Albert Cummings is an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose commanding guitar work and soulful vocals have made him a standout in the contemporary blues scene. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Cummings developed a deep passion for music at an early age, beginning on the banjo and bluegrass before being captivated by the electric blues influences of legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix.
Although trained as a builder and master carpenter, Cummings’ musical path took shape with his first public blues performance in the late 1990s and his debut album, The Long Way, released independently in 2000 with his band Swamp Yankee. His dynamic fusion of blues, rock, and storytelling soon drew attention. When members of Vaughan’s former rhythm section—bass legend Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton—volunteered to play on his 2003 solo debut From the Heart, the blues world took notice.
Signing with the revered blues label Blind Pig Records, Cummings released albums such as True to Yourself (2004) and Working Man (2006), the latter cementing his reputation as a touring force and recording artist of significant range and impact. Over the years, he has shared stages with blues luminaries such as B.B. King, Johnny Winter, and Buddy Guy, further broadening his musical reach.
In his later work, Cummings continues to evolve. Albums like Believe (2020) and TEN (2022) showcase a deeper sonic palette while remaining rooted in the soul of the blues. His most recent release, Strong (2024), debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, further underscoring his status as a modern torchbearer for the genre and a master craftsman of heartfelt, high-energy blues.
Beyond the studio and stage, Cummings remains grounded in his New England roots—bringing the same craftsmanship and dedication to his music that he once applied to his second career as a builder. He believes that the discipline of construction and the improvisation of music share a common foundation: integrity, structure, and creativity. For Cummings, the blues isn’t just a style—it’s a story of life, grit, hope, and connection, delivered through every note and lyric.
Praise for Albert Cummings:
“[The Long Way (2000) is a] barrage of guitar pyrotechnics that calls to mind a grand mix of the styles of past masters like Albert King, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix.” – Bluesprint Magazine
“[On True To Yourself (2004)] he attacks his axe with unbridled ferocity and deep soulfulness…his depth and expression are matched only by his terrifying technique and tone.” – Guitar One
“This recording [Working Man (2006)] is the calling card of a blues star who has arrived. Cummings’ guitar work is sizzling. This is one of the top blues albums of 2006.” – Billboard
“Though Albert always walks a fine line between rock and blues, he demonstrates effortlessly [on the live recording, Feel So Good (2008)] that the blues makes everybody feel great.” – Bostonblues.com
“The blues is best served up live, with an enthusiastic audience and a killin’ band, and that’s exactly what guitarist Albert Cummings does on Feel So Good. Cummings effortlessly shifts from chimney subdued stylings to raucous roadhouse raunch to soaring yet stinging lead lines, driving his audience to frenzy in all the right places.” – Guitar Edge Magazine
“[Feel So Good is] one of the best live albums recorded in a long time.” – Music Connection
“Cummings’ first live album [Feel So Good] provides the perfect showcase for the fiery guitarist’s axe-handling skills and enormous onstage charisma.” – Blurt
“All the tracks on [No Regrets (2012)] pop with Cummings’ emotive style not just in terms of what he’s producing, slamming and bending his Strat’s six strings, but also in terms of where he pushes his simple yet soulful voice…That Stevie Ray tonality and combustion is not hard to hear in Cummings’ playing, but make no mistake—he’s not a Vaughan clone. Stylistically, compositionally, lyrically, and vocally he is very much a distinct entity.” – The Phantom Tollbooth
“[On Someone Like You (2017)] Albert gets into Robben Ford territory soloing effortlessly over the rhythm changes…these forays into jazz-blues are a real treat and leave the listener longing for more.” – Blues Rock Review