There are those who have huffed and puffed their way into harp blues history, and then there's California-based (with all-star Chicago ties) Mark Hummel, who swaggered his way on in, fashionably late to the party with the uber-chill vibe of a lounge act. He lets his instrument swing, and breathe; with the help of backing band the Blues Survivors, the resulting music burns and never lets up. His latest effort, Retro-Active, dropped late April, is a bit heavy on the swing with Hummel dedicating a bit more time to his singing. (Gavin Paul)
