Cleveland Fats
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