Harmonica Blues

The Harmonica has always had a special place in Blues music, both on record and in live performance. It's not really clear who first used a microphone plugged into an amplifier and, initially at least, probably distorted the sound out of all recognition to the acoustic harp, but ever since that event to place, the electric harmonica has been one of the signature sounds of electric blues, especially Chicago blues. Listed below are just half a dozen key players and/or personal favourites....... .

One of the instrument's early exponents was Big Walter Horton (born 06/04/1917 and variously known as Shakey and Mumbles amongst others). Considered by many, including his peers, to be a genius on the instrument, his playing combined blues feeling with jazz intonation. He first recorded in his own right in Memphis but made his real mark when he moved to Chicago around 1953 playing on many of the Chess labels finest sides. In the 60s he reached a wider audience, although never wide enough to escape the poverty and illness of his own personal life. Anything he played on is worth hearing but try "Walter Horton And Carey Bell" (Alligator 1972) as a sampler. (Buy Now On-Line).

Little Walter (born Marion Walter Jacobs, 01/05/1930 in Marksville, Louisiana) lead an even more traumatic life than Horton - his own personal demons eventually leading to the loss of his own life following a street brawl. A major force in the Blues, not just harmonica blues, he displayed the urban sophistication of the jazzman in his playing and performing. Eventually joined the roster of the Chess label, first as part of Muddy Waters' all star band and then as an artist in his own right, creating cuts such as 'Juke' and 'My Babe', two of the best known sides in Blues music. A Box Set is available "The Chess Years 1952 - '63" but for those who want a more manageable introduction, try the Chess release "His Best", which you can Buy Here. In the UK, there is another compilation CD called "Blues With A Feeling" the roots label with all the material you will probably ever need, although the technical quality is less impressive.

Junior Wells ( born Amos Blackmore, 09/12/1934 in Memphis, Tennessee) had a harp style which epitomised the Chicago Blues of the 50s and 60s - his long association with Buddy Guy was as productive as any in the Blues. "Hoodoo Man Blues" represents a tremendous achievement for the collaboration and is one of the finest Chicago Blues records. He reached an even wider audience when he supported the Rolling Stones on tour and he was still recording well into the 90s. "Better Off With The Blues" (Telarc 1993), including contributions from Bonnie Raitt and Carlos Santana, is well worth hearing. There are also a number of compilations around which showcase his earlier work. You can get "Better Off With The Blues" here.

Of the many excellent "newer" players around, James Harmon (born 08/06/1946 in Anniston, Alabama) is a player who clearly loves what he's doing. The fun element should not detract from his abilities as both a singer and harmonica player. He has recorded a series of fine records for on the Black Top label, including "Two Sides To Every Story" (1993). "Black and White" was a fairly recent outing and it maintained the quality of all his work - it also showcased his undoubted ability as a songwriter.

Rod Piazza (born 18/12/1947 in Riverside, California) originally played harmonica for the Chicago Flying Saucers Band which mutated into The Mighty Flyers, a group he now fronts. Like Harmon, he recorded for Black Top and has released a series of excellent albums including "Alphabet Blues" and the later "Harpburn". Piazza is equally at home on both diatonic and chromatic harp and also sings in a rich and soulful voice; he is undoubtedly the star of the show but the whole band contributes to the enjoyment of the music he chooses to play. Try "Modern Master: The Best of Rod Piazza"

Another contemporary leading light is Jerry Portnoy (born 25/11/1943 in Evanston, Illinois) who did not take up what turned out to be his preferred instrument until he was 24 years old. His expertise grew to the point where for six years he played as part of the Muddy Waters band from 1974 onwards. He formed the Streamliners in 1989 and the group made its recording debut in 1991 with "Poison Kisses" on Black Top, the same year as he played harmonica for Eric Clapton at the latter's Royal Albert Hall concerts in London. Poison Kisses has since been reissued as "Home Run Hitter" with three additional tracks - even better value for one of the best harmonica albums of the decade.