Who knew? Little Charlie Baty blows kick-ass harp. Here he's on a blow-off stage with Kim Wilson, Kenny Neal, Rick Estrin, and Mark Hummel. The camerawork is atrocious but the playing is great and the fellowship is fantastic. Enjoy. (P.S.: Charlie follows Kenny.)
P.S.: I think Rick steals the show at several points, but I'll be very curious to know what y'all think.
Last Edited by on Jan 20, 2013 1:56 AM
That has to be THE most rockin harp vid around. Really like the way they all give space up to each other and compliment without trying to steal the show. I've "harp battled" a few times and only once have I had someone "take over" too much and too loud. Won't play with him again!
Last Edited by on Jan 20, 2013 3:01 AM
I've heard Charlie play harp a few times. He's a good player, but then of course you don't spend 25 years hanging with Rick Estrin and not learn a thing or two.
Good video - it's interesting to compare styles (unfair on Kim though: he seemed very quiet in the mix - probably just the recording). I like Hummel's phrasing; short, sharp clipped lines. But the most distinctive has to be Rick's, who sounds only like himself. Very cool phrasing - he kind of dangles above the beat, now and again swooping in or diving off. Crazy in a way, but it works.
Edit: By the way, check out Johnny Dyer's 'Rollin Fork Revisited' with Hummel on harp - great album.
Last Edited by on Jan 20, 2013 4:05 AM
JD - A lot of the older players like Frank Frost, Lazy Lester, Dr Ross, Peg Leg Sam, JC Burris, Papa Lightfoot, etc aren't talked about on here much. I guess it's just because nobody brings them up enough, or maybe a lot of the newer players on here haven't gone back through the history of the music beyond the big name players.
I was at that show (in Folsom, CA), and it was terrific. I've been to several Marc Hummel Blowouts, and this one was the best. Kenny Neal was a crowd favorite- great playing and personality. Kim was the star, of course, but all the players were excellent.
