‘Harmonica Virtuoso’: Mark Hummel brings the blues to Tucson
Mark Hummel is one of the hardest-working men in the music industry.
He rattles off a slew of dates before heading to Tucson for the KXCI’s 12th annual House Rockin’ Blues Review Benefit Concert.
“I’ve been on the road for 40 years now,” said Hummel, who’s been called a “harmonica virtuoso.”
“It’s definitely been an adventure, to say the least.”
Hummel got into music as a teen. At the age of 29, he chose to get sober so he could continue his career.
“I felt like it was one or the other,” he said. “I had been partying since I was 13. It got to the point when I realized it was something serious and I had to do something one way or another.”
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, but raised in Los Angeles until he graduated high school, Hummel moved to Berkeley, California, at age 18 to pursue a career in blues music.
“I came up here because of the blues scene,” Hummel said. “It seemed like the blues scene was healthier here than it was in Los Angeles.
“I still kind of feel that way. I go back to Los Angeles and play there sometimes, but they’re smaller venues.”
Hummel founded the Blues Survivors in 1977 with Mississippi Johnny Waters. By 1984, Hummel began a life of nonstop touring of the United States, Canada and overseas, which he still continues at least 130 to 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.
Mark Hummel began playing the harmonica in 1970 and is regarded as one of the premier blues harmonica players of his generation. Thanks to over 30 recordings since 1985, including the Grammy-nominated 2013 release Blind Pig recording “Remembering Little Walter” (part of the Blues Harmonica Blowout CD series).
Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout started in 1991 and has featured every major legend (Mayall, Musselwhite, Cotton) on blues harp as well as almost every player of note on the instrument — a who’s who of players.
“They’re some of the heaviest hitters that I’ve played with,” Hummel said. “I’ve been playing with all of these guys for a long, long time.
“Junior Watson is one of the guitar players from Southern California I’ve known since the late ’70s because he used to play in Rod Piazza’s band. He played with Kim Wilson and Charlie Musselwhite and just a whole lot different.
Anson Funderburgh and Hummel met in Dallas and have been friends since.
“I think playing together since 2000 and I think 2001 he was on one of my records,” Hummel said.
The musician is thrilled to be playing the KXCI 12th annual House Rockin’ Blues Review Benefit Concert.
“Marty (Kool) has been a staunch supporter of my music and everybody in this genre,” he said.
“He’s been just a wonderful guy to work with.”
KXCI executive director Elva De La Torre welcomes all to attend, “We’re thrilled to have folks back at El Casino for another great KXCI show featuring Mark Hummel’s Blues Allstars. Grab your friends and join us for a special night of incredible music, food, and community. See you there.” KXCI is grateful to Buffalo Exchange and Homestyle Galleries for their sponsorship.
KXCI’s 12th annual House Rockin’ Blues Review Benefit Concert
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
WHERE: El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th Street, Tucson
COST: $25 in advance for KXCI members; $30 advance general and $35 at the door
