When Johnny met Ian. Mastro and Siegal

Johnny Mastro doesn’t just play the blues—he lives them. As the frontman of Johnny Mastro & Mama’s Boys, his raw, soul-stirring sound has become a mainstay in the blues world, blending gritty harmonica riffs with an electrifying stage presence that commands attention.

WORDS: Colin Campbell IMAGESL Supplied

Blues legends Ian Siegal and Johnny Mastro have joined forces for a collaboration that’s as raw and authentic as the genre itself. Their latest album, Easy Tiger, captures the essence of their combined artistry, blending soulful vocals, gritty harmonica, and storytelling steeped in tradition. In this feature, we delve into the stories behind the album, the journeys that brought these two powerhouse musicians together, and what this collaboration means for the future of blues.

SIEGAL: THE VOICE OF GRIT AND SOUL

Ian Siegal’s presence on stage is transformative. His voice, capable of swinging from a gravelly growl to a heartfelt croon, and his guitar playing, dripping with Mississippi grit, have made him a standout figure in modern blues. Born in the UK, Siegal channels the spirit of the Delta in every note, weaving tales of love, loss, and life’s raw truths.

When it comes to songwriting, Siegal embraces a fluid and instinctive approach. “Usually, it’s just a phrase. I’ll scroll through years’ worth of iPhone notes and find something like My Dog Won’t Hunt. All I had was the title,” he laughs. For Siegal, lyrics often come first, with melodies taking shape later.

Collaborating with Mastro brought a new dimension to his creative process. “Johnny would send me titles, and I’d run with them,” he explains. “It’s rarely a musical idea unless it’s someone else’s that I latch onto.”

MASTRO: HARMONICA VIRTUOSO WITH A GRITTY EDGE

Johnny Mastro’s journey into the blues world was born from an innate passion. “I fell in love with the harmonica when I was a kid. I didn’t even know why, but I just loved it,” he recalls. By the time he was a teenager, Mastro was playing in bar bands, but his real transformation came when he stumbled upon Babe and Ricky’s Inn, a legendary blues venue in Los Angeles.

Run by the formidable “Mama,” the club became Mastro’s home for 16 years. “Mama encouraged me to keep going and gave me a platform,” he says. “That’s how my band got its name—Mama’s Boys. Without her, I’d probably be doing something else.”

Relocating to New Orleans over a decade ago allowed Mastro to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. “Here, there’s a local blues scene where you can perform regularly even if you’re not travelling constantly. It’s a good balance,” he explains.

THE BIRTH OF EASY TIGER

The collaboration between Siegal and Mastro began with mutual respect and a shared desire to shake things up. “We were both on the same label years ago and crossed paths at festivals,” Mastro says. “I’ve always admired Ian’s songwriting, his records, and his voice. I thought it would be cool to put a driving blues band behind him.” Siegal was immediately intrigued, and the two began exchanging ideas remotely. “We’d trade riffs, lyrics, and concepts through messenger,” Mastro shares. “By the time we hit the studio, we had everything we needed.”

Recording took place in a vintage New Orleans studio filled with tube equipment from the 1940s and 50s. “We rehearsed for one day and recorded everything over two days,” Mastro recalls. “Most of what you hear is live and on the floor. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s the blues at its core.”

The album’s title, Easy Tiger, came about casually. “It was just a note I had for an album title,” Siegal says. “When I suggested it, Johnny loved it.” The cover artwork, featuring a striking cat, was similarly spontaneous. “Johnny showed me a mock-up, and we both agreed it was perfect. It reminded me of the giant cat from The Goodies,” Siegal adds with a laugh.

TRACKS THAT TELL STORIES

The tracks on Easy Tiger showcase the pair’s knack for storytelling, blending traditional blues elements with fresh perspectives.

Four on the Floor kicks off the album with a fast boogie. “The stop-time breaks give Ian’s vocals room to shine,” Mastro says.

Balling the Jack, inspired by old Southern slang for fast trains, shifts tempos mid-track, adding a unique flair.

Wine Headed revisits a playful blues term from Mastro’s earlier band, describing someone who’s had a bit too much wine.

One of the most striking tracks is Whore in Church, inspired by a Southern expression Siegal picked up while touring with Jimbo Mathus. “It’s stream-of-consciousness fun,” Siegal explains. “In Europe, it gets laughs, but in the U.S., especially in the South, reactions can be mixed.”

Both musicians reflect on the state of the blues today, recognising its challenges and opportunities. Siegal laments the genre’s increasing commercialisation. “It’s not a working-class music anymore,” he says. “Unless you’ve got money, you can’t afford to promote, record, or hire a PR agent.”

Mastro shares Siegal’s frustrations, adding: “A lot of what’s out there feels overly polished. Blues is raw, dark, and driving. That’s the spirit I wanted Easy Tiger to capture.”

Despite the hurdles, both are optimistic about the blues’ future. Siegal highlights emerging talents like Jontavious Willis and Blind Boy Paxton, who bring fresh energy to traditional blues. “Young Black musicians embracing the genre again is significant,” he says. “It shows the blues is still relevant.”

BRINGING EASY TIGER TO LIFE

With the album complete, Siegal and Mastro are gearing up for live performances. “We haven’t played these songs for an audience yet, but we’re heading to the Netherlands for a run of shows,” Mastro says. While UK dates remain uncertain due to logistical challenges, the pair are eager to bring their collaboration to audiences. “Festivals, absolutely,” Siegal says. “If you’re reading this, come and get us!”

For both musicians, the live experience promises to add a new dimension to the album. “The songs weren’t written with the audience in mind, but they’re built to connect,” Mastro explains. “There’s a feelgood energy in this album, and I think people will respond to it.”

THE MAGIC OF COLLABORATION

The seamless chemistry between Siegal and Mastro is evident throughout the album. “This was the easiest album I’ve made,” Mastro says. “Ian trusted me to mix the record, and everything just fell into place.”

Siegal agrees: “We weren’t trying to recreate something or pretend to be anything we’re not. This album reflects who we are.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As Ian Siegal and Johnny Mastro continue to blaze their own trails, Easy Tiger stands as a testament to their shared passion for authentic blues. The album’s raw energy, heartfelt storytelling, and undeniable chemistry make it a must-listen for blues fans.

For Siegal, the journey is about balance. “I still love being on stage, but I’m ready to slow down,” he says. “I want to spend more time at home— maybe get some dogs. They deserve someone who’s there.”

As for Mastro, the collaboration has reinvigorated his creative spirit. “This record is a testament to keeping it real,” he says. “It’s organic, it’s honest, and it’s from the heart. That’s all I could ever ask for.”