Last Train Out Of San Francisco (feat. Billy Branch)

#81 in The Need To Know Badass Blues Instrumentals Series is Last Train Out Of San Francisco, featuring the smokin' hot harp playing of a true blues legend, Billy Branch. Born in Chicago, raised in Los Angeles, and then returning to Chicago to attend university, Billy replaced Carey Bell in Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All-Stars. Upon Dixon's encouragement, Billy did receive his degree in political science but the call to the blues ultimately won out over law school. In the early 1970s, Billy left the All-Stars to form The Sons of The Blues with Lurrie Bell and Freddie Dixon (Corey and Willie's sons) and although the personnel has changed over the years, SOTB continues to play festivals and make records to this day. Not that being a Willie Dixon protege isn't enough but, some of the other legendary acts that Billy has worked with over the years include Johnny Winter, Keb' Mo, Lou Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Honeyboy Edwards, Syl Johnson, Ronnie Baker Brooks, John Primer, and Taj Mahal. A multiple Grammy nominee, a U.S. State Department cultural ambassador, and an educator, Billy founded the Grammy Blues Committee and the Blues in Schools Program. Billy is an incredibly warm, humble, and generous soul and it is an honor and pleasure to have him blowin' on this track. Enjoy!

The backing band on this track is Rich Kirch (John Lee Hooker 1984-2001) on rhythm guitar, Alvino Bennett (Dave Mason, Stevie Wonder) on drums and myself on bass. The track was recorded at Skunkworks in Capitola CA. And Mixed and Mastered by the Grand Wizard of Greaseland, Christoffer "Kid" Andersen. A very special shout out to Blaise Barton at JoyRide Studio, Chicago IL, for facilitating Billy's session.