Michael Hill's Blues Mob is usually described with the phrase "New York blues." That tag carries with it all the connotations of the edge and passion New York brings to things. While the designation is true and not misleading, it is not all encompassing of this group.

To see where they are one looks at the past. Hill's early influence was from his family's record collection. He heard R&B and a variety of music associated with a family of brothers and sisters. It was also the days of the Apollo and the Fillmore. A number of blues' artists and a touch of Jimi Hendrix round out the music that impressed and influenced him.

Michael Hill's Blues Mob takes it lead both in talent and attitude from leader, songwriter and vocalist Michael Hill. Listening to him both on and off stage, one sees the personal flavor he brings to his songs. Hill is not afraid to bring forward political and social problems for his listeners.

Hill started as Michael Hill's Bluesland in 1987, playing original, blues-derived music that blended rock, funk, blues, Caribbean, African and R&B flavors. They played primarily in rock venues that featured original music. Soon the Blues Mob spun off to play the more "traditional" blues clubs of New York City.

While it was Bluesland with which Hill sought a record deal, a colorful turn of events brought the Blues Mob to the attention of Bruce Iglauer in 1992. When in 1993 Hill signed a deal with Iglauer's Alligator Records, his energies and attention came to focus on Michael Hill's Blues Mob.

With the release of their first Alligator album "Bloodlines" in 1994, Michael Hill's Blues Mob immediately established themselves as a cutting-edge, premier contemporary blues band with original music of uncommon power and conviction. "Bloodlines" went on to earn the Living Blues Critic's award for Debut Blues Album of the Year, as well a slew of other rave reviews. He still is one of the young players referenced when it comes to the future of the blues.

Since his early days Hill's bands have been part of the Black Rock Coalition, a relationship he keeps to this day. The Black Rock Coalition was founded to support and advance any type of music not just one genre. They strive to see Black musicians, particularly those who have been perpetually marginalized by the music industry reach their goals. The BRC represents the vanguard of artists, irrespective of genre, devoted to pushing Black music and culture to their next evolutionary phase.

The BRC has meetings and newsletters like many organizations but its personal relationship with aspiring musicians gives it a much needed role. Information has been related to copyrights and publishing, Internet distribution, marketing, radio and health benefits for working musicians. Luminaries such as Nile Rodgers, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Imhotep Gary Byrd, Hal Jackson and Nona Hendryx have participated in BRC clinics. Its members work in schools provides encouragement as well as information. Through its networking musician mentors are assuring that Black derived music will continue to grow into the future. Another luminary who has been an active member of the BRC is Vernon Reid.

The Blues Mob has been welcomed to stages all around the world, from the Chicago Blues Festival, to Memphis In May and other festivals and clubs as well. They have done numerous tours playing festivals and clubs in England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Norway and the rest of Europe and Scandinavia as well as tours in Turkey, Russia and five trips each to Brazil and Australia. In November 2002 Michael performed in Beirut, where Lebanese audiences enthusiastically soaked up that Blues Mob New York energy.

While the band has always drawn acclaim for Hill's songwriting and guitar playing, it's the blending of musical talent that brings the music to its crowd-touching reality. As with all bands changes have a way of moving the music too. The Blues Mob has downsized to three players. But don't confuse them with the dime a dozen power trios.

The band's tradition of great musicianship is being upheld by Pete Cummings on the bass/vocals chair since 1995, and Bill McClellan has held down drums/vocals since 1999. Hill is excited about this arrangement.

Getting back to their roots, has made the Blues Mob more powerful, adventurous and exciting as ever. They can reach back into blues history just as easily as grabbing a Stones or Hendrix tune. And yet it is the original work that sets them apart. There is no doubt that Michael Hill's Blues Mob and their unique New York-style blues continues to be in the vanguard of keeping the blues alive and thriving in the 21st century with originality, real life conviction and full-throttle fun.

Now touring with a live CD, "Electric Storyland Live," that captures the exhilarating feeling of their unique New York-style blues, Michael Hill's Blues Mob puts the, soul rocking blues out for all to hear. This CD is now added to the line of acclaimed studio albums they have put out. The music that has excited fans and concert goers around the world has been captured by Ruf Records.

Fans have been asking for a live Blues Mob album for a long time, and this one won't disappoint. It provides the power and dynamics, the deep grooves and eloquent stories added to the bold, passionate singing and musicianship. This 2-disc set features rocking, action packed versions of fourteen of the best, most requested originals from their studio albums. At the urging of many fans it also includes the Mob's funky Chocolate Cream Jam, and they top it off with live versions of two smoking new Blues Mob originals. Early radio play has already been getting great audience reaction.

A visit to a Michael Hill's Blues Mob show gives one a taste of a dynamic, crowd-pleasing live act, bringing the audience into its music and holding them with their quality playing.

As Michael Hill said "There maybe changes in music but people expand when they delve in what it means to communicate from the heart."