Blues for a New Year: Mark Hummel & His All-Star Band + "Hurricane Sam" Rudin

From the late 19th century, when Jazz and Blues were born in New Orleans, there have been quite a few different sounds and styles over the years that have been labeled "blues." And these labels were not wrong! The fact is,"blues" is a word ubiquitous in music history because the flavor and feeling that belongs to that word attaches very easily to a variety of instrumental configurations, and any number of different rhythms.   

And yet, in today's world, there is one style of blues that likely comes to mind before and beyond all the others. And that is the kind of blues that was more or less invented by Muddy Waters when he bought his first electric guitar. The sort of blues that featured that newly created instrument, along with bass, drums, and perhaps a harmonica (blues harp) and/or piano.  

Yes, I am talking about Chicago Blues. Throughout the 50's and 60's, Chicago was the beating heart of this modern, louder, danceable music, and that sound heavily influenced a new generation of musicians.

By the late 60's, Chicago Blues found its way into other parts of the country. And in 1972, 18 yr old Mark Hummel, an LA resident, moved to Berkeley CA, which had become a veritable hotbed of Blues. Mark had already started to steep himself in blues harmonica, and after 5 years of accompanying some great players that had gravitated to the Bay Area (including Charlie Musselwhite), he was ready to form his own band: the Blues Survivors. 

As a bandleader Mark was not content with the local gigs around NorCal and started touring relentlessly. In this way he became known to important players and presenters around the country - and Europe! - and all of this paved the way for his debut album in 1985. (In what has to be considered a very successful career, this was the first of 30 albums.) 

But Mark was not done finding new mountains to climb. In 1991, he started the Blues Harmonica Blowout right here in Berkeley. That became an annual event, evolving into a much heralded tour, which led eventually to a Grammy-nominated album.

Today, Mark continues to be an internationally-known performer, lauded not only for his passion and technique, but also for his constant promotion of classic Chicago Blues, and his adherence to that tradition.   

And of course, he continues to play with great musicians, like the great Blues guitarist Steve Freund, a master of his craft, whom some say is the finest pure blues guitarist in the state! Steve spent over two decades playing in Chicago, including 12 years with James Cotton, and 20 years with Sunnyland Slim. Yes, they overlapped. Pinetop Perkins was in there too.

And the rhythm section consists of Karl Sevareid on bass and Paul Revelli on drums. Between them they have played with Robert Cray, Boz Scaggs, Etta James, Lost Planet Airmen, Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Louis Walker, Huey Lewis, and many more!

But wait, that's not all! New Year's Eve is also the right time for a solo piano set from Back Room owner/founder Sam Rudin. And yes, this is indeed Sam, writing these words, so I had better slip into first person here...

In case you didn't know, when I started to establish myself in Northern California 40 years ago, I was best known as a rip-roaring solo pianist (and vocalist too), playing special events and blues/jazz festivals throughout the  state. I was known as "Hurricane Sam" (it's a long story) and eventually formed Hurricane Sam & the Hotshots. But there will always be a place in my heart for solo piano.   

So, on this New Year's Eve, there will be two full sets from Mark and the band and one set from myself. I intend to aim my piano at blues, jazz, and assorted other 20th century genres. And I will likely join the band for a few numbers. 

It will be a great night.

Tickets are $40. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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