True Believer [CD]

Most of the tunes on "True Believer" are Hummel originals that, in the best blues tradition, offer some pungent commentary on today's world, from the cold impersonality of technology ("Ghosted") to the current state of humanity ("High Time for the Devil") to the lowlife who steals your parking spot ("Mr. Two Thirds"). We also get a feel for Mark's wide-ranging musical influences as he puts his own stamp on tunes by Elvin Bishop, Otis Rush, BB King, Fleetwood Mac, and Little Walter. Hummel's brilliant harp work is featured throughout "True Believer," with his searing amplified playing on "High Time for the Devil," his third-position mastery on "Ghosted," and his beautiful chromatic work on "You're Breaking My Heart" being particularly impressive. Junior Watson demonstrates once again why he is one of the most exciting guitarists anywhere with his playing on "Double Trouble" and "Stop Messin' Around," and Bob Welch's piano makes "Headed for a Heartache" a special cut. No blues band goes anywhere without a first-class rhythm section, and Roy Bermudes and drummer Wes Starr are all that and more.