Rick Estrin & the Nightcats have 2-night stand in Salt Lake

Rick Estrin & the Nightcats began as Little Charlie & the Nightcats before the former frontman, because of health issues, temporarily retired from touring.

The band's blues and jazz music is built upon the foundation of Chicago blues, though virtuoso harmonica player Estrin and his bandmates hail from northern California.

When Little Charlie (Baty) decided to retire, he requested that Estrin and the band continue on, Estrin said in a phone interview.

Estrin was nervous about the proposition because he considered Little Charlie one of a kind.

But once the band got into the groove, he said, "It all fell together. Like it was meant to be."

Now that Estrin is happy leading his own band, he no longer regrets once missing a phone call — back in the days before voice mail and answering machines were ubiquitous — from the late Muddy Waters to join Waters' band.

When • Monday and Tuesday, 7 p.m.Where • The Sun & Moon Cafe, 6281 Emigration Canyon Road, Salt Lake CityTickets • $25 (or both nights for $40). Show tickets and dinner reservations required in advance. Call 801-583-8331 to book.