[Harp-L] Re: Norton Buffalo RIP

[Danny Wilson <bassharp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Forwarded at Jim's request. With apologies to all, the
first forwarding was apparently incomplete, so trying again.
- Danny
============================

From: Jim Fitting <jfitting@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date:
Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:20:37 -0400

It is a sad day, for he was one of the great ones. He was a huge 
influence on me when I was first coming up. I had the good fortune to 
see him with the Stampede a number of times in the 70's. The most 
memorable night was at the Great American Music Hall with the Roy 
Rodgers, Dave Burgin duo opening the show. Talk about a harmonica 
clinic. That band was incredible and I was truly disappointed when 
Loving In The Valley of The Moon came out because I felt it didn't come 
close to the brilliance of their live shows. Nevertheless I burned 
through two or three vinyl copies trying to learn his licks. I mean he 
was my hero. The first song I learned on chromatic was his beautiful 
composition Puerto de Azul. I had a band that opened for him once at the 
Inn of The Beginning in Cotati, and we had that full 40's suits and hats 
look that the Stampede used to wear. I was too shy embarassed and 
overwhelmed to introduce myself, but I will never forget how some 
stoned-out chick mistook me for him after our set, and started to 
telling how she loved my playing...She must have been pretty high I tell 
you what.
 Remember that solo he takes on Bonnie Raitt's Runaway? I saw him do it 
live with her at the Greek Theater in Berkley one time, switching all 4 
harmonicas two times through and ending up on his knees right in front 
of Bonnie. What a showman. What a player. What a loss.
JIM