I agree with Jay Gaunt's comment on this one: This just may be the best blues harp I've heard by someone whose name isn't Walter. (OK: or Sonny Boy, or Sonny Terry.) It is that good.
I could be convinced, on the basis of this one recording alone, that Delay belongs on the Top-10 all time list.
Yeah he was a good one. I wish someone would release this "private" recording to the world on CD. It's some of Paul's most emotive work form what little I've heard of it.
Last Edited by on Jan 29, 2013 10:04 PM
Paul deLay was a monster! Listen to his cuts off the Kid Ramos album "Greasy Kid Stuff." Both "Say What You Mean" and "Ain't Gonna Holler" are terrific (singing and harp). And the album has other great performances from Charlie Musselwhite, James Harmon and Rick Estrin. There have been (and are) so many great blues harp players, but, for me, Paul deLay is right up there with both Walters and both Sonny Boys.
I can recognize his harp voice fairly quickly - his singing I know instantaneously. He seems to always have that I'm on the verge of crying singing delivery - very effective for blues.
"The Portland singer was hospitalized Monday with what he thought was a bronchial infection. Doctors discovered he had leukemia which, along with kidney and liver failure, were the causes of death."
Gaunt also wrote: @2:17 is fucking crazy. Yeah, about 4 seconds of the real deal. That isn't harp, it's Paul deLay. The only comparison I know is Big Walter's solo on Walking By Myself.
There are a few choice items I like to listen to on the day of an important show, to get my head right. One is Ludella, maybe a little SRV. This one is gonna be a regular. Much Thanks.
Last Edited by on Jan 30, 2013 7:56 AM
No doubt about it...deLay ruled on the harp. He hits notes and combination of notes on the diatonic that no one had ever stuck into the blues before, or after. He always amazed me with the totally unique and original runs up and down the harp. Sometimes, out of the blue, he'd hit just one note that'd blow my mind. Don't even get me started on his chromatic workouts. ---------- Ricky B http://www.bushdogblues.blogspot.com RIVER BOTTOM BLUES--crime novel for blues fans available at Amazon/B&N and my blog THE DEVIL'S BLUES--due out soon
Well, it's here now, and I must say, it pretty much blew my mind. Originality, technical perfection, tone, and--as important as any of those--ferocity that bespeaks the kind of emotion that you just can't fake. You have to be living the blues when you play harp like that. I've lived just enough of them to know that I do NOT want to go back there. But I'm glad we've got some music that reminds us what they're about.
Holy Shit. I haven't had a blues harmonica revelation like this in years. Granted, I just had 3 bourbon highballs -- but still. Looks like I'm still in the process of becoming a deep musical thinker. Feels good though.
Started listening to deLay's "Teasin'" album. Sounds like any of the finest blues I ever heard. Thank you for this, Adam.
CHeck out "Can't stand your evil ways" (Live) on Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout on iTunes. Had to just download that and a couple others after hearing Keep on Drinkin'
One word captures Paul very well in the blues world I think, and that is, 'original'. Original, and I have to add, 'authentic'. Great vocalist, harpist, and writer, as well.
He often played Big Rivers I understand, because of their affordability. He was not an overblower, that I have ever heard. Also, his chromatic work is as original as his diatonic.
Damn! Listening to his "Mean old World" reminds me why I felt I had to start playing the harmonica: It's like he reached down his throat and pulled his heart out.....One thing I remembered about him that is personal is this: I'm seduced by verbal intelligence...And Paul was very articulate in a relaxed and humble way. I stole one of his metaphors once: he was talking about hearing something he loved and said he "wanted to hug the speakers". I certainly couldn't steal any of his harp phrasing as that was too organic. d ---------- Facebook
Last Edited by on Jan 30, 2013 7:27 PM
Damn! Listening to his "Mean old World" reminds me why I felt I had to start playing the harmonica: It's like he reached down his throat and pulled his heart out.....One thing I remembered about him that is personal is this: I'm seduced by verbal intelligence...And Paul was very articulate in a relaxed and humble way. I stole one of his metaphors once: he was talking about hearing something he loved and said he "wanted to hug the speakers". I certainly couldn't steal any of his harp phrasing as that was too organic. d ---------- Facebook
Last Edited by on Jan 30, 2013 7:27 PM
Yeah Paul has always been on my list of the Top Ten players. Not just his Harp playing though, it's his total delivery both on his own songs and covers. The wife is out for the night,TV goes off and on goes Paul.. Best white Bluesman ever in my opinion as a songwriter and Harpist.And i could almost take out the 'white' bit there especially if you narrow down the criteria for Best to 'modern' artists. He was a singular talent. It's funny but his low note tone on these two country blues style tracks remind me of Dr Ross..like a mouth full of saliva gurgling a perfect bend.
Last Edited by on Jan 30, 2013 8:42 PM
He was incredible. The only blues harmonica player I'm listening now. In my case he revitalized my interest to chromatic. I finally understand how to play chromatic as expressive as diatonic. ---------- Excuse my bad English. Click on my photo or my username for my music.
from a post by htown fesss on the old deLay appreciation thread here
Here's what Drori Hammer said about DeLay's "Space Case" briefcase on Harp-L in 2003:
I had the opportunity to meet and jam with Paul deLay a few years ago (it's worth coming out of lurk-mode just to brag about that ! :) ), so for whoever was wondering, here's what he uses (at least did in 1999). He was playing Hohner Big River diatonics and (I think) chromonica Chro's (in several keys), using a JT-30 mic. The "Space case" is a briefcase which he uses as a harp carrying case AND amp. In it he installed a direct box plugged into a "ZOOM" multi-effect amp simulator, which he uses to get the great variety of sounds he uses. This goes direct to the PA soundboard. Apropos the discussion of marking harps - Paul actually had a small desktop lamp installed in the case as well, to see the harps on a dark stage!
Can't get enough of this song "keep on drinking" by Paul deLay. Just incredible! What key is this in?
Last Edited by blueswannabe on Dec 14, 2013 7:32 PM
No, it's not for sale- I just made it up on the spot and called it 3rd pos romp...Ohhh, oops - you mean Paul's song - I'll sell it to ya - not mine, Pauls - mine's not for sale - free to down-load though :)
Last Edited by Frank on Dec 15, 2013 7:01 PM
