[Harp-L] Re: Talking Harmonica

[tom ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

> Chris wrote:
> I was just listening to the Salty Holmes' "Talking Harmonica" song
> that was at the end of the CD that came with the Sonny Terry Licks
> book by Tom Ball (which is an excellent book).  I think this sounds
> pretty cool and was wondering if anyone knew of any other recordings
of talking harmonica.  Just curious.
___________
and Bill added:
> I don't know of any other recordings featuring this, but the one you speak
> of is amazing.  Lots of people can do this sort of okay, but his really
> soulds like he's talking.  I love listening to that tune.  Actually, all of
> the Tom Ball instructional CD is good listening, even if you're not actively
> practicing.
________________________________

Firstly, thank you both for the kind mention, and for picking up my 
books -- makes my day! :)

There are indeed several other examples of "talking harmonica," but 
in my humble opinion, the Salty Holmes track in question ("I Found My 
Mama") is the best of the lot -- particularly the laughter, which I 
have NO idea how he does.  I can tell you that it's a Bb diatonic 
(standard tuned) harp, though, for what that's worth.

Holmes recorded two or three other similar tunes, but the talking 
wasn't as well articulated.  Of course many harpists have done "Mama 
Blues" (Sonny Terry, Doctor Ross, etc, etc) but it usually comes out 
sounding more like "Wawa" than "Mama."  There are pre-war examples as 
well, both in the black blues and white country traditions, but when 
it comes to truly articulating spoken words, I haven't heard anyone 
who approached Salty.

Incidentally "I Found My Mama" was also re-done years later by Eddy 
Manson (and his wife) -- on a *chromatic* harp!  The solos (in 
between the talking) are great, but in my opinion, the talking part 
does not rival Holmes' version.

In any event, thanks for the kind words, and happy harpin' to all,

-Tom Ball
Santa Barbara CA