Essential Blues Harmonica Listening II - Mel Bay's Harmonica ...

Essential Blues Harmonica Listening II
By David Barrett, www.harmonicasessions.com
The August 2003 article “Essential Blues Harmonica Listening” took me a good two months
to gather the information presented. Upon completion and publication I started the next
level of research, which was to speak to some good friends in the harmonica world to have
them add their expert advise. Most important of them are Mark Hummel and Charlie Lange
of www.bluebeatmusic.com; thank you for your time and support on this important subject.
For this October 2003 issue I am including most of the material of last month’s article with
the addition of more artists, possible better album recommendations, more insight on some
less-known recordings of artists, and an added section on harmonica instrumentals. Enjoy.
Listening and studying players is HUGELY important to the growth of all musicians.
Studying blues harmonica means that you are studying the language of the blues; the licks,
movement, phrasing and articulation that speaks the sound and feel of the music. This is
accomplished in one way, studying the masters. The more artists you study, the more your
sound will be diverse and unique. Along with essential fathers of blues harmonicas I will
also mention modern players that are pushing the envelope of the traditional sound.
Start your collection with the fathers of blues harmonica and continue to modern day
players. I would recommend purchasing recordings in the general order they are listed
(though any combination of artists in a grouping is fine) and pick up box sets when
available. Look at the dates of each recording as you listen to get an idea of their place in
history. Though it is not mentioned, most of the artists were also great singers and
songwriters.
This list starts with post war players, though Sonny Boy Williamson (who recorded from
1937 to 1947) was so influential to the players that followed him (many literally followed him
gig to gig to learn harmonica) that he needs to be on the list. If you are interested in prewar
blues, check out Harmonica Masters ‘”Classic Recordings from the 1920’s and 30’s”
(YaZoo 2019) and Harmonica Blues “Great Harmonica Performances of the 1920’s and
30’s” (YaZoo 1053). These albums feature important players such as Jazz Gillum, Jaybird
Coleman and De Ford Bailey.
Next to the artist’s name are CDs I am familiar with and you might enjoy as well. Though
there are of course more CDs for each artist, this should get you started. If you find a
player you like, research the albums available. There’s a good chance they recorded over a
long period of time and there are some gems out there. In some cases these CDs have
gone out of print, though they are still available from specialty sellers. A music seller I and
other pro players commonly use is http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/, they tend to have hardto-find
blues harmonica recordings.
Please keep in mind that everything within this list is my personal opinion and my opinion
changes as new recordings and information comes my way. These are players I am
familiar with now, though I am sure there are many great players out there (past and
present) that I have not heard of, so the list will be updated though time.
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Grandfather of Blues Harmonica
• Sonny Boy Williamson I (John Lee Williamson) – Played acoustic harmonic and really
defined the style for all players after him. Document Records has a complete recorded
works series (DOCD-5055 through DOCD-5059)
Fathers of Blues Harmonica – All these players where pioneers and true masters of the
instrument.
• Big Walter Horton – Though rough around the edges at times, Big Walter played a very
powerful harp (acoustic and amplified). He backed players (Muddy Waters and Jimmy
Rogers to name two) often in Chicago. He recorded and performed for many years
playing a variety of styles within the blues from classic full band vocal tunes,
instrumentals, and mesmerizing harp only tunes. Album: Can’t Keep Lovin’ You (Blind
Pig BP71484) or Fine Cuts (Blind Pig BP 70678). Some of my favorite Horton is when
he backed Robert Nighthawk, Johnny Shines on ‘Evenin’ Shuffle (JOB 1952-53) and
Johnny Young. For a complete listing of Big Walter Horton recordings visit Joe’s
Filisko’s website at www.customharmonicas.com for a downloadable PDF. A great
resource.
• Little Walter – The innovator of amplified harmonica (some call him the king of the blues
harmonica). Early recordings have him playing with Muddy Waters acoustic with his
own material coming soon after both acoustic and amplified. The amplified work really
set him apart. His 1953 recording Juke placed him on the music charts and changed
the blues harmonica sound forever. Along with vocal tunes, he recorded many
instrumental tunes (Juke, Off the Wall, Roller Coaster, Boogie, Rocker, etc.) that stand
to this day as some of the best amplified playing ever. His phrasing is especially a
focus of study for students wanting to play instrumentals. Album: The Essential Little
Walter (Chess/MCA CHD2-9342 - 2 CD set) & Confessin’ The Blues (Chess MCD
09366). Some other nice work is when Walter backed John Brim (Chess).
• Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) – Not to be confused with the original John Lee
“Sonny Boy” Williamson, Rice Miller was also a harmonica powerhouse. Miller played
acoustic harp and rarely did instrumentals. Album: The Essential Sonny Boy
Williamson (Chess/MCA CHD2-9343 - 2 CD set). Also check out his earlier Trumpet
recordings and work backing Baby Boy Warren on Excello.
More Classic Players all of these players can be considered fathers of blues harmonica as
well, though they came after the above artists or were not as prolific in the playing skills.
• James Cotton – Known as Mr. Super Harp his playing is very strong with a performance
career spanning almost 50 years. His best-known harmonica tune is Creeper, which is
still performed regularly today as a showstopper. Album: Best of the Verve Years
(Verve D108381).
• Jimmy Reed – Known as the master of the 1 st Position high end. He didn’t have any
more technique skill than other players of that time on high-end 1 st Position playing, but
he did it a lot of it. His phrasing is sparse and very melodic. A great study for his 1 st
Position and 2 nd Position work. Album: The Very Best of Jimmy Reed (Rhino R2 79802)
• George Harmonica Smith – Player who moved to California and directly influenced the
playing of Rod Piazza, William Clarke, and many others. Though his diatonic
harmonica work was fantastic he’s most known for his chromatic work giving him the
name “King of the Blues Chromatic”. His song Blues in the Dark is a benchmark for all
chromatic players to play. Album: Little George Smith, Harmonica Ace, The Modern
Masters Collection (Ace CDCHD 337)
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• Junior Wells – Another heavy hitter of blues harmonica, Wells really came into his own
in the mid 60’s where his funky harmonica style really jumps out. Messin’ with the Kid
(Chicago The Blues Today, Vol. 1, Vanguard #9213, 1966) is regarded as a great
harmonica piece. Album: Junior Wells Hoodoo Man Blues (Delmark DD-612). It’s My
Life Baby on Vanguard is recorded live and is a masterpiece of blues performance.
• Howlin’ Wolf – Though basic in approach, his presentation was bold with a strong
vibrato. Album: His Best (Chess Anniversary Collection)
• Louis Myers – Harmonica player commonly overlooked due to backing Little Walter in
the Aces band on guitar. Surprisingly good harmonica. Album: Harp & Soul (Fuel
2000) and other collections mentioned in the compilation section.
More Classic Players players that you might not of heard of, but should take a listen to.
• Slim Harpo – Very musical player (good phrasing) who recorded for many years. Best
know song is Baby Scratch My Back. Album: The Best Of (Excello)
• Lazy Lester – Very tasty playing. Album: I Hear You Knockin'!!! (Excello)
• Jerry McCain – Jerry recorded very early in his career and stopped music for many
years to come back to it late on life. His most well known recording is Steady. Album:
That's What They Want: The Best of Jerry McCain (Excello) or Blues Masters The
Essential Collection, V4 Harmonica Classics (Rhino R2 71124)
• Junior Parker – Parker started off as a harmonica player with vocals soon taking over
the spotlight. Though not known as a harmonica player’s harmonica player everything
he played was very tasty. Album: Junior’s Blues/The Duke Recordings V1 (MCA MCAD
10669)
• Dr. Ross – Great one-man-band with good harp. Album: Boogie Disease (Arhoolie CD
371)
Obscure Classic Players players that I’d be surprised you’ve heard of!
• Buster Brown – Best known for “Fannie Mae”, but also played quite a bit of harp.
Album: Raise A Ruckus Tonight (Relic 7064)
• Little Mac – Not a bad harp player with some good songs. Album: Chicago Blues
Harmonica Wizard (The Famous Groove Records)
• Big Wheeler – Traditional player that played with the Icecream Men. Album: Bone
Orchard (Delmark)
• Slim Willis – Very good harmonica player that should have been better known. Album: I
Blueskvarter, Chicago 1964, Volume 1
More Classic Players Still Alive – Great traditional blues players that have been around
for a long time with recordings still coming on the market.
