[Harp-L] Willie Big Eyes Smith

[moandabluz@xxxxxxx]

Finally I have a little window of time to write something here. Last 
Saturday I made the 80-mile drive to see list member Mike Fugazzi and 
his band open for Willie "Big Eyes' Smith. I'm glad I did.
  Mike and his band, Nite Rail, are just getting better and better. 
They will make a mark  on music in Minnesota, I think, if they can 
stick together. Mike's playing, especially for someone who has only 
been at it about 5? years, is damned good. Overblows with ease and has 
his own style.
  Willie Smith.. I was prepared to be disappointed. I didn't know much 
about him as a harp player, but chances to see those old guys in person 
are few and far between. Well, I was wrong. Willie can play his a** 
off.  Using an SM58 into a Fender Twin. Classic Chicago sound. It did 
look like he had an adaptor/transformer of some kind between the mic 
and the amp. But he flat out nailed Juke and his years with Muddy 
Waters showed on Long Distance Call.  I don't know how old Willie is, 
but he played about two hours straight, took a break, and they said he 
was going to do one more set. I had to leave.   His bass player is 
older than dirt, and never missed a lick.  I see Willie is playing with 
an All-Star group this weekend in Iowa .. Mojo Buford and Pinetop 
Perkins among the group.
 Anyway... highly recommended....  and if you are in Minnesota 
sometime... check out Fugazzi and  his band.
Steve "Moandabluz" Webb
still a fool for the harp
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