“Aki Kumar is a viable & surprisingly good blues artist. Don’t believe me? Listen to his blues version of The Clash’s classic “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” Everything works."

“…the tunes are soulful with no accents or appropriation at all. Aki is splendid. He has mastered the blues better than most in clubs throughout America.”

“This music, despite its blues tradition, is innovative without deviating from its origins”

John Apice, Americana Highways, 2025

“It's an impressive and diverse musical story, blending elements of blues, soul, 1950s R&B, ska, and more modern approaches – all effortlessly and with incredible ease. Not only did I like the album, but it has taken a special place in my music library and I often return to it – the nearly 50-minute duration simply flies by, and my finger starts to press the play button again .

I highly recommend the album God Bless The USA to everyone – both long-time blues fans and those who are just entering this wonderful, bluesy world. Aki Kumar and his band have prepared a superb musical experience that will leave every true music connoisseur, regardless of genre preferences, breathless. With this album you can sing, dance, socialize or – simply – enjoy solitude. In any case: hats off!”

Mladen Loncar-Mike, poprock.hr, 2025

"Certainly the music and songs of Aki Kumar bring to the listener a multicultural mash-up that sounds like no one else . Real deal blues ready made to excite and entertain audiences across the generations . A masterful harmonica player, soulful vocalist,band-leader,drummer and producer Aki Kumar is a driving force towards the future of the blues, keeping the spirit of this iconic music alive and well . Reflecting his passion for the roots of the blues , maintaining his own identity , "God Bless The USA" is timeless blues magic from a remarkable and multi-talented artist.

John Muller. Blues Notes and Conversations, 2025

"It’s a stunning “debut” in a purely Blues & roots (with a taste reggae) format, featuring well-chosen instrumentals and featuring biting, vital original tunes, with just a bit of the Indian music he grew up with.

Utilizing a who’s who of West Coast musicians lovingly supporting their leader, Kumar’s produced a gem of a recording.

Kumar’s completely in charge of all aspects of the disc, not only with the production and recording of the album, but with his marvelous vocals and supremely-accomplished harp-work. It’s a work meant to be savored, danced to joyfully and listened to with awe.

Kumar can now fully be recognized as an artist well along his supremely-gifed way up."

Joseph Jordan. Contributing Writer - Blues Music Magazine, 2025

I would like to thank all my fellow musicians who contributed their time, talents and insights to this project. Thanks also to Little Village Foundation, Jim Pugh, Denise McNair for their long-standing support. Thoughts and Prayers is brought to you courtesy of San Jose Jazz. Last, but not the least, thanks to Bunni, Yuko, Poirot and Mowgli for putting up with all my musical cacophony.