I was reading the thread "RATE TOP 10 "LIVING" HARP PLAYERS" and thought about a video I saw for the first time the other day. I didn't want to sidetrack the thread so I'm posting my comment here.
I always knew about Charlie Musselwhite but never really bought any of his CD's/albums or really listened to him. The few things I heard from him didn't really do it for me for some reason. It wasn't the harp playing but more of the overall package of music. Then again I only heard a handful of songs.
Then I came across this! I know you probably all have seen it but for me it's the first time. I now have a new respect for this man. I think this is great all around. The vocals are top notch in my book. A lot of emotion here. What a cool dude.
I stumbled across this maybe 3 months ago, and I have to say, it is one of my favorite harp videos on youtube. Really awesome 3rd position blues playing. A few weeks ago I sat down and learned most of the licks from the video, which was a real learning experience. I loved the video so much that I went out and bought the cd that has this song on it, but unfortunately I was very disappointed. The studio version is totally different, although many of the licks are similar. It's not nearly as soulful.
Charlie has always been a big fave of mine. Apart from the blues he always finds really unusual covers to do. If i had to recommend an album too you i'd say get his ''Continental Drifter'' one. A great cd with a very cool south American vibe tae it. Gaun,treat yourself mate. You'll not regret it.
Besides being a tremendous harp player , hes an even more tremendous person. Ive had the pleasure of meeting and then visiting with him on several occasions.He used my Cruncher in one event here in the Delta. I always wanted him to write a book about his early days in Chicago and elsewhere.He started out as a guitar player but found he could find work playing harp.
When I first viewed the video above I was first sucked in by the harp playing. Nice slow blues. But then he opened his mouth to sing. WOW!! Soulful. The song title is "Just a Feeling" and feeling is what those vocals (and harp) are all about. I felt the pain. " Layed down dreamin,' woke up this mornin' screamin and cryin"
Damn!!!
It hit me right where I live brother! Nice...real nice. ---------- Seven times down Eight times up
Hey Sedandelivery. I checked out the original (Little Walter) and it's completely different. Not a slow blues. Maybe on the CD you bought Charlie did the original version? I like this version (the clip above) better.
That is badass! Thanks for posting. Totally agree..the soulfulness of his playing and singing both are fantastic. He is also fun to watch and he seems like a super nice guy. He always seems humble and appreciative..gotta real blues guy look too.
It has been debated on this forum before about how close Charlie is to cracking kudzurunner's Top 10 and who would he bump out. IMHO is close, but I wouldn't know who to bump out?
I was lucky to catch him playing in Edinburgh last year he performed most of the stuff from his rough dried album it was a pretty good night. He was even kind enough to speak to a whole bunch of people after the show, which was cool.
Greg. ---------- Living the dream and learning the blues one little trouble at a time.
