Essential Blues Harmonica Listening - 5th Edition PDF
Essential Blues Harmonica Listening - 5th Edition PDF
Essential Blues Harmonica Listening - 5th Edition PDF
Harmonica Listening
Artists, Albums, Essential Instrumentals,
Books & Videos
5th Edition
By:
David Barrett www.harmonicamasterclass.com
Mark Hummel www.markhummel.com
Joe Filisko www.customharmonicas.com
Additions & Comments By:
Paul deLay www.pauldelay.com
Rick Estrin www.alligator.com/artists
Charlie Lange www.bluebeatmusic.com
Listening and studying players is HUGELY important to the growth of all musicians. Studying blues
harmonica means that you are studying the language of the blues: the licks, movement, phrasing and
articulation that speak the sound and feel of the music. This is accomplished in one waystudying the
masters. The more artists you study, the more your sound will be diverse and unique. Along with the
fathers of blues harmonicas we will also mention essential modern players who are pushing the envelope
of the traditional sound.
Start your collection with the fathers of blues harmonica and continue to modern-day players. We
recommend purchasing recordings in the general order they are listed (though any combination of artists
in a grouping is fine) and pick up box sets when available. Look at the dates of each recording as you
listen to get an idea of their place in history. Though it is not mentioned, most of the artists were also great
singers and songwriters.
This list covers mostly post-war players, though John Lee Williamson (who recorded from 1937 to 1947)
was so influential to the players that followed him (many literally followed him gig to gig to learn
harmonica) that he needs to be on this list. If you are interested in pre-war blues, check out Harmonica
Masters, Classic Recordings from the 1920s and 30s (YaZoo 2019) and Harmonica Blues, Great
Harmonica Performances of the 1920s and 30s (YaZoo 1053). These albums feature important players
such as Jazz Gillum, Jaybird Coleman and De Ford Bailey.
Next to each artists name is a recording from them available on the market. Though there are of course
more recordings for each artist, this should get you started. If you find a player you like, research the
albums available. Theres a good chance they recorded over a long period of time, and there are some
gems out there. In some cases these CDs have gone out of print, though they are still available from
specialty sellers. A music seller we commonly use is www.bluebeatmusic.comthey tend to have hard-tofind blues harmonica recordings.
Let me (David Barrett) take a moment to thank the other authors who have taken their time to contribute to
this listing. Its been a pleasure building such a list, and learning more about the players that have made,
and still are making, important contributions to the blues harmonica world.
More Classic Players All of these players can be considered fathers of blues harmonica as well, though
they came a little after the above artists.
James Cotton Known as Mr. Super Harp, a killer player with a performance career spanning over
50 years as a bandleader and backing other players such as Muddy Waters and Otis Span. His bestknown harmonica tune is Creeper, which is still a showstopper and performed regularly. Album: Best
of the Verve Years (Verve D108381) is out of print, but Feelin Good (Acrobat 4009) is of the same
period. Rick recommends checking out Chicago, the Blues Today!.
Louis Myers Harmonica player commonly overlooked due to backing Little Walter in the Aces band
on guitar. Myers plays surprisingly fine harmonica. Album: Harp & Soul (Fuel 2000) and other
collections mentioned in the compilation section.
Jimmy Reed Known for his frequent use of the 1st Position high end. His phrasing is sparse and very
melodic. A great study for his 1st Position and 2nd Position work. Album: The Very Best of Jimmy Reed
(Rhino R2 79802)
Junior Wells Another heavy-hitter of blues harmonica. Wells came into his own in the mid 60s where
his funky harmonica style really jumps out. Messin with the Kid (Chicago The Blues Today, Vol. 1,
Vanguard #9213, 1966) contains a phenomenal harmonica solo. Album: Junior Wells Hoodoo Man
Blues (Delmark DD-612). Its My Life Baby on Vanguard is recorded live and is a masterpiece of blues
performance. His earlier work can be heard on Blues Hit Big Town on Delmark. Notable side work can
be heard backing Muddy Waters, Floyd Jones, T-Bone Walker and J B Lenoir.
