Hi all, I realized a while ago that quite often it seems as though harmonica is shown off to best advantage in solo settings. I thought it might be fun to start a thread where folks could post particular favorite performances of solo harmonica. I'll start the ball rolling with a couple:
Deford Bailey's "Alcoholic Blues":
Turner Junior Johnson's "When I Lay My Burden Down":
Robert Diggs' "Someday Baby":
I think what I especially like about solo harmonica performances is how well you can hear the player's tone. Anyone else have some favorites?
All best, Johnm
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 09:09:16 AM by Johnm »
I'm glad you enjoyed the Turner Junior Johnson and Robert Diggs tracks, Anthony, and I should mention, they each have several additional tracks up on youtube. Just search for them by name and you'll find them. You may find that you prefer some of the other cuts that I didn't post, too. That's always a bonus! All best, Johnm
Hi all, Here's one I've always loved--sure like his singing, too.
HARMONICA SOLO
Hangin' around and foolin' about sure get you down Sure get you down, sure get you down Hangin' around and foolin' about sure get you down If you hang around and foolin' 'bout too long
Police and the High Sheriff come a-ridin' down Ridin' down, ridin' down Police and the High Sheriff's come a-ridin' down And you know you don't want to go
HARMONICA SOLO
Hangin' around the skin game will sure get you down Sure get you down, sure get you down Hangin' around the skin game will sure get you down If you hang around the skin game too long
Police and the High Sheriff come a-ridin' down Ridin' down, ridin' down Police and the High Sheriff's come a-ridin' down And you know you don't want to go
HARMONICA SOLO
Thirty days in the jailhouse will sure get you down Sure get you down, sure get you down Thirty days in the jailhouse will sure get you down If you stay in the jailhouse too long
God's in the road, rider, come and carry you down Carry you down, carry you down God's in the road, rider, come and carry you down And you know you don't want to go
HARMONICA SOLO X 3
All best, Johnm
« Last Edit: January 17, 2016, 12:04:41 PM by Johnm »
Hi Johnm, Hadn't heard the Ollis Martin track before....sounds to me like the song is the prototype for Billy Grammer's hit "Gotta Travel On" written by, among others, folksinger Paul Clayton. Odd how these musical ideas get around, eh? best, bruce