Rick Estrin of the Nightcats with Mark Hummel - PART 1

#bluesharmonica #chicagoblues #sanfranciscomusic #sacramentomusic
Rick Estrin was born in San Francisco, California in 1949, and fell in love with blues after his sister presented him with Ray Charles’ The Genius Sings The Blues when he was 12. He began playing harmonica at age 15, and by age 18 was beginning to work professionally. Early in his career he played with Lowell Fulson, Z.Z. Hill, Travis Phillips, and Fillmore Slim. Estrin names Sonny Boy Williamson II, Little Walter Jacobs and Baby Boy Warren as key inspirations. He played with and was mentored by Rodger Collins (whose 45rpm recordings include "She's Looking Good" and "Foxy Girls" In Oakland). Estrin moved to Chicago when he was 19 and worked with bluesmen Sam Lay, Johnny Littlejohn, Eddie Taylor and Johnny Young. He met and sat in with Muddy Waters at the Sutherland Hotel in Chicago. He told the Sacramento Bee, "Muddy started shaking his finger in my face and said, ‘You outta sight, boy! You play like a man! I know that sound. That's my sound.’"[9] Muddy tried to hire Estrin as a sideman but Estrin did not receive the phone call, and moved back to the Bay Area. He met guitarist Charlie Baty in 1973 and they created Little Charlie & the Nightcats based in Sacramento, California. Estrin fronted Little Charlie & the Nightcats for 30 years and performed around the world. They were nominated four times for the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year. In 2008, Baty retired from touring. Guitarist Kid Andersen joined Estrin with previous band members Hansen and Farrell and they formed Rick Estrin & The Nightcats that same year.

[@aksourdough4890]

We have to come up with a name for this whole first generation of the great white harp players: Oscher, Butter, Mark, Rick, Portnoy, Magic Dick, Piazza, Clarke, etc. An incredibly important transitional group that carried the Blues on after the elders passed. They all shared incredible passion and commitment to the music and the life. Soundtrack of my life for over 50 years. (I turned 74 about same time as Rick and saw Rick many many times while living in Sacto).

[@gheumann]

You forgot Charlie Musselwhite!

[@davidtepper2290]

Great, GREAT interview. A remarkable life story.

[@gheumann]

I thoroughly enjoyed that! Knowing Rick a bit - this video totally reinforced that he is just the most amazing, coolest, funniest cool cat. Thanks for letting him talk, Mark!

[@RustedTelevisione]

Love your sensational interviews Mr Hummel!

[@jwilley127]

You guys are great...thanks for keepin' the blues alive! 😎

[@michaelclemmons8114]

Nice going Rick

[@MarcosBluesharp]

This is priceless Mark! Thank you so much for posting it🙏🏼🤜❤️

[@MarkHummelsHarmonicaParty]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@garyjines3629]

Would love to hear an interview of Jerry Portnoy

[@markhummel7656]

When I see him

[@garyjines3629]

Thanks Mark - Great job on your interviews, love your harp playing and thanks for Keeping the Blues Alive@@markhummel7656

[@michaelclemmons8114]

Incorrigible

[@kimdale2928]

Ego, psychological, 😅