[Harp-L] Jelly Roll Johnson

["Jim Greenwald" <staggerin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi

Jelly Roll Johnson's latest CD really is superb - the kind of disc you 
wouldn't be embarassed to give to a non harp player. I realized I'd listened 
to 'Songs From The Record Room' a dozen or more times, in every room of the 
house, for plain musical enjoyment. Really a different response for me - I 
usually whip out harps and immediately start 'playing along'.

Well, today I jumped in and started 'studying' this beauty. Jelly really 
puts on a clinic in soulful restraint, fine intonation, and timing. The 
funny thing is this CD has such a sense of flow and continuity to it, that 
it's kind of a shock to see what a wide variety of harp 'configurations' he 
employs. Here's what I've come up with so far.

1  Key To The Highway                         F      Bb diatonic, 2nd pos.
2  Please Send me Someone To Love     A      G  diatonic, 3rd pos.
3  In a Sentimental Mood                        F      C  chromatic (maybe a 
Bb)
4  Hallelujah I Love Her So                     G      C  diatonic, 2nd pos.
5  Everybody's Cryin' Mercy                  G      Low F diatonic, 3rd pos.
6  Walkin' After Midnight                       E      A  diatonic, 2nd pos.
7  Don't Let The Sun Catch you Cryin'   Eb     Country tuned Ab diatonic, 
2nd pos.
8  Just For A Thrill                                G      C  chromatic
9  Busted                                               E      A  diatonic, 
2nd pos.
10 Goodbye Pork Pie hat                       Eb     Ab diatonic, 2nd pos.

I totally agree with all the glowing reviews; this is a must have recording.

Cheers,
Staggerin' Jim
Listen to Roots Harmonica at http://www.live365.com/stations/staggerinjim