Big Walter

[danallen <danallen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Barry,

I've lately discovered the power of Hortons' playing myself.  I'm especially
entranced by his efforts on the Johnny Young album "Chicago Blues".  
Horton plays on the last 12 songs, while James Cotton is on the 
first twelve.  Though I revere Cotton as well, the contrast in the styles 
of these two players really is interesting.  I'm not adept at talking 
musically, but Walter's tone, his flourishes, phrasing, layering, 
accents, embellishments... all the things which, to me, makes the harp 
valuable in blues, are juicy indeed.  I'm lovin' it.  Just when my own 
playing was falling into another dull zone, I find new inspiration.  
Ain't it great.  -dnA

>   I am a major Walter Horton fan.  Much of his recorded output is 
> less than exemplaray, but I've come to love it all because it provides 
> inbsighjt into the total context of his playing.  A good example of this 
> is the stuff on Fleetwood Mac Chicago.  The liner notes describe Walter's 
> playing as undistinguished.  Far from it.  They just didn't click.  I 
> still like it though.  It's all clues as far as I'm concerned.  FJM
>