Chicago Blues Harmonica Project
Diamonds In The Rough
Severn CD - 0034
Chicago has
been long regarded as the Blues Harmonica capital of the world. The city has been home to
players like Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson I and Junior Wells. However, in recent
years it seems as if Chicago has relinquished its crown to other areas such as the West
Coast where players such as Rod Piazza, Mark Hummel and R.J. Mischo reside. But don't get
the impression that blues harmonica playing has disappeared in Chicago, rather it has gone
underground. However, this latest disc from Severn Records should help shine some on the
current blues scene in Chicago. The disc features the work of six players from several
different generations.
The first
player Dusty Brown is veteran Chicago bluesman who first recorded for the Parrot label in
1955. He has been involved in the Chicago scene for many years as both a club owner and
musician. On the disc, Brown contributes a solid tune "I Got To Go" which seems
to be loosely fashioned on "Got My Mojo Workin'." His other offering is entitled
"He Don't Love You" which features the classic Chicago blues sound and sounds as
if it is coming straight out of one Chicago's legendary rough and tumble joints.
The next
player is Omar Coleman a young player in his 20's who draws much of his influence from
Sugar Blue and Billy Branch. Omar contributes the contemporary soul blues tune
"Jody's Got Your Girl & Gone" which also spotlights a very fine singing
voice. Coleman also turns in a cover of Willie Cobbs' classic "You Don't Love
Me".
Russ Green is
next and like Coleman is a younger player in his mid-thirties who also counts Sugar Blue
as an influence. Green contributes a solid Howlin' Wolf cover and a good traditional
sounding take on Little Walter's "Everything's Gonna Be Alright".
Larry Cox is Tennessee born player who received his first harmonica at the age of 4 from
Sonny Boy Williamson II. He held a steady gig with Dave and Louis Myers for years. On this
disc Cox contributes a low down version of T-Bone Walker's "Mean Old World" and
blows some high end harp on Jimmy Reed's "Goin' To New York".
Little Addison
is a Louisiana born player who counted Little Walter as both a friend and his primary
influence on the harmonica, and has played with most of the major blues artists in Chicago
at one point or another. Here he turns in fine readings of Elmore James' "Look Over
Yonders Wall" and the original slow blues "Respect Me".
Harmonica Khan
#1 was a well traveled bluesman who passed away before this recording was released. Here
he performs Jimmy Reed's "Baby What You Want Me To Do" and then does the
Duke/Peacock classic "Next Time You See Me".
All in all this is a great release for fans of blues harmonica or Chicago blues in
general. No frills - just good honest blues. Kudos to Twist Turner for putting this album
together. Highly recommended.
- Barry Gober -
Southwest Blues CD Review - October 2005
Current Reviews - 2005 Reviews
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