best blues guitarist, singer and songwriter you’ve never heard of…and probably not for long!” – Tommy Castro

“Every time I play with him my booty hurts afterwards from him kicking it all night!” – Elvin Bishop

“Funky and authentic!” – Bonnie Raitt

Mighty Mike Schermer was a fixture on the Bay Area blues scene for over 20 years when he relocated to Austin TX in 2009 and joined the touring band of swamp-boogie piano legend Marcia Ball. He carved out a solid solo career, with four critically acclaimed CDs, an award winning single and thousands of performances at festivals and nightclubs the world over. He also became the “go to guy” sideman for such heavyweights as Elvin Bishop, Maria Muldaur, Angela Strehli, Bonnie Raitt, Howard Tate, Charlie Musselwhite, Sista Monica, Shana Morrison and many, many more. Oh yes…we may be judged by the company we keep, but when the spotlight shines a solo artist also must be able to bring the goods all on his own.

Mighty Mike Schermer delivers on all fronts.

Charlie Lange of Bluebeat Music writes “…equally at ease with hard-ass blues or the spare necessities of vintage soul, Schermer steps forward with clever tunes, sturdy vocals and loads of great guitar!” Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal calls him “… one of the most extraordinary guitarists of the new generation.”

Mike’s musical journey started at age ten…fumbling around with guitar, trumpet and clarinet. He played in school and in various rock and roll bands throughout his teens, but everything changed one night in 1984 when he plunked down three dollars to see The Master of The Telecaster – Albert Collins. “Albert hit that first note,” says Schermer ” and it was like a door slammed behind me and another one opened up in front. That was the sound and the soul and the feeling I’d been looking for in music up to that point.” He met Collins after the show and many times later until Collins’ untimely death. “One time I went to see him at the San Francisco Blues Festival” Mighty Mike remembers, “and I got backstage and went over to his bus to say hello. I knocked on the door and heard a voice…‘hey, I’m under here’…he was changing the oil!” That do-it-yourself, workingman’s attitude is what has kept Schermer in the blues all these years. It is a tradition he carries out on stage each and every night. From Collins Mike also learned that one note can say more than a million; to honor your heroes but have your own sound; to play your ass off at every single show; and that every guitar player in the world should listen to T-Bone Walker.”

When Albert Collins tells you to go out and get some T-Bone Walker records you RUN out to the nearest record shop and then get to work. Mike plunged headlong into the T-Bone Walker style and literally came up swingin’. Lee Hildebrand wrote in Living Blues that Schermer “…has thoroughly internalized the Walker vocabulary, which he uses as a jumping off point for his own highly personal improvisations…(he) stands shoulder to shoulder with Roy Gaines and Duke Robillard as a leading contemporary exponent of the Walker style.”

From T-Bone Walker, Schermer expanded his vocal and guitar influences to include a host of blues, R&B and jazz artists like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Jimmy Smith, Charles Brown and Howlin’ Wolf. Ears began to turn…the next thing you know Mike had attracted the attention of west coast harmonica master Andy Santana. Along with drummer June Core and bassist Steve Ehrmann they formed The Soul Drivers, a legendary Bay Area band that had the rare ability to either steal the show on their own or provide superb backing to better known artists such as Willie Dixon, Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Luther Tucker, Snooky Pryor, Elvin Bishop and Tommy Castro. Texas blues belter Angela Strehli had recently moved to California and quickly tapped the Soul Drivers as her touring band. Strehli’s “Deja Blue” (1998), with Mighty Mike as musical director and guitarist, was nominated for a California Music Award (BAMMIE) for Best Contemporary Blues Release. Schermer has more BAMMIE connections. The year before in 1997 the Soul Drivers were asked to be house band for the Bay Area Blues Showcase at the awards show where they backed up Bonnie Raitt, Booker T., Joe Louis Walker, the Gospel Hummingbirds and Strehli. Austin deLone was the musical director of the BAMMIES at that time. He and Mike have since worked together in several incarnations, including a big Tribute to R&B concert at Bumbershoot 2003 in Seattle, WA where they backed Bonnie, Howard Tate, Ruth Brown, Shemekia Copeland, Maxi Priest and more in front of 30,000 fans!

Willie Dixon told him, “Boy, you play your ass off,” while Snooky Pryor lauded his “stingin’ guitar.” At a show at the legendary Sweetwater in Mill Valley, CA in 1996 Bonnie Raitt dubbed Schermer her “new favorite guitar player.”

The Mighty Mike Schermer Band’s debut release 1st Set (2000) received rave reviews and success worldwide and is still popular on the scene today, but it was the 2005 release of Next Set that introduced Schermer to the modern blues world as one of the genre’s foremost songwriters. Propelled by the hit single “My Big Sister’s Radio” Next Set climbed the Living Blues Radio Charts, scored three and a half stars in Downbeat magazine and was #1 on XM radio for well over three months. The song also found it’s way into the Carolina Beach Music scene, and in 2006 it was awarded the CMBA’s National Song of the Year. Blues star Tommy Castro also covered the song on his Painkiller CD, which won a 2008 Blues Music Award (Handy Award) for best contemporary album.

In 2006 blues/rock legend Elvin Bishop hired Schermer on as his lead guitarist. The blending of their two unique styles proved a tough combination to beat. Elvin’s release The Blues Rolls On (2008) puts Mighty Mike side by side with some of the best guitarists in the business including Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks and even the king of the blues himself – B.B. King! In 2011 Mike was heavily featured on Marcia Ball’s Roadside Attractions CD. His extensive discography also includes recordings with Maria Muldaur, Howard Tate, Sista Monica and many more.

He has toured through a host of festivals including 3 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals, 5 San Francisco Blues Festivals, the Poretta Soul Festival in Italy, the Park Tower Blues Festival in Tokyo and as a hometown favorite at 8 Santa Cruz Blues Festivals. He has performed in all 50 US states and in 21 countries around the world, and the journey is far from over!