JASON RICCI & NEW BLOOD Source: Big City Rhythm & Blues Date: 11/2009 Writer: Marilyn Stringer

I am not sure how much gold is still hiding in the foothills of the Sierras, but the Sonora Blues Festival is definitely a find! This was my first time attending this festival- it came highly recommended and not without merit. The festival was well organized, the staff friendly and helpful, the crowds and performers relaxed, all having a great time. There was plenty of entertainment - an indoor workshop stage that included Q&A sessions with most of the headliners; another indoor stage with regional talent; and the main outdoor stage for the headliners.   Although it got pretty hot mid-day, the ability to go to an indoor stage, a misting tent, or a big shade trees seemed all the relief that was needed. Coolers were allowed!

The first morning "wake-up" act was Shane Dwight.  Now 11 am is a little early for most bands, but Shane can wake up anyone with his combination Blues/Country/Americana/ R&B/Rock-n-Roll.  Next up was MoFo Party Band, a retro (dressed) West Coast Jump & Blues, high energy, performance that was sheer fun. They are a big NorCal favorite and a regular at this festival.

Meanwhile, back stage, there was a guy sitting at a table, head down, working on a bunch of harmonicas, about five of the fifty- lots of little pieces.  I jokingly asked him "Are you the harmonica repair guy?" to which he sadly replied "I can't afford one" and smiled at me. At that point I laughed "You are Jason!" I had seen & quickly photographed Jason in Davenport, IA, two years prior when he showed up on stage with half red, half black hair, played a pretty mean harmonica, but just didn't strike me as a "real blues guy".  So here he was again. We got to laughing and joking around so I waited to see what he was up to now - he seemed like a pretty fun guy.

Within two songs, I was mesmerized, speechless, hardly able to take photos due to sheer fascination, and became a fan for life. The best way to describe him is to quote his Facebook page "Blues, Rock, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Eastern, Punk, Carnival, Psychedelic, Performance Art and more".  "Defying category, without defying the techniques, authenticity and disciplines of any one of those category is a rare and dangerous high wire act this band has been balancing expertly year after year". Jason Ricci and New Blood is a must see, whenever and however possible. I will argue with the best of blues aficionados that Jason is by far the best harmonica player this planet has known. Once he starts playing he goes to a place that will never be visited or reached by any other harmonica player - it is his own - UNIQUE. Untouchable and Unbelievable. Magic.  A harmonica player was watching him the next night at Verve, in Aptos, shaking his head and said "Why do we bother? No one can touch him!"