MITCH KASHMAR "100 MILES TO GO" Source: Nashville Blues Society Date: 08/2010 Writer: Sheryl and Don Crow

Mitch Kashmar has enjoyed a successful career as a harp player extraordinaire, and his previous Delta Groove albums such as "Nickles And Dimes," and "Live At Labatt's" have certainly helped solidify his stake in the blues world.  He began gigging back in the early 1980's, fronting a band called The Pontiax, who were extremely popular in the Southern California region.  They put out an album back in those days. and Mitch's latest release is its long-overdue reissue, entitled "100 Miles To Go."  The ten original tracks are here, as well as two updated bonus tracks that feature the band's original lineup.

This set is full of that sweet, West-Coast jump blues style that has been popularized by players such as Rod Piazza and bands like the Mannish Boys.  It's got an irresistible groove that instinctively makes you wanna dance, and Mitch and the fellows were cookin' with gas on this one!

The party starts with the swingin' tale of a man "you won't see until the stars come out to play," aptly-titled "Night Creeper."  Mitch trades harp licks with Jim Calire's sax on a classic "see ya" song, "Gonna Find Someone New."  An extended guitar solo at the the bridge and outro define the title cut, which explains the lengths Mitch is willing to go for his lover!  And, he shows off his vocal chops on a sweet take on Willie Dixon's "As LOng As I Have You." 

We had two favorites, too.  The late, great William Clarke checks in with a cool harp addition to the lively instrumental, "Horn Of Plenty."  And, one of the new tunes is a real hoot from the rhumba-fied intro, entitled "Petroleum Blues."  It's a clever look at bein' at the mercy of "fossil fuels." 

In the liner notes, William Clarke himself states that Mitch has a great tone, and especially-good conrol of the harp's upper-register, and was "one of my favorite players, period."  Add in his first-class vocals, and it's easy to see why Mitch Kashmar and the Pontiax have such a huge fan base!  Enjoy "100 Miles To Go" today!!