• Billy Boy Arnold – Album: Eldorado Cadillac (Alligator Records)
• Carey Bell – Album: Deep Down (Alligator Records) My favorite Carey Bell is him
playing with Robert Nighthawk on the 1964 Maxwell Street recording (Rounder)
• Johnny Dyer – Album: Jukin' (Blind Pig)
• Sam Myers – Album: Change in my Pocket (Bullseye Blues). His early albums on
Blacktop Records with Anson Funderburgh are also great.
• Snooky Pryor – Album: Snooky Pryor & His Mississippi Wrecking Crew (Electro-Fi
Records). Check out his early V.J. and J.O.B. Work backing Floyd Jones is also worth
checking out.
Country Blues
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• Sonny Terry – Terry’s playing style was so distinct that you can’t really group him with
other players. He did much solo work, but was best known with partner Brownie
McGhee. Many of today’s players state that Sonny Terry’s style was very influential in
their playing. Album: Absolutely the Best (Varese Records)
Moving from Chicago both of these players were very influential in turning on the next
generation of harmonica players to the music. Though neither of these players are
(Butterfield has passed away) very “classic” in sound, they definitely embody what we know
of as the blues. Both were diverse players spending a period of their performance and
recording careers in the early rock movement.
• Paul Butterfield – Album: Paul Butterfield Blues Band (Elektra/Asylum)
• Charlie Musselwhite – Album: Ace of Harps (Alligator Records)
Today’s Masters the three artists below are separated because of their pure mastery of
the instrument and the breadth of their performance and recording careers. There’s too
many great things to say about these player, just go out and listen for yourself. Note that
William Clarke is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on.
• William Clarke – Album: Serious Intentions (Alligator ALCD 4806)
• Rod Piazza – Album: Harp Burn (Black Top Records CD BT-1087)
• Kim Wilson – Album: Tiger Man (Antone’s ANT 0023)
More Great Players alphabetical order
• Tom Ball – Great primarily acoustic player in the school of Sonny Terry who is best
known for his work with Kenny Sultan. Album: Filthy Rich (Flying Fish)
• “Big” Al Blake – Best know for his work with the Hollywood Fats band. Album: Mr.
Blake’s Blues (Blue Collar BCM7108-2)
• Sugar Blue – The modern-day Chicago player. Fast, but tasty player who often uses 3 rd
Position. Album: In Your Eyes (Alligator ALCD 4831)
• Billy Branch – Great modern Chicago player. Album: Satisfy Me (House of Blues)
• Norton Buffalo – Both known for his acoustic work with Roy Rogers and his diverse
playing style that ventures out of blues time to time. Album: King of the Highway (Blind
Pig)
• Paul deLay – A very, very fresh diatonic and chromatic player. If you like blues with a
little different slant, check him out. Album: Other One (Criminal Records)
• Magic Dick – Best known from the J. Geils Band, he has also released albums under
the band Bluestime. Helped to define blues-based Rock harmonica (along with Huey
Lewis) Album: Bluestime (Rounder) or Full House (Atlantic)
• Rick Estrin – Best known working with Little Charlie and the Nightcats. Great traditional
player and performer. Album: That’s Big (Alligator ALCD 4883)
• Mark Ford – Known for his work in the Ford blues band with brothers Pat (drums) and
Robin (guitar). Traditional player with a more horn like tone and sophisticated phrasing.
Album: Mark Ford & The Blue Line (Blue Rock’it BRCD 129)
• Steve Guyger – Tradition player with albums under his own name and a lot of side work.
Album: Past Life Blues Severn (CD-0002)
• James Harman – Great internationally known player. Album: Mo' Na'Kins, Please!
(Cannonball)
• Mark Hummel – Great internationally known player. One of my favorites; great diatonic
and chromatic work. Album: Golden State Blues (Electro-Fi 3375)
• Mitch Kashmar – Great player with Pontiax and some solo work as well. Album: Crazy
Mixed Up World (Thumbs Up)
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• Lee McBee – Great internationally known player known for his work with Mike Morgan.
