Low Down to Uptown

Low Down to Uptown

Editorial Reviews
<"b000007sbs7499"> Amazon.com
Veteran harpster Mark Hummel turns in a tasty treat with Low Down to Uptown, which includes, among other things, a sweet cover of "In a Sentimental Mood." Who knew that the Duke's melodies could sound so good on harmonica? And that's only the wind-up on an album that includes far more hits than misses; from the low-tempo almost-ballad "Let It Happen" to the out-front rhythmic drive of "I'm Hooked," this is high-energy west coast blues all the way, with a bit of rock and jazz (on "Now or Never" in particular) thrown into the mix. The true standout here, though, is "West Coast Flood," which proves why Hummel is considered one of the best harp players in the business. Even if the rest of this CD was sub-par, Low Down to Uptown would be worth getting for this track alone. --Genevieve Williams

<"b000007sbs5540"> Living Blues
Mark Hummel's second release on Tone-Cool continues to establish his credentials as a songwriter and harp player. Most of all, Low Down to Uptown demonstrates his talent as a bandleader, for he works with 14 musicians--a rhythm section plus guitarists, horns, and a backing vocalist--on an album that dips into a wide variety of musical styles.