Howlin Wolf Though basic in approach, his presentation was bold with a strong vibrato. Album: His
Best (Chess Anniversary Collection)
More Classic Players Players you might not have heard of, but should take a listen to and study.
Slim Harpo Very musical player (good phrasing) who recorded for many years. Best-known song is
Baby Scratch My Back. Album: The Best Of (Excello)
Lazy Lester Very tasty playing with a Cajun twist. Album: Im A Lover Not A Fighter (Ace 518).
Papa Lightfoot Really an amazing early player whose recordings you dont see often. His Imperial
Records recordings are particularly nice. Can be heard on Official CD #5254.
Jerry McCain Jerry recorded very early in his career and then stopped music for many years, to
come back to it late on life. His most well known instrumental recording is Steady. Album: That's
What They Want: The Best of Jerry McCain (Excello) or Blues Masters The Essential Collection, V4
Harmonica Classics (Rhino R2 71124)
Junior Parker Parker started off as a harmonica player with vocals soon taking over the spotlight.
Though not known as a harmonica-players-harmonica-player, everything he played was very tasty.
Album: Juniors Blues/The Duke Recordings V1 (MCA MCAD 10669) is now out of print, but V2 is
available Backtrackin (MCA 11786).
Dr. Ross Great one-man-band. Album: Boogie Disease (Arhoolie CD 371)
Sam Myers Album: Change in my Pocket (Bullseye Blues). His early albums on Blacktop Records
with Anson Fundenburgh are great.
More Classic Players Still Alive Great traditional blues players with recordings still coming on the
market.
Billy Boy Arnold Album: Eldorado Cadillac (Alligator Records)
Carey Bell Album: Deep Down (Alligator Records) My favorite is Carey Bell playing with Robert
Nighthawk on the 1964 Maxwell Street recording (Rounder)
James Cotton James is still alive and gigging heavily!
Johnny Dyer Album: Jukin' (Blind Pig)
Lazy Lester Lester is still alive and gigging as well!
Snooky Pryor Album: Pitch A Boogie Woogie (Westside 869) for his early stuff and Too Cool To
Move (Antones 17) for his contemporary. Check out his early V.J. and J.O.B. work backing Floyd
Jones.
including some country blues pieces and a third position instrumental. Can be heard on Atlantic
Sounds of the South box set.
Whispering Smith Another notable Excello player. Also on Ace CDCHD 604 in addition to CDCHD
578 and CDCHD 661.
Kid Thomas LA harp player who died young. Wolf Pack is an album on Wolf Records that compiles
some of their 45s. Can be heard on Ace CDCHD 717.
Big Wheeler Traditional player that played with the Icecream Men. Album: Bone Orchard (Delmark)
Arthur Williams Played the killer harp on Frank Frost's Jewel CD 5013 (1973).
Slim Willis Very good harmonica player that should have been better known. Album: I Blueskvarter,
Chicago 1964, Volume 1
Big John Wrencher Solid player with a Howlin Wolf vibrato. Can be heard on many of the Testament
releases and the P-Vine PCD-1889.
Country Blues
Sonny Terry King of the Country Blues Harmonica Terrys playing style was so distinct that you
cant really group him with other players. He did much solo work, but was best known with partner
Brownie McGhee. Many of todays players state that Sonny Terrys style was very influential in their
playing. Album: Absolutely the Best (Varese Records); Document Records DOCD-5230 which has his
earliest solo work from 1938; Folkways CDSF40033 called Sonny Terry, The Folkways Years 19441963.
J.C. Burris Sonny Terrys nephew and certainly influenced by him. Album: Blues Professor (Arhoolie
CD 497)
Percy Randolph Percy is a fairly unknown player, but did some notable recording with Snooks Eaglin
and can be heard on Arhoolie CD 348. In addition to playing some of the train standards, he was also
playing some nice 1st and 5th position.
Peg Leg Sam A.K.A Arthur Jackson His style is much more mainstream sounding and more
accessible than Sonnys. Album: Kickin It (Trix 3302). The video Born For Hard Luck available from
Davenport Films, shows what an unsurpassed showman Peg was.
