Album Notes

Mandolin Blues?

The mandolin was there when the blues were born. In the hands of players like Charlie McCoy, the mandolin was a driving voice in the early black string and jug bands. Yank Rachell and Johnny Young gave the mandolin a voice in urban blues.

Now, DelGrosso carries the mandolin blues into the next century. Influenced by the old records and mentored by Rachell and Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, he is taking the music to the next level. Mark Hoffman, co-author of "Howling at Midnight: The Life and Times of Howlin' Wolf" described him as "the greatest living blues mandoman, the best since Yank!"

This CD, DelGrosso's debut as solo artist, features his vocals, mandolin and guitar, supported by some of the best in the bizness. Pinetop Perkins, 92 year-old legendary piano man for Muddy Waters, kicks strong and passionately. James Harman blows hard and heavy, adding his special spice on harmonica. Doug MacLeod's slide guitar evokes the mood of the gut bucket blues of the Delta and Jeff Turmes' bass and sax supply the sexy energy of the West Coast sound. Harp master Gary Allegretto adds his hard driving growls and fluid lines to the sessions, driven by the best rhythm section in the West, David Kida on drums and percussion and Ernie Scarbrough on bass.

This is the long awaited CD from the "groovemaster" of the mandolin. For decades you have seen him on the bandstand with Chicago greats, like Pinetop, Carrie Bell and Hubert Sumlin. He has played with performers as diverse as John Cephas, Honeyboy Edwards, Howard Armstrong, Kirk Fletcher and Janiva Magness. You have read his articles in Frets, Living Blues, Mandolin World News, Blues Revue and Mandolin Magazine. Now get a taste of his own music.

"Get your nose into this bizness!"