MITCH KASHMAR "LIVE AT LABATT" Source: Music City Blues Society Date: 12/2008 Writer: Don Crow

Steeped in the tradition of the great west coast harpslingers such as Rod Piazza, William Clarke and George Smith, Mitch Kashmar has just released "Live At Labatt" on the Delta Groove label.  It was recorded in front of a very supportive crowd during the 2007 Edmonton, Alberta, Labatt Blues Festival in western Canada.  These ten cuts provide Mitch and the band ample opportunity to stretch out both musically and thematically, as each clock in at over five minutes.  The band consists of ex-William Clarke guitarist John Marx, Jimmy Calire on keys, Steve Nelson on bass, and Tom Lackner on drums.  Mitch has known and played with most of these guys for a number of years, and they mesh with that certain "telepathy" that great bands have, where each can anticipate the other's nuances in advance.  Check out the jazz-tinged "Song For My Father," that features some sweet bass\drum interplay at its bridge, bookended by Mitch's harp. 

Mitch keeps things swingin' in a West Coast way throughout, tho.  He pays tribute to Jimmy Rogers in "You're The One" and "Sugar Sweet."  A short intro regarding ole pal William Clarke precedes Mitch's blowout take on "Lollipop Mama."  And, today's economic conditions are addressed in one of Mitch's original tunes, "Wake Up And Worry."
Our favorite, tho, was the tale of a "Whiskey Drinkin' Woman," who's so bad that she "puts whiskey in her whiskey," and would "pawn my wedding ring" for a shot!

Mitch Kashmar has built a solid reputation as one of the rockin'est harp men on the scene today, and "Live At Labatt" puts him front and center at doing what he does best---spreading the good word of the blues!!