The iconic harmonica man James Cotton passed away in 2017 at the age of 81. Cotton s considered by most to have been the last great harp titan of the generation that produced Little Walter (who James replaced in Muddy Waters Band), Sonny Boy Williamson II (who raised Cotton from 12 years old), Junior Wells, Big Walter and many more. James career spanned more than six decades and put him on the map of All Time Blues Greats! The James Cotton Tribute Band is guitarist and vocalist Steve Freund (Sunnyland Slim, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Otis Rush, Bo Diddley, and 12 years with Cotton), drummer Gary Silva (James Cotton, Elvin Bishop, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, Albert Collins, Mick Taylor, Junior Walker, John Lee Hooker, Ron Thompson), bassist Karl Sevareid (Robert Cray, Etta James, Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop, Tracy Nelson), guitarist and pianist Bob Welsh (James Cotton, Elvin Bishop, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Musselwhite) and Mark Hummel playing harp and singing James s role as front man. Hummel produces The Blues Harmonica Blowouts (Mayall, Musselwhite, Huey Lewis, Lee Oskar, Magic Dick) for 30 years now, which featured Cotton on seven national tours as part of that event. Cotton commented, Mark is All About The Music . Mark has a 2013 Grammy nom and two Blues Music Awards, and 30 albums to his credit. See them live at Almost Famous Wine Lounge, an award-winning tasting room and world-class music venue located in the heart of Livermore’s urban wine, spirits and brewery district.
