Always loved BB King's version of this song, which led to searching Youtube for a harmonica version of it. Found a great Rod Piazza rendition, and was wondering if anyone knows of other great harp players who have done this song. The original Tampa Red version has the full lyrics, but no harp. I know that Junior Wells did a slower version, but I like the shuffle versions. Here's the original, and Rod's version.
and here's Rod's version
Last Edited by Garlic Breath on Jun 05, 2017 3:15 AM
I heard "Sell My Monkey" for the FIRST time a few months ago and had to laugh, so I went and learned the words.
I play harp for Karen Combs, a local guitar player. We are now working as a duo called 5$Red. Last night, Wed June 21, we had a CD release party for her new CD titled Saint/Sinner. On that CD is me singing and playing "Sell My Monkey". what a coincidence. and NO, my singing and playing does not compare to those above. I was just surprised to see this tune pop up in a thread. so I spoke up.
AND, at the release party, someone told me Rod Piazza's version was his favorite
---------- theharmonicaclub.com (of Huntington, WV)
Last Edited by Jim Rumbaugh on Jun 22, 2017 10:07 AM
That is yours truly playing harp on the House Rocker Johnson version. I didn’t know it was on YouTube. Thanks for posting it Bob. ---------- Thanks, Albey Scholl The Shadows Blind Willies Blues Club Atlanta, GA
A great illustration of why this forum is so instructive and helpful. Most of my blues collection comes from postings here, leading me to artists and songs I might otherwise not have discovered. The Luther "Houserocker" Johnson version represents my favorite type of format. From the infectious groove, to the horn section, and classic harp. That's right up there with Rod Piazza's version. Not to diminish the other versions however, which brings me to this question. Since this song's basic 12 bar blues with a turnaround represents a classic template for the quintessential blues shuffle song, and has catchy double entendre lyrics, would you say it would be a good training device for aspiring harp players to hone their technique? It seems to combine the standard musical pattern that forms the bedrock of blues harp with the "fun" that can sometimes fade when things get really analytical. Can you recommend any instructional videos which do a good job of allowing students to really acquire a good understanding of this classic, basic format. I tend to be more of a visual learner, so something where the verbal instruction is accompanied by a corresponding visual illustration would be best. Something which allows you to see and hear the groove being laid down by the rhythm section first, and then later shows you how the blues scale fits over top of that. As much as I love the trail blazing playing of all the top harp pros, I would love to hear each of them apply their style and technique to this basic template.