MITCH KASHMAR "LIVE AT LABATT" Source: Maine Blues Society Date: 11/2008 Writer: Phil Whipple

Our friends at Delta Groove Music crank out yet another ear pleasing recording featuring world-class harp blower and California native Mitch Kashmar. Captured by the Canadian Broadcasting Company on Aug. 24, 2007, this performance was part of the annual Edmonton Blues Festival. Kashmar’s skills shone through, delivering a 10-track set of blistering blues. We open with “I Got No Reason,” one of three Kashmar originals and man, it shakes. John Marx handles guitar while Jimmy Calire adds his touch on the Hammond organ. Add Kashmar’s super-human harp work and you’ve got one fabulous sound.

Among the highlights inside this little piece of digital heaven are “Dirty Deal,” another Kashmar original that gets carried along nicely by Steve Nelson (bass) and Tom Lackner (drums); “Evil Man Blues,” based on a song by Bessie Smith called Evil Woman Blues but with Kashmar’s own twist, Calire’s piano is simply outstanding here; and “Castle Rock,” a song Mitch credits his guitarist John Marx for bringing to his attention. It wraps up a wonderful set of music that frankly, makes me jealous of those who were in the audience last August. If you enjoy world-class West Coast blues (which tends to be harp driven and excellent) performed in a live setting, this CD is one you’ll want to own.