I should have probably designated this one "Pre-War Blues", but I'm
struck by a tangent from the workshop thread by an acknowledgment of
the differences between "Pre-War" and "Post-War?" harmonica Blues.
I'm only familiar with one pre-war harmonica player... that is, if we
consider John Lee (Sonny-Boy) Williamson as Pre-War. If that
designation stands, (Yes, I think he actually lived until 1948.) can
anyone recommend other pre-war Blues harp players?
Now I'll be the first to go on and on about Rice Miller (Sonny-Boy
II), but I've often wondered why nobody seemed as interested in John
Lee Williamson's lively Blues sound.
I know the sound quality isn't as good, but the energy is certainly
there and if he wasn't a "harp virtuoso", I sure learned a lot about
what I personally value in harmonica technique from him.
His harmonica voicings suggest to me an almost clarinet-like
sauciness, perhaps a hold-over from minstrel show type sounds.
(I guess an old Blues legend wouldn't much take to being called
"Saucy", would he?)
So 'fess up, who else was there from that era?
Brad Trainham
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