Language of the Blues - Edmonton Blues Society

`
Songs:
- Bukka White (Booker T. Washington White)
- Bessie Smith, (recorded with Louis Armstrong)
- Lucille Bogan
C O M B
and this became a slang term for the
harmonica itself (see harp). An early form of the kazoo was simply a small hair comb
wrapped in tissue paper through which the performer hummed or sang. Check out early
recordings by the Mound City Blue Blowers to hear some comb playing. 112
Memphis Minnie sang:
He makes my honey
Even now makes my comb
Harmonica combs are made of wood, plastic, or metal, but most blues players prefer
wooden combs. Blues players use diatonic harmonicas, which play eight-note major or
minor scale. Harmonicas come in different keys- a performer usually keeps several
on hand.
The comb piece holds the reed plates in place and directs air over them so they can
vibrate and produce a tone. Metal combs last longer than wood, because the moisture in
the air breathed over the comb can swell and warp a wooden comb, but the wood comb
delivers a warmer sound. The wood comb Marine Band harmonica is the most popular
blues harmonica.
Like the guitar, the harmonica was popular among Mississippi blues players because it
could be carted around easily. The great blues harp player James Cotton and guitarist
school that I was
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