I was surprised that I was not familiar with Markus James prior to his electrifying performance at The Extended Play Sessions recently; I love African music, and West African in particular, and Markus’ music is heavily based in the music from that part of the world.

Markus James with his handmade gourd banjo

This is a form of the blues that is fairly unique. It is not desert blues, although I could hear elements of it (okay, more than merely elements) in Markus’ music. It is not Delta or Chicago blues, although I could also hear elements of those styles. It is hard-driving, percussive blues that will make you move.

Read the rest of this entry →