In a career spanning more than 40 years, blues guitarist and Ocean City native Walter Trout (above) has been a sideman for legends John Lee Hooker, Big Mama Thornton and John Mayall; lead guitarist for Canned Heat; and leader of his own band. Four years ago, he was the star of his own near-death experience, a victim of hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver. “I was in the hospital for eight months and ‘died’ a couple times,” says Trout. “When I got out, I had to relearn how to talk, how to play guitar and start over again.” Trout returned to the music scene in 2015 with the critically acclaimed album Battle Scars, detailing his medical adventures. Trout closes out the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival on the Green, August 19. Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks kick off the fest at noon.