Re: [Harp-L] First Position Blues/listen to Gwen Foster

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thank you Jim. I was hoping somebody'd prove me wrong, cause I'd like to hear those other two pieces. 
 
While looking for those in vain I turned up another online Foster piece. It's a real good example of that thing he does to make the harp sound like a bird singing. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody turned up a Foster recording with an overblow on it ;)
http://honkingduck.com/rams/f4c041bd146c76dda607d281249127b2.ram
 
Dave
_______________
Dave Payne Sr. 
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com 

----- Original Message ----
From: Jim Greenwald <staggerin@xxxxxxxxx>
To: David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; Harp L Harp L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 3, 2008 5:42:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] First Position Blues Solos?/ listen to Gwen Foster


Hi All
 
Thanks David for a great post. I too am a big fan of Gwen Foster's, and much in awe of his musical skills. I have one correction though, re: his second position recordings. He has THREE in total: 'Sideline Blues' (Ashley & Foster, 1933), 'Drunk Man Blues' (Blue Ridge Entetainers, 1931), and 'How Many Biscuits Can I Eat' (Gwen Foster, 1939).
 
I don't have Tony's original post to refer to, but I think he wanted a list of the best first position Blues. Don't have a 'real' list to offer, but can add to a virtual list by mentioning the four sides by Blues Birdhead (James Simons) under his own name and The Bubbling Over Five - in the style of trumpet Jazz/Blues. Also add Rhythm Willie  - on his own and as a sideman.
 
All "Old' stuff for sure, but these guys were able to play the music of THEIR TIMES very well on the harp. We can only imagine what a waste it would have been if they were hung up trying to sound like guys from the 1880s ??
 
Cheers,
Staggerin' Jim
Listen to Roots Harmonica at http://www.live365.com/stations/staggerinjim
 dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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