“Cotton’s long, fabled career is unrivaled in terms of its historic import….a name that is mentioned alongside some of the very best performers ever to play the instrument. Cotton’s playing has cemented his place in the top tier of blues harmonica masters: that muscular tone, those brawny wails, the stinging high note bends. …sends a shiver down the spine. Fiery, inimitable, ferocious attack, dominance and power. The well of talent he draws from is as deep as the blues he plays.”

– Living Blues

With the great James Cottons birthday in July, I’ve pulled together a collection of some of the great mans finest tunes. And to put it all in context, I’m joined by another monster of the blues harmonica Kim Wilson, who was kind enough to share with us his memories of the man from Tunica Mississippi.

Plus tracks from the latest releases by Buddy Guy, Janiva Magness, Taj Mo, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell and Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson.