Mick Martin & The Blues Rockers - May 2, 2008, Torch Club. Mick's Birthday Party

Mick Martin came back to the Torch Club in downtown Sacramento on Friday, May 2 to celebrate his birthday and yet again show why he is one of the best acts on the west coast. And he did just that! Mick has been front man for the Blues Rockers since 1983 and hasn't lost a beat, in fact he is better than ever. Mick's stage appeal and attitude are remarkable, besides the fact that he is one of the best blues harmonica players around. Mick shared the "Best West Coast Blues Harmonica Player" nod with Mark Hummel in 2001. Above and beyond his musical talent, this guy can really work a room.

Mick made it known right from the start that he did have a set list and also that he had no intention of following it. Nice! Mick's shows fun are full of really well written original blues cuts molded by years of experience. His vocal talents are unbelievable as he rolls through song after song all the while making eye contact with everyone nearby. Sometimes he sings directly to someone, usually a lovely lady, and seems to pour out his soul. When you watch Mick's shows you feel like you are part of an experience and not just a member of the audience. His sets were full of great original rockin' blues stuff including "You Cheated and Lied" and "One Foot In Front Of The Other" , as well as his smooth, soulful songs "What Is It About You" and "What Did I Do". He did an excellent extended version of "Can't Remember Nothin'". Several times during the show we just watched in awe as Mick cast his spell on the club. It was an amazing performance.

Besides the joy of watching Mick wade through cut after cut of rockin' blues, he is backed by an extremely talented group of blues musicians. Bassist Donna Procter, an original Blues Rocker member still lays it on while singing back up vocals. Guitarist Ken "Obie Dee" Van Cromphaut ( Obie Dee = OBD = "Old Blues Dude"), has been playing on the west coast scene for years and his steady guitar riffs and raspy voice to add yet another dimension to the band. Drummer Bruce Pressley first played with the band as a fill in and eventually became the permanent guy. He's a great drummer, another member with years of experience to add to the excitement. Lead guitarist Jimmy Pailer is a premiere Sacramento blues axe man and quite a stage presence in his own right. If you've never seen Jimmy tear it up on his Telecaster then you've missed seeing one of best blues guitarists playing today. I've seen a lot of blues guitarists and Jimmy is without question in the big league when it comes to blues guitar talent. Jimmy did a fabulous version of Jimi Hendrix's "Red House" and had the whole club going wild.

After a night with Mick Martin and the Blues Rocker's you usually wake up the next day wondering where he's playing next and telling your friends about this amazing guy. Not to worry, he's a hometown product and plays a lot around the area. As a side note you can catch "Mick Martins Blues Party" every Saturday at 1:00 PM on Sacramento PBS radio - KXJZ, FM 90.9. Mick was proud to tell me that every show is different and he never wants to be known for repeating stuff you've already heard.

Happy Birthday Mick, we'll see you soon!