Based in California, stratospheric harmonica player, singer and band leader (Rod Piazza & the Mighty Fliers) shows more than a few traces of LIttle Walter and George "Harmonica" Smith in his playing. Piazza began his professional career as a member of the Dirty Blues Band in the mid -'60s, an ABC/Bluesway act that produced back to back albums in 1967 and 1968. Piazza split after the second record came out to work with the aforementioned George "Harmonica" Smith, which he did for the better part of 15 years under the name Bacon Fat. While working with Smith he also released two solo albums in the 1970s. In 1980 Piazza formed The MIghty Fliers with his wife, Honey Alexander, on keyboards. The band produced five albums on vaious labels in the 1980s and then landed at Black Top Records in 1991. Performing extensively with the his band throughout the '90s, Piazza also found time for occasional solo recordings. The band's 2001 release, Beyond the Source, received mountains of critical acclaim. Three years later Keepin' It Real came out on Blind Pig. Always on the move, the band's brand new release, For the Chosen Who, is their Delta Grove debut recording and it is a honey of an album.

Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine caught up with Rod Piazza in Kansas City where two of his band mates were missing in action. They had missed their connection and were stranded in Denver. In a few hours the show had to go on. Life on the road as a musician has its many challenges and Rod Piazza is a veteran. For The Chosen Who is Piazza’s new Delta Groove release and it's a must have blues recording, a gem that is headed for much acclaim and awards. Two years ago Rod Piazza and his beautiful wife and fabulous piano player, Miss Honey, graced Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine’s cover sipping champagne in a hot tub while cruising on the high seas on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise II. Look for more Rod Piazza in the fall for the upcoming Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine’s “Mississippi Saxophone” issue. Here’s what Rod Piazza thinks about blues around the world.

1. Have you ever been around the world?
I have been to a lot of places—Europe of course, Mexico City, Japan, Brazil this year and Finland.

2. Where is the furthest place that you have ever been?
Australia or maybe that would be Japan.

3. Where would you like to live overseas?
Brazil was pretty nice. People there have a lot of passion for music and it’s nice weather and beautiful beaches.

4. Best foreign festival?
The Peer Festival in Belgium and in Switzerland, Lucerne—it is 5 star. People dig the music. Also there’s Nottodden Blues Festival in Norway.

5. Any funny story from overseas?
One time me and Honey were on tour in Germany and we went to get a hotdog. When we walked back the train that we were supposed to be on was gone. We were stuck. It was 20 degrees and freezing, and no one spoke enough English back then about 20 years ago. We were in a world of trouble with no interpreter, no money just because of a little hot dog.

6. Favorite foreign band or player?
There’s a guy in Norway from Sweden – Sven Zettervung. He sings and is a guitar player.

7. Any tips for world travelers?
Be prepared. Don’t be expecting what your used to. Keep an open mind—always!

8. Favorite moments on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise?
I enjoyed performing outside on the deck when it was sunny and in the evening under the stars. There’s so much ambience and the crowd gives off so much energy out there.