Todd Parrott
660 posts
Aug 25, 2011
12:00 PM
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I've been listening to a lot of Norton Buffalo lately, and some of his licks remind me of Charlie McCoy at times.
I know that Norton was the son of a harmonica player, so did he learn these licks on his own, or was he perhaps influenced by Charlie McCoy?
Or was Charlie maybe later influenced by Norton??? (I know that Buddy Greene was.)
They were 10 years apart in age, and Charlie started playing at age 8 according to Wikipedia, yet with Norton being the son of a harmonica player, I would assume he grew up playing...?
One thing's for sure, Norton was a versatile player, and, from what I can tell, he was way ahead of his time in his harmonica playing. (Sounds like he may have even been a possible influence on players like John Popper?) His stuff from the 70's is still great after all these years.
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toddlgreene
3262 posts
Aug 25, 2011
12:36 PM
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There are definite similarities to be found in CmK and NB's playing. it could be a case of NB learning/emulating CmK as a young player, then growing into the monster player he was, and CmK tuning in and learning from the same kid he once influenced.
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Todd L. Greene
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Michael Rubin
233 posts
Aug 25, 2011
1:06 PM
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I also suggest Sugar Blue was influenced by Norton or the other way around. In my opinion, they were the original speed guys at least as far as the high notes were concerned.
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Rick Shanks
76 posts
Aug 25, 2011
2:48 PM
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To my ear Norton's unique sound is the seemless itegration of a myriad of influences. I rememember reading that he had adapted many fast runs and licks from fiddle players into his style. The country style pioneered by Charlie McCoy combined with his own brand of blues chops cultivated in a pop situation for so many years alongside Steve Miller. I think his father was a predominantly a Chrom player. Norton also played trombone... And when you listen to his singing.. Wow! A truly gifted musical communicator on so many levels.
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KiwiRick
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chromaticblues
979 posts
Aug 25, 2011
3:28 PM
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Norton was also a very good( I mean GREAT 2nd position) chromatic player himself. His soloing during "Wild Mountin Honey" with Steve Miller live was awsome! My wife and I saw them 5 or 6 times in the 90's. I loved the way he played with Steve Miller.
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