Re: [Harp-L] First Position Blues

["Jim Greenwald" <staggerin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Richard & All

That's definitely an outstanding and distinctive number. The joy is there for sure - doesn't hurt to be based on "Get Happy". <g>
The thread and variation re: "My 'unused' 7-10 holes" is perfectly timed to follow your enthusiastic post. Interested harpers should really check out Harmonica Boogie. It must be on iTunes - i saw it on Rhapsody - from a recent CD collection called "Selected Favorites" by Jerry Murad's Harmonicats on Mercury/Verve.

Cheers,
Staggerin' Jim
Listen to Roots Harmonica at http://www.live365.com/stations/staggerinjim
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Richard Hunter 
  To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 4:16 PM
  Subject: Re: [Harp-L] First Position Blues


  I don't know whether this has been mentioned yet in this thread, but the Harmonicats recorded a brilliant swing-style blues called "Harmonica Boogie" with a first position diatonic solo by the amazing Don Les.

  Les's diatonic tone was clear and his lines were fluid and joyful, reminiscent of swing-era clarinetists like Benny Goodman.  His first position work on the diatonic was unique and beautiful, certainly on a par in terms of execution and originality with any other player one could name.

  I transcribed Les's solo from "Harmonica Boogie" in my book Jazz Harp.  I smile every time I think of that solo--I have to go all the way to John Popper's work on "Runaround" to remember a harp solo with more pure joy in it.

  Regards, Richard Hunter
  latest mp3s always on broadjam.com/rhunter
   
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