Elder Roma Wilson Although actually a gospel player, he plays in the country style. His Arhoolie (CD
429) recording shows a player with a voice, tone and throat tremolo that are not surpassed. This
collection also has his early sides from Detroit in 1948, which show he was as powerful and driving as
John Lee Williamson.
Johnny Woods Played some unforgettable music with Fred McDowell in the late 1960s. There has
probably never been such an amazing hypnotic groove created between the harp and guitar. It may be
fair to say that Woods had a corner on the Delta Blues style of harp playing. Album: Mama Says Im
Crazy (Fat Possum)
Moving from Chicago Both of these players were very influential in turning on the next generation of
harmonica players to the music. Though neither are (Butterfield has passed away) very classic in sound,
they definitely embody what we know as the Blues. Both were diverse players spending a period of their
performance and recording careers in the early rock movement, though always true to the Blues.
Paul Butterfield Album: Paul Butterfield Blues Band (Elektra/Asylum)
Charlie Musselwhite Album: Ace of Harps (Alligator Records)
Sugar Blue The modern-day Chicago player. Fast and tasty player who often uses 3rd Position.
Album: In Your Eyes (Alligator ALCD 4831)
Billy Branch Great modern Chicago player. Album: Satisfy Me (House of Blues)
Norton Buffalo Known for both his acoustic work with Roy Rogers and his diverse playing style that
ventures out of blues time to time. Album: King of the Highway (Blind Pig)
William Clarke A hugely influential player. Album: Serious Intentions (Alligator ALCD 4806)
Wallace Coleman Very tasty harp player in the Little Walter vein. Album: Wallace Coleman (Fish
Head Records)
Bob Corritore Great harp player who also owns The Rhythm Room in Phoenix, Arizona. Album: AllStar Blues Sessions (HMG Records 1009)
Paul deLay A very, very fresh diatonic and chromatic player. If you like blues with a different
perspective, check him out. Album: Take it to the Turnaround & Ocean of Tears (Evidence)
Carlos del Junco One of the best overbend players in the blues. Album: Big Boy (Big Reed)
Magic Dick Best known from the J. Geils Band. He has also released albums under the band
Bluestime. Helped to define blues-based Rock harmonica (along with Huey Lewis) Album: Bluestime
(Rounder) or Full House (Atlantic).
Mr. Downchild Tasty harmonica, guitar, vocal player. Album: Behind the Sun (Mascita Music
MM124)
Mark DuFresne The current singer for Roomful of Blues. Album: Theres A Song In There (Jeromed
B00004I9WF)
Rick Estrin Best known working with Little Charlie and the Nightcats. Great traditional blues player
and performer. One of the best shows around. Album: Thats Big (Alligator ALCD 4883)
Mark Ford Known for his work in the Ford blues band with brothers Pat (drums) and Robin (guitar).
Blues/rock player with a horn like tone and sophisticated phrasing. Album: Mark Ford & The Blue Line
(Blue Rockit BRCD 129)
Dennis Gruenling Great 3rd Position player who uses low-tuned harps for a very horn-like sound in
his more swing style. Album: Dennis Gruenling & Jump Time (BackBender BBR 701)
Steve Guyger Fine traditional player with albums under his own name and a lot of side work. Album:
Past Life Blues Severn (CD-0002)
James Harman Great internationally known player and songwriter. One of the best showmen out
there. Album: Mo' Na'Kins, Please! (Cannonball)
Ryan Hart Swingin harp playing in the style of Rod Piazza with nice vocals. Album: Empty Wallet
(Far-Tone CD FT JT30)
Mark Hummel Great internationally known player. One of my favorites; great diatonic and chromatic
work. Album: Golden State Blues (Electro-Fi 3375)
Andy Just Blues player with a rockers soul. Album: Dont Cry (Blue Rock it BRCD 117)
Mitch Kashmar Great player fronting the Pontiax and some great solo work as well. Did some mutual
recording with William Clarke. Album: Crazy Mixed Up World (Thumbs Up)
Paul Lamb Great UK harp player with a Sonny Terry influence. Album: Harmonica Man (Sanctuary)
Jim Liban Milwaukee's legendary harp god. Founding member of Short Stuff; as great as the
greatest! (quote from Mark)
John Juke Logan Blues and funk player whos done side work for many musicians. Album: Juke
Rhythm (Mocombo)
Lee McBee Great player known for his work with Mike Morgan. Album: Any work on the Mike
Morgan Blacktop CDs.
