Blues slide guitarist and harpist Big Jon Atkinson got his first guitar at the age of 14, and soon began soaking up the music of Lightnin’ Hopkins, Little Walter, and Howlin’ Wolf. He moved to San Diego in 2014 and formed Big Jon and the Nationals.

“The first experience I had was playing with Mark Mumea and the Silver Kings. That was a great chapter for me, as it got me thinking the old way again, as if I had gotten off-track at some point. Everyone needs a little push sometimes. Then Nathan James and I started talking and he invited me to sit in with him. I went down and met the guys and played with him and Marty Dodson and Troy Sandow, who now are great friends.”

In 2016, Atkinson collaborated with Bob Corritore for an album called House Party At Big Jon's, recorded on vintage equipment at Big Jon's home-based Big Tone Studios. Guest players include Willie Buck, Alabama Mike, Dave Riley, and Tomcat Courtney.