"What is unique about the thing we're doing is the caliber of the players involved" says Magic Dick, 61, formerly of the J. Giles Band. "I'm not just referring to the harmonica players involved but also the Blues Survivors. They're a really excellent band. And being involved with Lee Oskar, Jerry Portnoy and Mark has been a real joy...."
LEE HILDEBRAND - SF Chronicle, July 6 ‘06

It was a night of camaraderie, a brotherhood of the blues, an evening of steady grooves and major storms. The place was jammed with real people playing real music, not a tuxedo in sight .....BB King's was treated to a rare evening of alchemy where the wind howled indoors!
BILL VITKA - Blues Revue July ‘07 Review of Blowout at NYC BB King's show w/ Charlie Musselwhite, MH & Kim Wilson

The Blowout culminated with a tradeoff between six harp greats: Kenny Neal, Billy Boy Arnold, Lee Oskar, Mark Hummel, Kaz Kazanoff and Billy Branch, each blowing a stunning solo before ending together in perfect time and bringing the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation.
JEREMY LOOME - Edmonton Sun, Aug. 6 ‘06

(Hummel) A specialist in the West Coast blues, knows more then a thing or two about how to please an audience. He's the driving force behind this show, which features Jerry Portnoy, who's played with Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins and Eric Clapton, Magic Dick, J. Giles's sidekick and Lee Oskar of WAR.
NEW YORKER - Sept. 4 ‘06

… Hummel and crew packed the house for all six shows. This year's Blowout featured five sensational harp men-Hummel, Fabulous Thunderbird Kim Wilson, Little Charlie and the Nightcat's, frontman Rick Estrin, Chicago legend Billy Boy Arnold, and West Coast Swing Champ Rod Piazza. These players all have individual sounds and they charmed the crowd in their own way …
JIM HARRINGTON - Oakland Tribune, Jan. 7 ‘07 Blues Harmonica Blowout ® Series