Album: 44 (Red Hot)
• “Sugar” Ray Norcia – Solo and work with Room Full of Blues. Album: Sweet & Swingin’
(Bullseye Blues)
• Jerry Portnoy – Traditional player who backed both Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. I
like his work with Waters and Clapton the best, though he did record some solo albums
and many albums with the Legendary Blues Band.
• Gary Primich – Great internationally known player. Album: Mr. Freeze (Flying Fish FF
70649)
• Annie Raines – Great all around blues player who is best known for her work with Paul
Rishell. Album: I Want You to Know (Tone Cool)
• Curtis Salgado – Solo and work with Room Full of Blues and major influence on the
Blues Brothers. Album: Hit It ‘n Quit It w/Terry Robb (Lucky Records)
• Gary Smith – My mentor; huge tone! Traditional blues harmonica with a FAT tone.
Album: Blues for Mr. B (Mountain Top)
• Phil Wiggins – Piedmont blues player best known for his work with John Cephas.
Album: Homemade (Alligator)
More Great Players You May Not of Heard Of
• Wallace Coleman – Very tasty harp player in the Little Walter vein. Album: Wallace
Coleman (Fish Head Records)
• Dennis Gruenling – Great third position player who uses low-tuned harps for a very
horn-like sound in his more swing style. Album: Dennis Gruenling & Jump Time
(BackBender BBR 701)
• Ryan Hart – Swingin’ harp playing in the style of Rod Piazza and nice vocals. Album:
Empty Wallet (Far-Tone CD FT JT30)
• Carlos del Junco – Overbend player in blues. Album: Big Boy (Big Reed)
• John “Juke” Logan – Blues and funk player who has done side work for many
musicians. Album: Juke Rhythm (Mocombo)
• Michael Peloquin – Overbend player in blues and sax player. Album: House of Cards
(Globe)
• R.J. Mischo – Great player, vocalist and performer. Album: Gonna Rock Tonight (Blue
Loon)
• Andy Just – Blues player with a rocker’s soul. Album: Don’t Cry (Blue Rock’it BRCD
117)
• Pete “Madcat” Ruth – Innovative blues harp player. Album: Madcat & Kane, Up Against
the Wall (Hit Records HR101)
• Mr. Downchild – Tasty harmonica, guitar, vocal player. Album: Behind the Sun (Mascita
Music MM124)
• West Side Andy – Very tasty harp player. Album: Handyman (Self Released)
• Mark DuFresne – The current singer for Roomful of Blues, singer, songwriter and
harmonica player Mark Dufresne hails from Kansas and has a highly personalized vocal
and harmonica style. Album: There’s A Song In There (Jeromed B00004I9WF)
• Lynwood Slim – Solid vocals paired with a Rice Miller tone and jazzy phrasing. Often
recorded with Junior Watson & the Hollywood Fats Band. Album: Lost In America
(Atomic Theory: B000001DQ2)
• Little Sonny – Funky 60’s and 70’s harp player. Playing was weak at times, though cool
to listen to. Album: Blues with a Feeling, the Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival Volume 2
(Sequel Records)
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Compilations
Here are some compellations well worth having in your collection.
• Blow’n the Blues ‘Best of the Great Harp Player’ (Vanguard)
• Blues, Booze, Harps & Guitars (Fuel 2000 (302-061-273-2)
• Blues Harp Greats – Book & Transcription (Mel Bay MB97324BCD)
• Blues Harp Hotshots (EasyDisc ED 12136-7073-2)
• Blues Harp Meltdown (Mountain Top)
• Blues Masters The Essential Collection, V4 Harmonica Classics (Rhino R2 71124)
• Blues Masters The Essential Collection, V16 More Harmonica Classics (Rhino)
• Essential Blues Harmonica (HOB 51415 1300 2)
• Got Harp If You Want It “The Best of the West Coast Blues Harp Players” (Blue Rock’it
BRCD 111)
• Legends of Harmonica (Rhino R2 78265)
• Masters of the Chicago Blues Harp – Book & Transcription (Mel Bay MB96476BCD)
• This is the Blues Harmonica (Delmark)
• West Coast Down Home Harmonica (El Segundo)
Mark Hummel Additions – Here are some more guys that Mark Hummel has
recommended to check out with his comments.
