Michael Pickett, Crystal Beach, ON

Pickett's unique fusion of sensibilities, driven by his thumping delta guitar rhythms, muscular harmonica and gravel and chains voice is, at once, traditional and relevant. Never content to merely be a musical archivist, Pickett effectively deconstructs and reconstructs those seminal blues, born on the delta, to serve his own singular purpose; writing songs that are authentic both in substance and performance. After 30 years, Michael Pickett is at a place in his career which he arrived at honestly. An acknowledged harmonica virtuoso, Pickett has led, and performed with, roots/blues bands clearly recognized for their significant contribution to a venerable musical art-form. But that was never enough for Michael. He has a voice. A voice that, without the adornment of a band, ought to be heard. Raw. Honest. And dripping with sly insights.