[Harp-L] (no subject)

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Aug 28, 2009, at 6:25 AM, George Miklas wrote:

> The chromatic player is John "Jack" Allison. He was one of my  
> mentors. I met
> jack in 1977 and he died in 1984.

Jack Allison was a terrific lead player (as well as the other harps).  
His family had a real estate business in the north hills of Pgh Pa. I  
met Jack back in 64 when I got out of the navy, but had known OF him  
before that.

Jack (lead), SPAH V.P. Herb Eck (bass) and Pete Whalen (chord) had a  
trio back into the late 40s. In the 50s they were doing the clubs in  
Pgh and opening for acts at the outdoor stage at Kennywood and West  
View amusement parks. People like: Jerry Murad's Harmonicats, the  
Skyliners, Del Vikings, and many others.

Then George Miklas played with them as a youngster. Herb STILL has  
the trio. It is Herb, Pete Whalen, Dick Biscic. They have been  
playing at the Buckeye for the last several years. George, meanwhile  
went on to play WITH Jerry Murad on both bass AND chord. George is  
currently with the wonderful Harpbeats (with Phil Caltebellotta &  
Wally Peterman).

My wife and I started dating in 1965 and got married in 66. We used  
to dance to the Jack Allison band. Jack made it to several SPAHs but  
unfortunately had a vapor lock back in the mid 80s. He was in his  
late 40s.

> My dad bought a used chord harmonica from
> him on my birthday, April 17, 1979, he turned and gave it to me.  
> Jack then
> taught me the chords to Galloping Commedians and many other  
> favorites that I
> still play today. Another mentor is bass harmonica player Herb Eck.  
> Herb,
> Jack & I (I was 14 years old then) began performing together at  
> clubs in
> Pittsburgh PA and Youngstown, OH.
> George