[Harp-L] Harpman1896- D.W. Gill

[Wolf Kristiansen <wolfkristiansen@xxxxxxxx>]

I have to share this with harp-l, especially with the blues fans in this group. I know there are some of you! 

I stumbled across an exceptional harmonica player as I surfed YouTube last night. His name on YouTube is harpman1896 (Where did he get 1896 from?)  He also goes by D.W. Gill.  I read somewhere that he gave lessons to Jason Ricci.  Jason, if you're reading this, you can confirm (or not) that he was one of your teachers.  

Harpman1896 is not just a harmonica player.  He sings and plays blues with authority. His rhythm, pitch and sincerity are spot on.  I say this from the perspective of a blues player who doesn't accept 90% of the white blues musicians making music today-- If they're trying to play blues, they haven't got it (blues feel), even though they're trying. 

Quite apart from the feel, I wish I could tongue block as expertly as harpman1896 does.

Listen to harpman1896's version of the Robert Johnson/Sonny Boy Williamson I/Junior Wells song, "Stop Breaking Down" at this URL to hear what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3MV58h4PhY
or, if that's too long,
http://tinyurl.com/4uereg

A tear or two rolled down my cheek as I listened to and watched this video. That doesn't often happen.  Thank you, D.W. Gill.  I saw the sincerity in your face and heard it in your music.

If you liked that video, as I did, there are over 40 more on YouTube.

Cheers,

wolf kristiansen


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