Recorded at Greaseland studios in Campbell, California, Aki Kumar’s debut record Don’t Hold Back generated instant buzz in the SF Bay Area blues scene. This album showcases some of Kumar’s original material in addition to classics by such blues greats as Hank Ballard, Snooky Pryor, Memphis Slim and more.

Aki Kumar doesn’t hold back - vocally or on the blues harp - and performs with soulful intensity on all tracks. The tremendously gifted June Core (drums) and Vance Ehlers (bass) anchor a dream rhythm section and there is no dearth of top guitar talent either - the record features appearances by Little Jonny, Johnny Cat Soubrand, Kid Andersen and even a cameo by Rusty Zinn. Veteran saxman Frankie Ramos and pianist Bob Welsh round out the sound with their invaluable contributions on many cuts.

An unprecedented collaboration between three generations of the San Francisco Bay Area's blues harp masters - Gary Smith, David Barrett and Aki Kumar.