KGNU welcomed Mad Dog Friedman and George Williams into the studio ahead of their performance and send-off to the International Blues Competition in Memphis. Mad Dog Friedman discussed developing a full solo harmonica set—returning to the roots of his playing—while George Williams shared insights on winning the band competition with Reckless and Blue and preparing for international touring. The conversation explored the tradition of solo harmonica blues, the role of competition in artistic growth, and new recordings from both artists, including Reckless and Blue’s album Seven Deadly Gins. The interview highlighted the strong sense of community within the Colorado blues scene and previewed their send-off show at Buffalo Rose (December 5, 2025).
https://on.soundcloud.com/arMsQm2b4I4naPZJsl
DJ Dan Willging: Well, with me in the studio right now is Mad Dog. A long-time KGNU listener and supporter. And George Williams from Reckless and Blue, a Denver-based blues band. Hey George, welcome to KGNU.
Mad Dog Friedman and George Williams of Reckless and Blue: Thank you. Thank you for having us here.
DJ Dan Willging: The reason you’re here is because you’ll be playing Sunday at the Buffalo Rose. This is the send-off to the International Blues Competition in Memphis.
Mad Dog Friedman: That’s right. We’re going to Memphis. It’s my first time going as a solo harmonica player, which is really exciting.
DJ Dan Willging: Can you tell us why this was important to you?
Mad Dog Friedman: Solo harmonica is how I started playing. I’ve always loved it, and it shaped my style, even with the Mad Dog Blues Band. I play a lot of rhythm, which comes from solo harmonica. I was always terrified of performing solo harmonica for more than one song. Last year, while thinking about the IBC, I decided to follow my fear and develop a full solo harmonica set. It was magical. Everything fell into place. This is what I’ve needed to do my whole life.
DJ Dan Willging: When you were developing your set, how did you practice?
Mad Dog Friedman: I hit open mics, especially Roots Music Project. I used to busk in the ’70s on the Boulder Mall, living out of my truck for a summer. That’s where many of my songs came from. Developing a 30-minute set was a challenge. There isn’t much material to cover, so you have to create it yourself. This tradition goes back to the 1920s and ’30s, with players like Sonny Terry, DeFord Bailey, and Peg Leg Sam.
DJ Dan Willging: DeFord Bailey opened the Grand Ole Opry.
Mad Dog Friedman: He did. He opened it with “Fox Chase.” I’m not doing that song—it’s not something I connect to culturally, and it’s extremely difficult.
DJ Dan Willging: George, what was it like winning the band competition?
George Williams: It was fantastic. We almost didn’t compete this year, but it worked out. We’ve honed our skills over the years, and now we’re headed to Memphis. We’re excited.
DJ Dan Willging: Congratulations to both of you. Encourage everyone to come out Sunday.
Mad Dog Friedman: It’s going to be a great blues party.
DJ Dan Willging: Doors at 1:00, music from 2:00 to 5:00.
Mad Dog Friedman: That sounds right.
DJ Dan Willging: Mad Dog, you’ve competed in the Colorado Blues Society IBC for over 20 years.
Mad Dog Friedman: Since about 2003. I’ve competed with many acts—Papa Duke, Mojo Medicine Show, and others. I was often afraid to go solo. Once, I even competed with a tap dancer. There’s a tradition of solo harmonica, and it hasn’t been recorded or performed much, but it’s powerful.
DJ Dan Willging: Are you releasing an album?
Mad Dog Friedman: Yes. I recorded my winning set with the Colorado Blues Society. It’s coming out the day after the IBC. There’s also an EP recorded at Longmont Public Media for the Cosmos Collective TV show.
DJ Dan Willging: Competing made you a better performer?
Mad Dog Friedman: Absolutely. It gives me a goal. It pushes me to improve my art.
DJ Dan Willging: You went to the IBC in 2024.
Mad Dog Friedman: Yes, with Sean Knight as the Mad Dog Blues Duo. I met Joe Waters, who deserved his win. The IBC is about connections, community, and growth.
DJ Dan Willging: Do you want to play something on harmonica?
Mad Dog Friedman: Sure.
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DJ Dan Willging: That was incredible. Will you play that on Sunday?
Mad Dog Friedman: Yes.
DJ Dan Willging: How many songs will you perform?
Mad Dog Friedman: A full 30-minute set. Then my band will join me.
DJ Dan Willging: George, you’re also president of the Mile High Blues Society and host a radio show.
George Williams: Yes, on Radio Wigwam in Cardiff, England. I’ve done about 140 shows.
DJ Dan Willging: You’re also touring the UK?
George Williams: Yes, after Memphis, we head to the UK for a three-week tour.
DJ Dan Willging: Let’s talk about the new album Seven Deadly Gins.
George Williams: It’s inspired by Burning Man and a gin camp called Seven Deadly Gins. One song, “Shimmy Shaken Blues,” was inspired by a dance group here in Colorado. They even created a line dance for it.
DJ Dan Willging: Let’s play that song.
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DJ Dan Willging: Tell us about the band.
George Williams: Shonda Fry on vocals, Tom Dillard on bass, Alan Anderson on keys, and Steve Gaskin on drums. I’m lucky to work with such talented musicians.
DJ Dan Willging: You play for dancers regularly?
George Williams: Yes, and it’s one of the most rewarding experiences.
DJ Dan Willging: The Pearl used to be the Mercury Café.
George Williams: It still has the same bohemian feel.
DJ Dan Willging: This next track is from your live album.
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DJ Dan Willging: You recorded it in one take?
George Williams: Yes, after rehearsing the set for a year.
DJ Dan Willging: We’re heading to a traditional song now.
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DJ Dan Willging: Your band jams like you’re on the same wavelength.
Mad Dog Friedman: It’s in our DNA—combining country blues with Colorado jam culture.
DJ Dan Willging: The album is Seven Deadly Gins.
Mad Dog Friedman: Inspired by Burning Man’s gifting culture and music camps.
AD Break
DJ Dan Willging: We’re wrapping up. Thanks for coming in.
Mad Dog Friedman: Thank you for supporting the blues and the blues legacy.
DJ Dan Willging: The IBC send-off is Sunday at the Buffalo Rose. Doors at 1:00.
Mad Dog Friedman: If you’re curious about solo harmonica, come check it out.
DJ Dan Willging: We’re moving on to some recorded music.
