MindTheGap
1069 posts
Jan 30, 2016
5:31 AM
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While working along Winslow's list of inspring chromatic players, I didn't come across Max Geldray.
Then I was listening to the Goon Show (repeated often on BBC R4Extra) and there of course he was. The Goon Show was before my time, but I my parents talked about them a lot, and we had some cassettes of a few shows. So I now remember it was one of the sounds in the background growing up. Just one of those things.
Well, now there's plenty on YT of course and he's excellent. You know, it's an 'instrument' not a 'harmonica' - it's that good. :) In my search, there's one reference to him on MBH.
According to wiki...
...his performances were often humorously dismissed by the announcer Wallace Greenslade, with such comments as: "That was Mr Max Geldray playing a harmonica. We thought you ought to know what it was, anyhow"
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Jan 30, 2016 5:33 AM
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WinslowYerxa
1056 posts
Jan 30, 2016
5:35 PM
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Thanks for the reminder. I received a phone call from Max many years ago - he was living in Palm Springs, which I hardly expected! I wish now I'd followed up and gotten to know him.
His harmonica features on the Goon Show were always a delight. And of course everything was treated with irreverence, not just Max's harmonica playing. I have a number of their shows on LP and for awhile there was a website that would put one up now and then for download.
For years I was on the lookout, hoping that he had recorded an album, but never found one.
===========
Winslow
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Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jan 30, 2016 5:36 PM
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MindTheGap
1072 posts
Jan 31, 2016
1:18 AM
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Thanks. According to one obituary (The Guardian)...
"Geldray was sometimes described as the world's first jazz harmonica player, having performed with the great Django Reinhardt in the 1930s."
According to wiki, "The two became close friends and played together often".
Also from wiki..
"In 1957 he released an album, Goon with the Wind, which was produced by George Martin and released on the Parlophone label."
I haven't found much reference to that elsewhere. I wonder if I gird my loins and sign up to slidemeister if they have some info there.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Jan 31, 2016 1:22 AM
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andysheep8
42 posts
Jan 31, 2016
2:10 AM
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Two things i remember reading about Max;
He was blown up in the war, and puts his survival down to superior lung-power from harmonica playing.
He once did a show after smoking a little weed, thought he'd blown the back off it, until he heard the recording.
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SuperBee
3324 posts
Jan 31, 2016
4:25 AM
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Andysheep8, I don't quite understand the jargon. What's 'thought he'd blown the back off it' mean? Did he think he played well? And then found it was not so? I can imagine that happening under the influence...but then again, I can also imagine the reverse...I believe some inspired performances were made that way also..not by me however...
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Rontana
277 posts
Jan 31, 2016
6:15 AM
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I don't know about an album, but his book "Goon With The Wind" can be purchased on Amazon (for a penny . . . with $3.99 shipping) Here's the link
Goon With The Wind
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andysheep8
43 posts
Jan 31, 2016
6:38 AM
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Yes, SuperBee, that's what it meant.In my own case i was once gently nudged into realising i was a bit overexcited with my own performance, by a friendly guitarist whacking me over the head with his Fender. Happy daze!
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