Real life blues, calling up the feel of influences ranging from Buddy Guy and Elmore James to Cream, Allman Brothers and Johnny Winter. It's not just blues - it's your blues.


Hitman says ‘My father was a world-renowned jazz vibist, so I grew up thinking being a musician was a normal career. I started learning guitar in my early teens and was regularly performing by 16, after joining the American Federation of Musicians. Due to being able to both play and sing, as well as having a huge musical repertoire, I found myself so busy that I had to drop out of college, which I also started at 16. I worked clubs and venues all over New York, then across the country. I started the Hitman Blues Band in 1989, and released the first CD in 2000.’

Major influences: Ray Alexander, Elmore James, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, Charlie Parker, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, BB King, Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Albert Collins, Duane Allman

What makes your music different? ‘It appeals to people who usually don't care for the blues, as well as blues fans. The lyrics are insightful, or humorous, or sometimes both. It's all based on my life, but it seems to apply to a lot of other people.’

Key career highlights: ‘The highlight of my career is always the last gig I played. My father taught me that's the only one that matters.’

Why is it important for you to connect with music fans and what do you have to offer them as an artist? ‘At difficult times in my life, music (usually specific songs) have helped me through. For some people, religion gets them through, but for me it's always been music. I hope that, through my tunes, I can help somebody, too.’

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Blues

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