Mark Hummel - True Believer (2024)

Mark Hummel was born in New Haven, CT. in 1955, but his family relocated to Los Angeles soon later. While in high school he studied the music of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Sonny Boy Williamson. He frequented the Ash Grove, an LA nightclub, where he witnessed Sonny Terry, James Cotton, and Charlie Musselwhite. Hummel formed his band The Blues Survivors in 1980 and released his debut recording as a bandleader in 1985. Hummel has the tone, passion and commitment to front any Blues aggreation. He is both a student and a teacher, as you only have to listen to learn. His Blues Harmonica Blowout Revue continues to tour the country. This is Hummel’s 23rd recording in his own name. He also appears on numerous anthologies including the Grammy nominated “Remembering Little Walter” which he produced and for which Hummel won two Blues Music Awards, “Album of The Year” and “Traditional Blues Album of The Year”. Overall Hummel has eleven BMA nominations. His last album was 2020’s “Wayback Machine”.

This new just released album includes both covers and originals. Hummel opens with “High Time For The Devil” co-written with P. Marsh. It is a topical song about today’s current state of humanity. The lineup on this and many other songs are Billy Flynn, guitar; Bob Welsh, piano; Randy Bermudes, bass; and Wes Starr, drums. On the lead vocal is special guest Oscar Wilson from The Cash Box Kings. “Ghosted” is written by Hummel, “I’ve been ghosted, I just got to know”, with guitarist Flynn; pianist Welsh, and Lisa Leuschner Andersen providing the background vocal.

With the same lineup, it is a great vocal as Hummel sings “Headed For A Heartache”, “one more drink and I’m headed for home, …headed for a heartache”. Welsh takes a fine piano solo. On the Otis Rush classic there is a lineup change as Junior Watson takes over on lead guitar; with Kedar Roy, bass; and Jack Sanford, saxophones. They join in on Elvin Bishop’s “What The Hell” which is also given a topical twist as Hummel chants “now he’s gonna run again”. “Jackknifed” co-written with the late R.W. Grigsby is another song with the second lineup including Watson, Roy, and Sanford. “Stop Messin’ Round” was written by Peter Green and C.G. Adams, included is some sax from Sanford. “Broken Heart” was written by B.B. King and Joe Bihari, featured are Watson, Roy, and Kid Andersen sitting in on the Hammond organ.

“Who” is a song from Little Walter Jacobs. Hummel’s voice has great tone and clarity as he sings “who, told ya’ I was cheatin’ last night…whoever told ya’ better get outa’ sight”. “Mr. Two/Thirds” was written by Hummel and C. Peery featured again is guitarist Flynn; pianist Welsh; and bassist Bermudes. “The Toddle” is an instrumental from Little Walter. On “Lil Electric Car” Hummel chimes “I’m just wild about your chariot, …we can roll near and far” with another great piano solo from Welsh. The closer “Shufflin’ Days” features lead guitar and a vocal from Joe Beard, while Hummel plays some great harmonica.

Hummel is a “True Believer”, as he is the complete professional, a virtuoso harmonica player, a compelling singer, and a gifted songwriter. His commitment has allowed him five decades to tour the States and Europe.

This is Hummel playing and singing with a fine ensemble. Congratulations for making us true believers again. ~Richard Ludmerer