When I first started out, my interest in Blues was more centered on the hard edge electric blues of Chicago. The harmonica driven bands like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Junior Wells had always been my passion and are prevalent on my previous recordings.
BB King had a much more refined, sophisticated and polished style of Blues. I went to see BB live at Roy Thomson Hall in 2007. I was mesmerized by his voice, his stories and the way he interacted with his audience. I left the Theatre with my eyes opened and on a different path. I immediately picked up some of his older Kent recordings and was blown away by his vocal strength. He had the power to play and sing at such comfortable volume levels, leaving space and room for dynamics. BB King really opened my mind and got me listening to new artists like Bobby Blue Bland, Jr. Parker and Little Milton. On this record, my vocals are out front, on a few of our favorite tracks, done humbly, and respectfully, in our own way. I am very proud to have been accompanied on this endeavor, by some of Canada's finest blues Musicians.

Shrimp Daddy’s seminal recording, “Messin’ With My System”. Inspired in equal measure by the sounds of Little Walter and William Clarke, “Messin’ With My System” is a must have for any blues aficionado’s library.

Shrimp’s powerful baritone voice, rich harp tone and tasty phrasing will carry the listener through tunes filled with both irony and good humour. They call him “Shrimp Daddy” and he plays the “Blues”. His deep gravelly vocals, accompanied by the mesmerizing sound of his harmonica, supported by his hard playing band “The Sharpshooters” whisks you to the juke joints of Mississippi, the hard edge blues clubs of Chicago, as well as jumpin’ and swingin’ west coast style. The music of Little Walters, Willie Dixon, Howlin Wolf & Muddy Waters augmented with the unforgettable sound of William Clarke are a few of his many inspirations.

Transplanted from “La Belle Province” this native Montrealer now makes Toronto his home. Shrimp Daddy is a driving force in vocalizing, interpreting and writing Chicago and West Coast jump and swing blues. Michael “Shrimp Daddy” Reid is a must hear!