[Harp-L] Gary Smith

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

Gary Smith is one of the unsung heroes in the blues harp world - as a teacher at a time when there weren't many, he influenced many west coast players. As a player, his tone and ideas rank right up there with the best of them. 
 
He was on my hit list of players to bring to 2001 SPAH for wider recognition, but unfortunately the philosophy and direction of this organization changed to the point where it was not possible.
 
Last I heard, he played harmonica part time and worked by day as a gardener or landscaper. Perhaps Brad Kava could fill us in?
 
The Iceman
 
-----Original Message-----
From: John Kally jkally3@xxxxxxx

 
 A year or two later I decided I needed to learn more stuff, and so I asked the harp player in a local blues band for lessons. Happened to be Gary Smith, Bay Area legend. Every lesson was just off the top of his head, nothing written down, but he spent time listening to me and pointing out my mistakes as well as giving me clues about which records to listen to.