The Mississippi Mudsharks - Whatcha Hear Is Whatcha Get! (1999)

Members:
Scottie “Mad Dog” Blinn—guitar/vocal
Eric “Jailhouse” Von Herzen—harmonica/vocal
Tom “Sleepy T” Essa—drums/vocal
Martin Rose—bass/vocal (European Tour)

Described as “Screamin’ Jay Hawkins meets the Cramps”, and drawing as much from Lightnin’ Hopkins and John Lee Hooker as from the Clash, Social Distortion, and Tom Waits, The Mississippi Mudsharks are a hard hitting band that crosses many musical lines. 17 years of performing, recording, and touring have made this band masters at their craft, creating a truly original sound all their own. And they’ve managed to intensify that greasy and raw attitude and sound they’ve been known for since day one.

Formed in 1992 by Scottie “Mad Dog” Blinn (guitar/vocal) and Tom Essa (drums/vocal), the Mississippi Mudsharks were one of the top roots and blues acts out of San Diego during the 90’s. During that time the band racked up 3 consecutive “Best Blues Band” awards from the San Diego Music Awards, 2 #1 CD’s on the CrossCut Blues Charts in Europe, played over 300 nights a year, and toured relentlessly in the States and in Europe.

Following a split in 1999, the members of the band went on to solo successes for the next 6 years. Essa played and recorded with many of the best San Diego had to offer, gaining even more respect as “The Drummer” to be playing with. Although short lived, Blinn found success in his collaboration with “Hooters” drummer Dave Uosikkinen, and “Hot Rod Lincoln” bassist Tim Butler. The CD called “Hoodoo Charm” landed at #4 on the Cross-Cut Blues Charts. But one of the most important turning points came when Blinn forged ahead with Social Distortion/ Walter Trout harmonica player Eric “Jailhouse” Von Herzen, and pioneered a new sound they coined “Grease Punk”…Traditional American Roots Music with a Punk attitude. Dark, Greasy, and Raw.

After a serious illness sidelined Von Herzen, original members Essa and Blinn regrouped in 2006 and decided to keep developing the new sound. They brought “Big” Mike Lars into the band on bass, and put out a CD titled “Train Rolls On”, which received a “Best Blues Album” nomination at the San Diego Music Awards, and went to #3 on the CrossCut Blues Charts in Europe. Great reviews across the U.S. and two highly successful European tours followed through 2007…The Mississippi Mudsharks were back with a vengeance.

2008 brought a welcomed change as Eric “Jailhouse” Von Herzen came back into the band on harmonica and vocals. “Voodoo Doll” was recorded (Official release date early 2009), delving into even darker swamp territory…a perfect follow up to “Train Rolls On”. Their 10th successful European Tour followed, supported by a 4 page full-color interview in Blues News Magazine, and proving the Mississippi Mudsharks to be a band as tenacious and as on fire as ever.