Mitch Kashmar – West Coast Toast – Delta Groove Productions DGPCD174

This 2016 cut offering from Kashmar was his fifth for Delta Groove Productions, following on the heels of 2005’s Nickels & Dimes, 2006’s Wake Up & Worry, 2008’s Live At Labatt, and 2010’s 100 Miles To Go (with The Pontiax).  The Van Nuys, California-based label was the brainchild of Randy Chortkoff (1949-2015), one that had a strong primary focus on west coast blues, though it also released works by artists including Chicago’s John Primer and Tail Dragger, and Phoenix’s Bob Corritore.

Kashmar, who hails originally from Santa Barbara, California, leans heavily into that fat-toned blues harmonica style so identifiable with the west coast legend to many, George “Harmonica” Smith.  Kashmar’s tone is rich and round, like the proverbial full horn sound the best blues harmonica players seek. 

Listening to this superb CD, one just knows that Kashmar absorbed and reveres the musical qualities of a varied assortment of inspirations, including tough Chicago blues, jumping and swinging west coast blues, cascading boogie woogie, galloping Texas blues, slinky New Orleans R&B, backwoods Louisiana swamp rock-n-roll, and even jazz.

Kashmar’s partners on this thrilling outing speak volumes about his standing in the west coast blues fraternity.  The indomitable Junior Watson sparkles with his broad guitar competencies, while Bill Stuve conquers the low-end of the proceedings with his metronomic electric upright bass proficiencies.  Master keyboard man Fred Kaplan soars on piano and organ, while percussionist Mary Dodson fully and idyllically frames the session.

And in the middle of it all is Kashmar and his bursting harmonica energies and aptitudes, while his vocals seize all opportunities to convincingly convey the subject matter of the tunes presented.  Man, Kashmar’s harmonica’s wall of sound so immensely satisfies!

Six of the 11 cuts on this stupendous set are Kashmar originals, while the five tasty covers come via Billy Boy Arnold, Lowell Fulsom, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Willie Dixon, and the combined efforts of Henry Glover and Rudolph Toombs.

To sum it all up, Kashmar’s blues brand is chock-full of originality and energy; excitement abounds here!