The song that sounds like "St James Infirmary" called "Breathtakin' Blues" is played in 4th position, according to Pat Missin', who is a big fan of Rhythm Willie and mentions him in several places on his website... here is one:
http://www.patmissin.com/articles/AHN5.html
Pat also mentions RW using a G harp in 1st position on some of these songs... but when I tried figuring out the keys, some of these songs seem like they are in Gb (F#), or 1/2 step flatter than the key Pat mentions.
The "Breathtakin' Blues" sounded to me like a Bb harp being used, but I don't play much in 4th, unless I'm doing it without knowing it. :)
The "I Got Rhythm" was my favorite.
Ken H in OH
--- On Thu, 2/25/10, michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I got the Rhythm Willie CD. I have heard one or two songs before, but this collection is great. He backs up singers for 10 songs or so and then leads 5 or 6 instrumentals.
He plays almost exclusively first position, I say almost because I haven't broken down every solo, I am just goping by ear. He focus on the high notes, but does some neat low octave stuff too. His backup work is very stylized, play nearly the same way on all of the songs. He has an ending lick that is very dinstinctive.
What is amazing are the insrumentals including a minor that is reminiscent of St. James Infirmary (1st position high octave minor, gotta love it!) and an incredible I've Got Rhythm. Well worthing having. Michael Rubin Michaelrubinharmonica.com