• Willie Anderson – Was Little Walter’s valet and shadowed every aspect of Walter’s life.
Did album in 70’s that was pretty cool. Decent, but not too so strong of a player.
• Easy Baby – Recorded album years ago in Chicago on Barrelhouse in 70’s, on Chicago
Harmonica Spotlight.
• Sonny Blair
• Mojo Buford – Former longtime Muddy harpman now in Minneapolis.
• Good Rockin Charles – Pretty good player who had quite a reputation in his day.
Obscure player—did one album in 70’s, has Aces backin’ him up.
• Wild Child Butler – Made records in Chicago; played with Jimmy Rogers for years.
• Bob Coretor – Harp player that’s also the owner of The Rhythm Room.
• Lester Davenport – Chicago player still making records. Played harp on Bo's "Pretty
Thing".
• Little Hatch – Obscure player that just recently passed away. Was a main harp player
in Kansas City.
• Sammy Lewis – Obscure player in the style of Sonny Boy II. Arkansas blues that
possibly came on Crown or Kent.
• Jim Liban – Milwaukee's legendary harp god. Founding member of Short Stuff; as great
as the greatest!
• Papa Lightfoot – Imperial Records recordings are killer.
• Joe Hill Louis – Sun records, one man band. Billed at times as Little Walter Jr.
• George Merryweather – Killer 50's harp. Played some good stuff on Eddie Taylor and
JD Hudo records. Standard stuff, good tone, not great licks but happening player.
• Raeful Neal – Last of the Louisiana harp guys.
• Jumpin' Johnny Sansome – The Big Easy's main Harpblower (Rounder), at Autowa
Blues Festival each year.
• Matt Skoller – One of the most active young harp blowers on the Chicago scene & plays
worldwide.
• Madison Slim
• Shakin' Smith – Big fish in small pond, king of Buffalo harp layers.
• South Side Steve – Ottawa's & the Great White North's best export - Steve's the best
young harp player I've heard and only 18, way into it!, you'll be hearing about him soon.
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• Bill Tarsha
• Finger Taylor – Former 20 year harp man for Jimmy Buffet. Great blues blower who
also played with Houston Stackhouse & Joe Willie Wilkins.
• Kid Thomas – LA harp player that passed away young. “Wolf Pack” is an album on
Wolf Records that compiles some of their 45’s.
• David Waldman – A founder of the Ice Cream Men.
• Arthur Williams – Played the killer harp on Frank Frost's Jewel CD 5013 (1973).
Instrumentals
Listed below are instrumentals that my student’s commonly ask to learn; I think you’ll enjoy
them as well. Some instrumentals like Roller Coaster by Little Walter will challenge the
best player for months to learn. Others you’ll appreciate more for their tasty phrasing and
approach. Most of the players below (and not listed below) recorded more instrumentals
than shown. If you like a song listed, pick up all of that player’s recordings, you won’t be
disappointed. There are many players that are great, but didn’t record many instrumentals.
Don’t use this list alone to determine which artists you purchase recordings of. Again,
these are instrumentals that my students’ commonly ask to learn. If this were a “complete”
listing, it would be huge and defeat the purpose of pulling out common favorites. Songs are
listed in alphabetical order. Instrumentals recommended by Mark Hummel that I have yet
to get my hands on are marked with an asterisk.
Traditional
1. Back Track – Little Walter (The Essential Little Walter, Chess)
2. Bluesy – Louis Myers (Harp & Soul, Fuel 2000)
3. Boogie in the Dark – Jimmy Reed (Essential Blues Harmonica, HOB)
4. Boppin’ With Sonny – Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller) (Goin’ in my Direction,
Alligator) This is not considered a “standard”, but Sonny Boy recorded so little
instrumentals that I thought you would appreciate this one.
