KQED, our local PBS station, did a really nice piece on Aki. I am so proud of him and happy to have him as a friend and a customer. He is extremely talented, smart and driven.
It's great to see him succeed -- his delivery has always grabbed me more than most players because (and I'm not just saying this due to the stylistic fusion) it bespeaks a fiercely individual conception of the harmonica's role in music.
In any case, I imagine this is only the beginning. I'm excited to see where he goes from here
It's great to see him succeed -- his delivery has always grabbed me more than most players because (and I'm not just saying this due to the stylistic fusion) it bespeaks a fiercely individual conception of the harmonica's role in music.
In any case, I imagine this is only the beginning. I'm excited to see where he goes from here
And his new CD kicks so much ass. A guy's gotta be open to something new and different, but if you're into "modern" blues harmonica, it's great! There's at least one moment on EVERY song where I just have to stop and marvel at what he's doing. ---------- Marc Graci YouTube Channel
I have enjoyed the traditional blues that I have heard from Aki. No doubt he is very talented.
I am a little surprised there is no mention of David Barrett's mentoring and teaching.
While I tip my hat to his pursuit of embracing his heritage in his music, I feel it is what Aki learned from David that brought him to this point in his career...or at least this early in his career.
Last Edited by Blind Melon on Aug 27, 2016 12:00 PM
Aki and Dave seem to have an unusually good relationship, a student/teacher thing that has become a partnership of equals. They share stages, record together, make videos together. It's hard to be sure about many things these days, but I'm sure that Aki has made clear in many public forums, and will continue to make clear, just how much he owes to David.
In other words, Blind Melon, I really think it's a non-issue. Somebody could say the same thing about a TV piece on Mooncat in which he failed to mention me. My response would be, "Jeez, he's mentioned me as a mentor and influence dozens of other times, even when he didn't have to. No complaints here!"
I know Aki and Dave pretty well - in fact Ai and I were taking lessons from Dave at the same time. (Aki shows you what happens if you actually practice.)
In any case I can vouch for what Adam said - there is deep mutual respect and affection between those two.
Recently Ronnie Shellist was touring in our area and out east with local band Kilborn Alley. At the end of the tour in late April Aki Kumar was also in town with the Rockin' Johnny Band. Aki with Rockin' Johnny Band followed Ronnie with Kilborn Alley in a double bill show at The Iron Post.
An outstanding night of blues harp! Aki can play, and so can Ronnie! ----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Aug 29, 2016 7:48 AM
