IMAGES OF CLEVELAND FATS BY KURT SWANSON
E-MAIL: kurtswanson@juno.com

Mark “Cleveland Fats” Hahn is a versatile guitarist who possesses a strong reverence for the tradition of blues. As a youngster he started playing the guitar by studying the recordings of such masters as Muddy Waters, The Kings (Albert, B.B., and Freddie), Earl Hooker, and T- Bone Walker. He was particularly interested in many of the Chess recordings of the 1950s. While in high school he joined the band of Otis Trotter, who had a loyal following in Fats’ home town of Ravenna , Ohio . Playing in Trotter’s band allowed Fats the opportunity to perform and develop his craft by working first – hand with seasoned blues veterans

Shortly after finishing high school Fats met and befriended Robert Lockwood, Jr. Soon thereafter Fats was asked to join the band of Mr. Lockwood. While a member of the Lockwood band, Fats had the opportunity to continue his musical education by studying at the feet of a master. Fats performed, traveled, and recorded with Robert Lockwood, Jr. for the better part of seventeen years.

Since leaving Lockwood’s band Fats has recorded albums for Ichiban/Wild Dog Blues, Bueswayed, and Honeybee. He has toured England , Canada , and the United States and continues to play today. He is scheduled to begin recording a new album for Honeybee in early 2006 and plans to tour in support of the release.

Cleveland Fats is a master blues guitarist. He plays with a rich, deep tone and is comfortable playing everything from solo Delta-style acoustic to traditional Chicago blues to uptown Memphis and West Coast blues. Cleveland Fats is a dedicated bluesman and this can be seen whether he is playing solo or fronting his hard – driving band.~honeybeeblues.com


“He is an exceptional guitarist with great tone and skill…”
Real Blues


“I was awed by his forceful solos and jazzy lines…”
Vintage Guitar


“Simply stated, he is a splendid singer, guitarist, and songwriter…”
Jazz and Blues Report

Images of Cleveland Fats taken between January and June 2006 for the upcoming cd release titled "The Way Things Go" due out Oct. 2006

Buy the disc online at http://honeybeeblues.com/gig.htm