RE: [Harp-L] Rocky Mountain Harmonica Festival (long)

["G." <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

<quote Michelle>
Dan tells the story of the birth of Delta blues through song and
narrative, supported by his fine blues harp stylings and his special "diddly
bows" that he makes himself.  These are broomstick/homemade soundbox
stringed instruments reminiscent of the "portable" didly bows that all the
famous Delta blues guitarists made, except these are amplified.  Dan plays
them with a slide along with his guitarist while he weaves his story.  Very
impressive.  Dan's done his homework and is clearly dedicated to spreading
the good word about blues.
</quote>

The first time I saw and heard one of these being played was by Scott
Ainsley when he was playing with Joe Filisko - Scott had half the set to
himself, and like Joe he took the time to explain the history or story
behind the music he was playing, and the two instruments he was playing - a
dobro, and a one stringed pole & sound box.  He described how slave families
just made do with what they had, and they'd string some fence wire up to a
barn door and use that.

  If you would like to hear more of the same Scott's CD Terraplane is an
excellent bit of blues with a feeling - including a few tracks using that
instrument.

-- G.