R.J. Mischo Great player, vocalist and performer. Album: West Wind Blowin (Mountaintop 3562).
Raful Neal Last of the Louisiana harp guys. Album: Louisiana Legend (All 4783)
Sugar Ray Norcia Great player and singer who worked with Roomful of Blues and did many solo
releases. Album: Dont Stand In My Way (Bullseye Blues)
Paul Oscher First white player with Muddy Waters that currently performs as a one-man-band. A
great player on multiple instruments. Album: Living Legends (Blues Leaf Records)
Michael Peloquin Overbend player in blues and sax player with fine vocals. Album: House of Cards
(Globe)
Rod Piazza A hugely influential player that set the bar for many of todays performing harp players.
Album: Harp Burn (Black Top Records CD BT-1087)
Jerry Portnoy Traditional player who backed both Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. I like his work
with Waters and Clapton the best, though he did record some solo albums and many albums with the
Legendary Blues Band.
Gary Primich Great internationally known player. Too many good things to say. Album: Mr. Freeze
(Flying Fish FF 70649 out of print) and Dog House Music (Antones 57).
Annie Raines Great blues harp player who is best known for her work with Paul Rishell. Album: I
Want You to Know (Tone Cool)
Jason Ricci Innovative overbend player that fuses blues, funk and rock into electrifying music.
Album: Blood on the Road
Tad Robinson Great vocalist with very tasty harp playing. Album: Last Go Around (Delmark DE-722)
Pete Madcat Ruth Innovative blues harp player known for his Country Blues playing style. Album:
Madcat & Kane, Up Against the Wall (Hit Records HR101)
Curtis Salgado Solo and with Roomful of Blues. Major influence on the Blues Brothers. Great player
and singer. Album: Hit It n Quit It w/Terry Robb (Lucky Records)
Jumpin' Johnny Sansome The Big Easy's main Harpblower (Rounder), at Ottawa Blues Festival
each year (Mark Hummel).
Matthew Skoller One of the most active young harp blowers in Chicago and Europe. Album:
Shoulder to the Wind (Tongue N Groove)
Lynwood Slim Solid vocals paired with a Rice Miller tone and jazzy phrasing. Often recorded with
Junior Watson & the Hollywood Fats Band. Album: World Wide Wood (Pacific Blues 9903).
Little Sonny Funky 60s and 70s harp player. Playing was weak at times, though cool to listen to.
Album: Blues with a Feeling, the Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival Volume 2 (Sequel Records)
Gary Smith My mentor (David Barrett); huge tone! Traditional blues harmonica with a FAT sound.
Album: Blues for Mr. B (Mountain Top)
Shakin' Smith Big fish in a small pond, king of Buffalo harp players (Mark Hummel).
South Side Steve Ottawa's & the Great White North's best export - Steve's the best young harp
player I've heard and only 18, way into it! You'll be hearing about him soon (Mark Hummel).
Bill Tarsha - Phoenix harp wizard (of the Rocket 88s). Album: A Decade in the Desert (Published by
the Phoenix Blues Society)
Greg Fingers Taylor Former 20 year harp man for Jimmy Buffet. Great blues blower who also
played with Houston Stackhouse & Joe Willie Wilkins. Album: Hi Fi Baby (Warehouse Creek, wcrc
0114).
David Waldman Founder of the Ice Cream Men. Chicago player who has studied the style of Little
Walter to a T. A great player.
Phil Wiggins Piedmont blues player best known for his work with John Cephas. Album: Homemade
(Alligator)
Kim Wilson A killer player that influenced many of todays younger players. Early work with the
Thunderbirds and his solo work is great. Album: Tiger Man (Antones ANT 0023)
Compilations
Here are some compilations well worth having in your collection.
