For his latest CD, Andy Santana has resurrected the infamous West Coast Playboys. Watch Your Step! features an army of talent including guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Kid Andersen, longtime musical companions Mighty Mike Schermer and June Core, as well as Bay Area blues stalwarts Rusty Zinn, Anthony Paule, Bob Welsh and others. Here Andy’s originals stand alongside some interesting covers that have the iconoclastic sensibilities of a true American original.
While listening to Watch Your Step! it is as if you are in a New Orleans dance hall that just happens to be on a beach in California. Sorry Santa Cruz, your secret is out of the bag.
Andy Santana was inducted in to the Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame on September 30, 2018 along with AJ Joyce, Jimmy Morello and RW Grigsby. There was also a special tribute to the late Frankie Lee.
The ceremony took place at Harlow's followed by a showcase at the Torch Club.
Mighty Mike Schermer is probably the best blues guitarist, singer and songwriter you’ve never heard of"
Tommy Castro
“Every time I play with him my booty hurts afterwards from him kicking it all night!” - Elvin Bishop
“Funky and authentic!” - Bonnie Raitt
"Hands down one of the best songwriters in the blues today" - Bill Wax, XM/Sirius Radio "Bluesville"
The opening cut of Mighty Mike Schermer’s 8th solo album describes the 57 year-old guitarist/singer/songwriter’s musical journey perfectly. “It ain’t getting’ old, it’s just getting’ good!”
Recorded at Greaseland in San Jose, CA with the help of perennial Blues Award winner/Grammy nominee and multi-instrumentalist Kid Andersen, “Just Gettin’ Good” showcases Mighty Mike at his guitar-slinging, soul-singing and storytelling best. 12 original songs retain the energetic live-show feel throughout, with stellar performances by some of the Bay Area’s top musicians including Steve Ehrmann (Roy Rogers, John Lee Hooker), Tony Stead (Tommy Castro, Sly and The Family Stone), Paul Revelli (Joe Louis Walker, Chuck Prophet), D’mar (Little Richard, Rick Estrin and the Nightcats), June Core (Charlie Musselwhite, Robert Jr. Lockwood) and Austin DeLone (Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe). Jerry Jemmott, John Nemeth, Terry Hanck and The Sons of the Soul Revivers all contribute mightily in guest appearances. The knockout punch may well be delivered by Mike’s beautiful and talented partner Ms. Kimmy Pickens, featured in more than one Star-Is-Born musical and songwriting moment.