The album “Catalunya Harmonica Summit” is an essential musical summit that confirms the exceptional quality of Catalonia’s blues scene. This ambitious collective project, conceived and with the executive production of Basque enthusiast Javier Laguna (from here the name Lagunak, meaning “friends” in Basque), who has gathered the finest talents of the Catalonia scene to pay a heartfelt tribute to blues harmonica. Released by Gaztelupeko Hotsak label, the twelve-track album was recorded at the prestigious La Casa Murada studios, capturing the warm, old-school sound that will catch listeners from the very first notes.

The artistic helm of the recording lays on American bluesman Greg Izor who, besides producing this project, has composed half of the repertoire, contributing with outstanding gems like “High School Days”, “Two Dollar Bill” and the chromatic harmonica instrumental “Le Rêve Bretagne”. The album becomes a true exhibition of top local harmonica blowers. Next to him, contributions of harp players like Marta Suñé (Sweet Marta) who brings a Texas grit, David Sánchez Farràs delivers an electrifying reinterpretation of “Linda Lu,” while the usual mastery of Víctor Puertas (doubling himself on harmonica and organ) and the tight chemistry of M.A. Lonesome, provide a commendable stylistic versatility to the whole recording.

The stellar harmonica work is supported by a relentless, seasoned rhythm section. The guitars of Johnny Bigstone and Óscar Rabadán, combined with Jordi Abad’s bass and Reginald Vilardell’s precise drumming, build up a robust sound engine that flows seamlessly through various blues substyles. The twelve CD cuts show an imaginary roadmap, connecting the swampy sounds of Louisiana, the urban pulse of Chicago, and the freshness of Austin with the streets of Barcelona.

A recording that stands out as a living document of a musical community at its peak of creative maturity. Far from being a mere collection of African American standard blues covers, it dazzles for the outstanding level of all the musicians involved and their deep worshipful respect for the blues roots. “Catalunya Harmonica Summit” is a totally refreshing album, specially devoted to purists and mandatory to anyone willing to discover the impressive instrumental and performing power of the actual national scene.