Blown the Blues Best of the Great Harp Player (Vanguard)
Blown the Blues A History of Blues Harmonica Classics 1926-2002 (Indigo IGOTCD 2536)
Blues, Booze, Harps & Guitars (Fuel 2000 (302-061-273-2)
Blues Harp Greats (EasyDisc CD7023)
Blues Harp Hotshots (EasyDisc ED 12136-7073-2)
Blues Harp Meltdown (2xCD CDMT101) (Mountain Top)
Blues Harp Meltdown Vol. 2 (2xCD) (Mountain Top)
Blues Masters The Essential Collection, V4 Harmonica Classics (Rhino R2 71124)
Blues Masters The Essential Collection, V16 More Harmonica Classics (Rhino)
Deep Harmonica Blues (ACE LC 5982)
Essential Blues Harmonica (HOB 51415 1300 2)
Greasy Kid Stuff (Kid Ramos with an all-star lineup Evidence ECD 26117-2)
Got Harp If You Want It The Best of the West Coast Blues Harp Players (Blue Rockit BRCD 111)
Legends of Harmonica (Rhino R2 78265)
Instrumentals
Listed below are instrumentals that are worth checking out. Learning some instrumentals like Roller
Coaster by Little Walter will challenge the best player for months. Youll appreciate others more for their
tasty phrasing and approach. Most of the players below recorded more instrumentals than shown. If you
like a song listed, pick up all of that players recordingsyou wont be disappointed. There are also many
players that are great, but didnt record many instrumentals (Rice Miller for example).
Dont use this list alone to determine which artists recordings you purchase. Again, these are
instrumentals that students commonly ask to learn. If this were a complete listing, it would be huge and
defeat the purpose of pulling out common favorites.
28. Slam Hammer James Cotton (Johnny Young Chicago Blues, Arhoolie) Nice hook-driven tune.
29. Steady Jerry McCain (Blues Masters The Essential Collection, V4 Harmonica Classics, Rhino R2
71124) Great example of tone and approach a true masterpiece.
30. Trouble in Mind Walter Horton: Great harmonica/guitar tune.
31. Walters Boogie Big Walter Horton (Cant Keep Lovin You, Blind Pig) Definitely a harp standard. A
good study for learning tongue block pulls.
32. Williamson Shuffle Snooky Prior (Homesick James & Snooky Prior)
33. More to come
Modern Diatonic Instrumentals
1. Annies Rocker Annie Raines (Blues Harp Meltdown Vol. 2, Mountain Top)
2. Back In The Hot Seat Dave Morris (Big Dave & The UltraSonics)
3. Big Leg Mama Mark Hummel (Harmonica Party, Mountain Top)
4. Blowin' My Top Dennis Gruenling (Jump Time, BackBender)
5. Blowin the Family Jewels William Clarke (Groove Time, Alligator)
6. Cash Money William Clarke (Blowin Like Hell, Alligator)
7. Christo Redemptor Charlie Musselwhite (Blown the Blues, Vanguard)
8. Dont Fight It - David Barrett (Serious Fun)
9. Extra Napkins James Harman (Extra Napkins, Cannonball)
10. Fogtown Swing Gary Smith (Up The Line, Messaround)
11. Gibson Creek Shuffle Mark Ford (The Charles Ford Band, Arhoolie)
12. Got it Good Rick Estrin (Shadow of the Blues, Alligator)
13. Hand Jive Mark Hummel (Harmonica Party, Mountain Top)
14. Heddon Tadpolly Spook - Carlos Del Junco (Big Boy, Big Reed)
15. Hopefully Paul de Lay (Ocean of Tears, Evidence)
16. Jimmy Jones Paul de Lay (Heavy Rotation, Evidence)
17. Jr.s Jump Kim Wilson (Lookin for Trouble, MC)
18. Lick Train David Barrett (Serious Fun)
19. Little Bitty Pretty One Rod Piazza (Harp Burn, Black Top)
20. Marion's Mood Rick Estrin
21. Mood Room Boogie Jerry Portnoy (Muddys Shuffle is also a nice LW cover)
22. Mr. Itch Gary Primich (Botheration, Black Top)
23. Oat Bran Paul de Lay (The Other One, Evidence)
24. Punchy Paul de Lay (Nice & Strong, Evidence)
25. Red Top Gary Primich (Mr. Freeze, Flying Fish)
26. Rocket Ride Garry Smith (Up the Line, Messaround Records)
27. Screamin Paul Butterfield (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band Album)
28. Teaser, The Rod Piazza (Tough and Tender, Tone-Cool)
29. Tribute to Little Walter, A Charlie McCoy (Harpin the Blues, Sony Music) McCoy is not known at all
as a blues harmonica, but a hugely imitated country player. What he plays on this song is very tasty
and is an often request from students who like him.
