MITCH KASHMAR "LIVE AT LABATT" Source: West Michigan Blues Society Date: 04/2009 Writer: Tim Richards

I’ve found that no matter where you travel, you can find a band with a harp player. The problem is finding one with a GOOD harp player. Well look no further. “Mitch Kashmar” was recorded live at the Labatt Blues Festival in Edmonton, Canada. Live recordings are always a risky proposition because there are no second chances, no over-dubbing and are unpredictable at best. This is a shining example of how good a live CD can be when done properly.

Kashmar leads the band through the ten cuts here with only one being cut due to time restraints. That’s it; The rest is “what you hear is what you get.”

With Kashmar switching between a Marine Band Diatonic and a Super 64 Chromatic, he holds your interest without beating you over the head with it. Beautifully backed by John Marx (guitar), Jimmy Callire (piano), Steve Nelson (bass) and Tom Lackner (drums), they allow Kashmar to stretch his tightly wound vocals and dynamic harp work.

With the shortest track (Wake Up & Worry) clocking in at just a tick over five minutes, you definitely have plenty of time to hear each band member run the gambit of creativity. The great thing is, it all compliments one another’s style.

Kudos to all involved from the band to the production staff; it makes this CD a pleasure to listen to.