MAXWELL STREET MUMEA
An Early Electric Blues ensemble
celebrating the music of 1937–1953.
A stripped-back approach inspired by the earliest electric blues recordings from Chicago, Memphis, Helena and Detroit.
Available as a trio, duo, or solo, Maxwell Street Mumea brings the sound and spirit of Early Electric Blues to intimate venues, private events, and festivals.
THE PROJECT
Maxwell Street Mumea is dedicated to preserving the sound, feel, and spirit of Early Electric Blues (1937–1953)—the music that emerged from the streets, storefronts, and small clubs of Chicago, Memphis, Helena, and Detroit. Rather than recreating recordings note for note, the goal is to understand the musical language that made them so compelling: the rhythm, touch, dynamics, conversation, and restraint that gave this music its unmistakable character.
My approach is one of subtraction. Instead of adding more volume, effects, speed, or complexity, I strive to strip the music back to its essential elements. Small amplifiers, vintage-inspired equipment, dynamic range, space, and careful touch reveal the subtle details that are often lost in modern interpretations. Every note has purpose, and every silence has meaning.
These performances are intended to feel less like a show and more like a conversation—between guitar and harmonica, between musicians, and ultimately with the audience. It's an intimate approach built on listening as much as playing, allowing the music to breathe in the same understated way it did when these pioneering artists first plugged into small amplifiers and changed the sound of American music.
WHAT YOU'LL HEAR
Small Amplifiers
Warm, responsive tones inspired by the earliest electric blues recordings.
Vintage-Inspired Sound
Classic microphones and simple equipment that let the natural character of the music shine through.
Authentic Repertoire
Songs and styles rooted in the formative years of electric blues, from 1937–1953.
Dynamics & Space
An understated approach that emphasizes touch, conversation, and musical interaction over constant volume.
Intimate Performances
Available as a duo or trio, creating a relaxed atmosphere that's engaging without overpowering the room.
THE SOUND
The sound of Maxwell Street Mumea is rooted in the pioneering musicians who transformed the blues from acoustic performances into one of America's first truly electric musical traditions. Rather than simply covering their songs, this project draws inspiration from the musical values they shared—strong rhythm, expressive touch, dynamic range, thoughtful accompaniment, and a deep sense of conversation between musicians.
The influences behind this project include the groundbreaking guitar work of Robert Lockwood Jr., Jimmy Rogers, Muddy Waters, Floyd Jones, and Leroy Foster, alongside the harmonica innovations of John Lee Williamson (Sonny Boy Williamson I), Little Walter, Snooky Pryor, and Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller). Together, these artists established the vocabulary of Early Electric Blues, creating a style whose subtlety, restraint, and emotional depth continue to inspire every Maxwell Street Mumea performance.
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PERFORMANCE OPTIONS
Trio
Featuring guitar, harmonica, and quiet drums, the trio provides a fuller rhythmic foundation while preserving the intimacy and restraint of the music. Performed with brushes and a low-volume approach, it delivers the energy of a full band without overwhelming the room.
Duo
Available as either guitar & harmonica or guitar & quiet drums, each offering a unique interpretation of Early Electric Blues while maintaining the same emphasis on dynamics, space, and musical conversation. Both configurations are well suited for intimate venues where authenticity and atmosphere are valued over volume.
Solo
An intimate performance featuring guitar and vocals, highlighting the expressive touch, rhythm, and dynamics that define the earliest electric blues recordings. Ideal for galleries, wineries, restaurants, and private gatherings.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Experience Maxwell Street Mumea live in an intimate setting where touch, dynamics, and conversation take center stage. Whether performing solo, as a duo, or as a trio, each performance brings the spirit of Early Electric Blues to life through authentic instrumentation and a low-volume, engaging presentation.
Upcoming Performances
September 12, 2026
Private Event
Los Angeles, California
See Us Live in Seal Beach
In addition to private events and booked performances, Maxwell Street Mumea can often be found performing in Seal Beach. We typically play once or twice each week—sometimes more—either on the Seal Beach Pier or along Main Street, bringing the sound of Early Electric Blues to locals and visitors in a relaxed, informal setting.
Because these performances are weather and schedule dependent, I usually post to Facebook and Instagram as we're setting up, just before we begin playing. If you're in the area, it's a great opportunity to stop by, say hello, and experience this music up close.
Even if you can't make it to a live performance, we regularly share home sessions, studio performances, street performances, and behind-the-scenes videos across our social media channels, offering a window into both the music and the ongoing exploration of Early Electric Blues.
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