30. Upsetter, The Rod Piazza (Harp Burn, Black Top)
31. Varmint Gary Primich (Company Man, Flying Fish)
32. Whammer Jammer Magic Dick (Rock/Blues - More Harmonica Classics, Rhino)
Books
1. Harmonicas, Harps, & Heavy Breathers by Kim Field (Cooper Square Press, New York) Distributed by
National Book Network @ 800-462-6420 A Great book covering the history of the instrument and
players.
2. Blues with a Feeling the Little Walter Story by Tony Glover, Scott Dirks & Ward Gaines. (Routledge
Press) (www.routledge-ny.com)
3. Children of the Blues 49 Musicians Shaping a New Blues Tradition by Art Tipaldi (Backbeat Books)
Theres some great words of wisdom in here.
Videos
1. American Folk Blues Festival 1962-66 (3 Volumes) DVD Sonny Boy Williamson II, Jr. Wells, Big
Walter Horton, Little Walter, Sonny Terry and other great blues musicians. Video and sound quality is
great. An essential DVD to own. HIP-O Records B0000750-09 & B0000751-09 & 3rd DVD Just
Released
2. American Roots Music A wonderful two DVD set with original footage and great interviews. James
Cotton is featured in some sections. (PALMDVD 3039-2)
3. B.B. King & Friends A Night of Red Hot Blues Features a great line-up of players including some
nice footage of Paul Butterfield leading and backing. HBO Video (1987) ISBN: 1-55803-211-8
4. Blues Harp Experience (Non-Performance Video) A video of Rod Piazza talking about general
feelings about music and gear. Not much educational content, but a neat video to watch if youre a fan
of his music. Self released. Can acquire copies from him at: PO Box 993, Murrieta, CA 92564-0993.
5. Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry Red River Blues 1948-1974 Great footage of these players over a
long span. Rounder Video (1997), Vestapol 13056.
6. Gary Smith Amplified Blues Harp Demystified (Non-Performance DVD) A very cool video to watch
Gary go though some favorite songs and a few techniques. Though Gary mislabels some the
equipment shown, the amp and mic section of the video is pretty cool as well. Mountain Top Video
7. Howard Levy New Directions for Harmonica (Non-Performance DVD) An interesting look into the
world of overbending. Homespun Tapes VD-LVY-HA01
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8. The Howlin Wolf Story An interesting look into one of the great blues performers of our time.
Bluebird 82876-56631-9
9. Mark Hummel Harmonica Party (Non-Performance DVD) A cool video to watch Mark go though
some songs and a few techniques. Mountain Top Video
10. Muddy Waters Got My Mojo Working Great live footage of Muddy with harp players Carey Bell, Paul
Oscher and Jerry Portnoy. YaZoo 521 DVD.
11. Peter Madcat Ruth The Ins and Outs of Rhythm Harp - An interesting look into the world of Peters
unique chugging style. Homespun Tapes VD-RTH-HA02
12. Sonny Terry Whoopin The Blues 1958-1974 Some really incredible footage of one of our great
fathers of country blues harmonica. Footage is of Sonny talking and playing into a camera all by
himself. Killer stuff. Rounder Video (1997), Vestapol 13057.
For a continually updated listing of artists, their albums, songs, keys of songs, harmonicas and
positions used, visit the Harmonica Masterclass Website at:
http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/artist_listing.htm.
Thanks to singer/harmonica player Diane Smith for her editing and proof reading of this listing.
2004 (Revision 2006) David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Company. All rights reserved.
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