I've collaborated with many colleagues over 43 years — but some constellations lasted longer, or became projects that kept returning to the stage. These are the ones that shaped the music — mine and theirs.
Not every collaboration becomes a long-term project — but some encounters leave a mark that never quite fades. These people all left one.
One of the great early influences. I first met Louisiana Red in Belgrade in 1988 — a day that included a broken slide, a frantic search through hardware stores, and eventually a wine bottle neck filed smooth enough to save the show. We remained friends for life.
An electric guitar and lap steel player who completed Mac on stage in a very special way. Bo was a guest on my album "Leaving," playing an unforgettable lap steel on "900 Miles." A wonderful musician and dear friend, lost far too young at 57.
I discovered Sven on a vinyl LP in Belgrade in the 1980s. Upon moving to Sweden, I sent a cassette tape into the unknown — and Sven replied with a postcard I still keep. Mentor, supporter, great friend. At Voxtock Blues Festival 2007, a roaring crowd finally proved to him what I'd been saying for years. He passed away in 2017, aged 64.
A harmonica player from Boston, based in Holland. Keith and I have played together on several occasions over the years — never a formal project, but always an absolute pleasure. An amazing musician and a dear acquaintance.