Marty Dodson Archive

Kashmar – West Coast Toast – Delta Groove

by Audiophile Audition | Jul 18, 2017 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews

Kashmar – West Coast Toast – Delta Groove DGPCD174, 48: 32 ***1/2: West Coast Blues lives on! (Mitch Kashmir – harmonica, vocals, claves; Junior Watson – guitar; Fred Kaplan – piano, Hammond organ, cabs; Bill Stuve – double bass; Marty Dodson – drums) Everyone has heard about Delta or Chicago Blues. The origins of the linkage between these genres has been documented frequently. But West Coast Blues is not as renowned or discussed as its counterparts. It originated in the 1940’s by musicians who migrated from Texas. The genre was influenced by jazz and jump music, and featured “jazzy” guitar solos, piano and smooth vocals. The first star of West Coast Blues was T-Bone Walker (of “Stormy Monday” fame.). Others including Lowell Fulson, Amos Milburn, Percy Mayfield and Charles Brown and more importantly, George “Harmonica” Smith graced the company. Now the legacy being carried by Santa Barbara vocalist and harmonica virtuoso, Mitch Kashmir.      Kashmar has assembled a top-notch blues ensemble (Junior Watson/guitar; Fred Kaplan/piano, Hammond organ; Bill Stuve/double bass; Marty Dodson/drums) for his latest release, West Coast Toast (Delta Groove). The album is a living testament to the vital West Coast blues scene. Kicking off the festivities is […]