Hi-- I spoke with the great John Sebastian today (he founded the Lovin' Spoonful, and his dad was a legendary chromatic harmonica player). I asked him about rumors I had heard, regarding him using the "On the Road Again" tuning on a couple of recordings, notably the "Roadhouse Blues" solo on Morrison Hotel. He told me that all that was stock harmonica, and even confessed that some of his recorded output (he cited "Amy's Tune", it seems to be with NRBQ) suffered because stock harmonicas aren't always in tune! Here's the interesting part, he just received some country tuned harps and is checking them out--I told him to call me if he gets stuck, hardy har har. So I did a couple of his tunes at my gig today, "Summer in the City" and "Rain on the Roof". I am a huge fan, and grateful for his kindness. Here is his classic, "Nightowl Blues"--check out the rhythm change at 4:03, that'll give you whiplash!
Thanks for that man. I've always loved roadhouse blues and Sebastian. I've tried to play along with roadhouse a number of times and I can get close but it's just not quite that sound, which I'm sure is mostly a me problem, but that part about his using stock harps that might have been a little out of tune makes me wonder and put a little smile on my face.
Yeah, it's clear enough to study! He's still out doing it, but his voice now more closely resemble Howlin' Wolf--catch him out on the road while you can!