5. Blues in My Sleep – James Cotton (Best of the Verve Years, Verve)
6. Blues in the Dark – George “Harmonica” Smith (Chromatic)
7. Cha Cha Cha in Blues – Junior Wells (1957-1963 Messin’ With the Kid, Paula
Records/Chief Records)
8. Chitlin Con Carne – Junior Wells (Hoodoo Man Blues, Delmark)
9. Cotton Creeper – James Cotton (‘Fore Day Blues, Success or Best of the Verve Years,
Verve)
10. Easy – Big Walter Horton
11. Ends & Odds – Jimmy Reed (Blues Masters Volume 4 Harmonica Classics, Rhino)
12. *Floyd's Blues – Snooky Prior (Floyd Jones & Snooky Prior, JOB)
13. *Harp & Soul – (Frank Frost with Arthur Williams blowin harp)
14. Hoofin’ Blues – Sonny Terry (Country Blues)
15. *Chuckaluck – Sonny Boy Williamson (Baby Boy Warren)
16. Juicy Harmonica – George “Harmonica” Smith (Rod Piazza also did a version on the
Bacon Fat album)
17. Juke – Little Walter (The Essential Little Walter, Chess)
18. Just Whaling – Louis Myers (Harp & Soul, Fuel 2000)\Off the Wall – James Cotton (Best
of the Verve Years, Verve)
19. Off the Wall – Little Walter (The Essential Little Walter, Chess)
20. Rocker – Little Walter (Confessin’ the Blues, Chess)
21. Roller Coaster – Little Walter (The Essential Little Walter, Chess)
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22. Sad Hours – Little Walter (The Essential Little Walter, Chess)
23. Sharp Harp – George “Harmonica” Smith
24. Slam Hammer – James Cotton (Johnny Young “Chicago Blues”, Arhoolie)
25. Steady – Jerry McCain
26. Walter’s Boogie – Big Walter Horton (Can’t Keep Lovin’ You, Blind Pig)
Modern
1. Blowin’ Like Hell – William Clarke (Blowin’ Like Hell, Alligator)
2. Blowin’ the Family Jewels – William Clarke (Groove Time, Alligator)
3. Cash Money – William Clarke (Blowin’ Like Hell, Alligator)
4. Chasin’ the Gator – William Clarke (Serious Intensions, Alligator)
5. Gibson Creek Shuffle – Mark Ford (The Charles Ford Band, Arhoolie)
6. Hand Jive – Mark Hummel (Harmonica Party, Mountain Top)
7. Harp Burn – Rod Piazza (Harp Burn, Black Top)
8. Humble Bug – Mark Hummel (Harmonica Party, Mountain Top)
9. Hunch Rhythm – Kim Wilson (Tigerman, Antones)
10. Lip Service – Westside Andy (Handyman, Self Released)
11. Little Bitty Pretty One – Rod Piazza (Harp Burn, Black Top)
12. Lowdown – Kim Wilson (That’s Life, Antones)
13. Muddy’s Shuffle – Jerry Portnoy
14. Red Top – Gary Primich (Mr. Freeze, Flying Fish)
15. Rocket Ride – Garry Smith (Up the Line, Messaround Records)
16. Rockin’ on the Riverside – Mark Hummel (Heart of Chicago, Tone Cool)
17. The Upsetter – Rod Piazza (Harp Burn, Black Top)
18. Varmint – Gary Primich (Company Man, Flying Fish)
19. Whammer Jammer – Magic Dick (Rock/Blues)
20. A Tribute to Little Walter – Charlie McCoy (Harpin’ the Blues, Sony Music) McCoy is not
known at all as a blues harmonica, but a hugely imitated country player. What he plays
on this song is very tasty and is an often request from students who like him.
Other than Blues
1. Summertime – Mark Ford (Got Harp if Want it, Blue Rock’ It)
2. Georgia on My Mind – Lee Oskar (Those Sunny Days, DanFlex)
3. Orange Blossom Special – Charlie McCoy (Legends of Harmonica, Rhino)
4. Christo Redemptor – Charlie Musselwhite (Legends of Harmonica, Rhino)
5. La Cucaracha – Big Walter Horton (Fine Cuts, Blind Pig)
For a listing of artists, their albums, songs, keys of songs, harmonicas and positions used,
visit the Harmonica Masterclass Website at:
http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/artist_listing.htm.
About the Author David Barrett
http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/david.htm
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