Akarsha Kumar

About Me

Born and raised in Bombay (Mumbai), India but now settled in San Jose, California, Akarsha "Aki" Kumar is an up and coming harmonica player on the San Francisco Bay Area scene. He has been a devoted fan of the Chicago blues since 2003 and under the guidance of harp guru David Barrett, has studied and absorbed the styles of harp greats such as Little Walter, George Smith and Sonny Boy Williamson II. Aki seeks to take his music in new directions, while keeping alive the spirit of the old masters.

Aki's latest project, Tip of the Top, is a collaboration with Bay Area veterans Little Jonny Lawton and Frank De Rose, along with drummer Carlos Velasco. The band delivers a unique blend of classic blues like no other.

Over the last few years, Aki has sat in and/or collaborated with with numerous blues musicians including Gary Smith, Mark Hummel, Jason Ricci, Kid Andersen, Charles Wheal, Andy Santana, Andy Just, John Nemeth, Rusty Zinn, Screamin' Iain, Sid Morris, John Garcia, Phil Berkowitz, Jonny Lawton, Kenny Blue Ray, Johnny Cat, Russell Barber, Jimmy Dewrance, Ben & Nathan, to list a few.