John Clifton may not be a name that instantly leaps to mind when considering many of the West Coast blues scene harmonica players, but maybe it’s time it should be, as he is right there with the best.

With style and prowess on the level of Kim Wilson and Rod Piazza, John has always kept it real with his own voice and identity and never set out to be a copy of any of his musical heroes. As a showman he delivers straight from the heart, soul, and gut, staying clear of the typical clichés and novelties. He also keeps things fresh and exciting by effortlessly infusing styles from West Coast to Chicago Blues, classic R&B and Soul, to some hard driving vintage Rock’n’Roll. Currently touring in support of his latest Rip Cat Records recording In The Middle Of Nowhere, Clifton will be heading to Portland in May.

Catfish Lou’s, 2460 NW 24^th Ave. Saturday, May 11. 8:00 pm. Free.

The old Willie Dixon adage, “blues is truth,” perfectly describes the searing, contemporary blues-rock of world-renowned guitarist and vocalist Coco Montoya. Taught by the “Master of the Telecaster,” Albert Collins, but possessing a hard-edged sound and style all his own, Montoya mixes his forceful, melodic guitar playing and passionate vocals with memorable songs while delivering the blues’ hardest truths. He earned his status as a master guitarist and soul-powered vocalist through years of paying his dues as a sideman with Collins (first as a drummer) and then with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, before launching his solo career in 1993. Constant touring with Collins and Mayall turned Montoya into an incendiary guitar player and dynamic performer. Montoya has released eight solo albums—including three for Alligator between 2000 and 2007—and has played at clubs, concert halls, and major festivals all over the world. Guitar Player describes Montoya performances as containing “stunning, powerhouse blues with a searing tone, emotional soloing, and energetic, unforced vocals.”

Jack London Revue, 529 SW 4^th Ave. Friday, May 10. 9:00 pm. $20.00 Ticketweb.com. 21 & over.

If you’ve spent any time around the Northwest Music Scene, the name Hillstomp should sound familiar to you. They’ve been making music for the past seventeen years and touring across America and Europe. Hillstomp is a two-man band — Henry Hill Kammerer and John Johnson. Henry plays guitar and banjo like a hurricane, and if you close your eyes you’d swear he’s simultaneously playing two parts. John Johnson beats mercilessly on his drum kit — often simply a bucket, brake drum, and broiler pan — with the fury of a demon unchained from hell. But once you get past the pure ferocity of his playing, you’ll note the intricately crafted patterns providing the framework for Kammerer’s guitar and banjo sorcery. This is folk music in its purest form — loud and gritty, intricate and poignant, and most importantly, always heartfelt and true.

Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Friday, April 19 at 9:00 pm. $18.00 advance at Ticketfly.com, $20.00 day of show. All ages.

The incomparable Buddy Guy is arguably the most celebrated blues guitarist of his generation. Buddy possesses a sound and style that embodies the traditions of classic Chicago blues and embraces the fire and flash of vintage rock and roll. For over six decades, Buddy’s been responsible for preserving the blues genre while fostering its future through his influence on distinguished guitarists who have followed, from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton to John Mayer. And along the way he has reaped an unprecedented number of awards and accolades, including 37 Blues Music Awards and, 9 Grammy Awards. He has received the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, induction into the Blues, Rock & Roll, Grammy, and Americana Music Hall of Fames, has performed at The White House for Barack Obama, and has been named one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Roseland Theater, 8 NW Sixth St. Wednesday, April 17 at 8:00. Tickets are $49.50 – $75.00 at etix.com.  21 & over. Opening the night will be Portland’s own blues icon and music award winner Curtis Salgado.