MITCH KASHMAR "WAKE UP & WORRY" Source: Blues In London Date: 03/2008 Writer: n/a

Kashmar sets his stall out right from the start with an opener that owes much to the storming West Coast Swing of William Clarke. The Willie Dixon/Little Walter 'Dead Presidents' follows, on which we're given harp playing in fine Sonny Boy Williamson (II) style. "You Dogged Me" demonstrates Mitch's ability to do that Jimmy Reed high-end-of-the-harp thing, and the're even some JJ Milteau-esque jazz groove malarky on "Funky Dee".

So far, so much "Hey everybody, check out my harmonica chops" and there's no doubt that Mitch does indeed have some pretty sharp skills on the gob-iron, but he's put together a record that is so much more than a collection of opportunities to show off. The album works as a whole and, like label mate Lynwood Slim's recent 'Last Orders', it has depth and injects a bit of wit and style into the proceedings. Mitch is a fine singer and fine judge of musical character. There's a wide range of grooves, rhythms and vibes demonstrated here that make this a very listenable album, and not just one for the harp afficionadoes.

Delta Groove really do seem to be pulling it out of the bag on a regular basis, producing records that are consistently good, and innovative, enough to raise them above 'niche'. Mitch's is a fine addition to their catalogue.