Big Al Blake & The Hollywood Fats Band – Mr. Blake's Blues

 

 

 

 Big Al Blake & The Hollywood Fats Band – Mr. Blake’s Blues (1997)

 

updated 11/07/2026

 

 

 

 

 Blue Collar Music 1997 – BCM 7108

 

 Album Description

Mr. Blake’s Blues brings together blues harmonica player, vocalist, 
guitarist and songwriter Big Al Blake with members of the legendary 
Hollywood Fats Band. Released on Blue Collar Music in 1997, 
this album celebrates traditional blues through a spirited combination 
of West Coast swing, Chicago blues, 
boogie-woogie and electric harmonica-driven grooves.

Featuring pianist Fred Kaplan, bassist Larry Taylor, drummer Richard Innes,
 and guitarists Junior Watson and Kid Ramos, the album captures the 
chemistry of experienced musicians deeply rooted in the blues tradition. 
Blake delivers expressive vocals and harmonica, balancing 
original compositions with interpretations of classic blues material.

Highlights include “Old Time Boogie,” “Papa’s Boogie,” “Shelby Ford Blues,” 
“Rock Me Baby,” and “The Honeydripper.” The recording combines a vintage
 blues sensibility with energetic ensemble playing, making it a rewarding 
album for collectors of West Coast blues, 
harmonica blues and rare 1990s blues recordings.

Album Notes

Mr. Blake’s Blues is a notable reunion of musicians associated with 
the Hollywood Fats Band, the influential Southern California 
blues group formed around guitarist Mike “Hollywood Fats” Mann. 
Following Mann’s death in 1986, Blake continued to pursue the 
blues tradition and reunited with fellow band members for this recording.

The album features a mixture of original songs and established blues 
compositions, with a strong emphasis on harmonica, piano, guitar and 
a tight rhythm section. It is a fine addition to collections devoted to 
traditional electric blues, West Coast blues and 
the legacy of the Hollywood Fats Band.

Musicians and Line-up

Big Al Blake – Lead vocals, harmonica, guitar
Junior Watson – Guitar
Kid Ramos – Guitar
Fred Kaplan – Piano
Larry Taylor – Bass
Richard Innes – Drums

Production and Recording Information
Producer: Al Blake
Additional production credit: Fred Kaplan
Recording dates: March 16, 1996 – March 18, 1997
Recording studios: Lyon Recording Studio, Newport Beach, California; 
Peace In The Valley Recording, Arleta, California
Recording engineers: Marvin McNeil and Joe Bellamy

tracklist:

1        Old Time Boogie
Written-By – A. Blake*
2:59
2        He Don't Love You     4:14
3        Papa's Boogie
Written-By – A. Blake*
4:34
4        Hoppin' Toad     4:04
5        Shelby Ford Blues
Written-By – A. Blake*
3:41
6        Leavin' California
Written-By – A. Blake*
4:00
7        Rock Me Baby
Written-By – A. Crudup*
3:25
8        The Honeydripper
Written-By – R. Sykes*
3:45
9        Santa Ana's Blowin'
Written-By – A. Blake*
3:23
10        Jalopy To Drive
Written-By – A. Blake*
4:21
11        A Rambler & A Rollin' Stone
Written-By – A. Blake*
4:00
12        Easy (Very Greazy)
Written-By – W. Horton*
2:53

 

 

Link available upon request