Jason Ricci and New Blood: Modern Blues Harmonica Revolution
Jason Ricci is an American harmonica virtuoso and singer-songwriter who leads the eclectic band New Blood. Hailing from Portland, Maine, Ricci has redefined the blues harmonica for the 21st century, earning a reputation for his technical mastery and genre-blending albums that have topped the Billboard Blues Charts.
Early career
Born in 1974, Jason Ricci began his professional journey in the 1990s, cutting his teeth in the Memphis blues scene after a period of study with legendary player Pat Ramsey. His raw talent and explosive style quickly garnered attention, leading to his debut album, "Jason Ricci," released on the label Bad Daddy in 1997, which established him as a formidable new voice.
Breakthrough
Jason Ricci and New Blood's major breakthrough arrived with their 2007 album "Rocket Number 9," released on the respected blues label Electro-Fi Records. The album's critical acclaim and adventurous sound propelled the band to a wider audience, culminating in their 2009 album "Done with the Devil" on Eclecto Groove Records, which peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart.
Key tracks
Rocket Number 9 — This title track showcases the band's psychedelic and jazz-infused approach to the blues, becoming a live staple.
Done with the Devil — The album's title track is a powerful, autobiographical song addressing Ricci's personal struggles and recovery.
Sweet Loving — A high-energy, funk-driven number that highlights the tight, dynamic interplay of the New Blood rhythm section.
I'm a New Man — This track exemplifies Ricci's soulful vocal delivery and lyrical depth alongside his virtuosic harmonica runs.
Following this period, Jason Ricci and New Blood continued to tour extensively and release well-received albums like "Blood on the Road" in 2011. Ricci's collaborations are notable, including studio work with rock musicians like Walter Trout and appearances on recordings by the late Johnny Winter, further cementing his status within the blues and rock community.
Fans of Jason Ricci's intense, modern take on harmonica-driven blues should also explore Walter Trout for similar guitar-heavy blues-rock intensity. The Wood Brothers share a knack for roots music that feels both timeless and inventive. For another harmonica innovator, listen to John Popper of Blues Traveler, known for rapid-fire playing. Govt Mule parallels Ricci's band in its powerful, jam-oriented approach to classic rock and blues forms.
The music of Jason Ricci and New Blood maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on specialty blues programs, classic rock FM stations, and independent music radio stations that champion skilled musicianship and authentic American roots music.
Listeners can discover the dynamic blues of Jason Ricci and New Blood on the curated radio stations featured here on onairium.com, where his harmonica prowess and the band's energetic performances are regularly featured in rotation.
