Peter757
43 posts
Apr 29, 2010
12:40 PM
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I've just noticed he's in town tonight (Charlotte)...
I had some other plans, that I COULD cancel...Is this a MUST SEE?
I don't know a lot about him, but don't see many blues harmonica players come through town, so thinking I should check it out...
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harpdude61
118 posts
Apr 29, 2010
12:52 PM
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You should go. I saw Willie last night in Asheville with Kim Wilson, Bob Margolin, and Mac Arnold. Great show. They all sang. Lots of Muddy Waters and Jimmy Reed style stuff. I was in heaven.
I thought Willie would be on drums all night, but Kim got Mac's drummer back up and handed Willie the mic. He played great. He feels the blues.
Kim is a great showman too. We can talk all we want about this technical stuff, but the bottom line is....do you make the audience ROCK!
Kim does this very well!
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Joe_L
195 posts
Apr 29, 2010
1:05 PM
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Willie "Big Eyes" Smith is a living legend. He started as a harp player in the 50's before moving over to the drums. If you like traditional harp playing, you'll love Willie. He's a fabulous drummer and a good singer. Additionally, he is one of the nicest guys that I've had the pleasure to meet.
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Sandy88
49 posts
Apr 29, 2010
3:51 PM
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His harp playing is not very good at all, he can barely hang onto bends - good singer and performer though and despite the lack of technique is much more authentic and soulful than all the current blues guys. He is actually a bluesman, not just a guy playing the blues(like everyone after his generation)
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Joe_L
196 posts
Apr 29, 2010
8:40 PM
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Honestly, I don't understand some of the current crop of harp players. There are very few legendary players still with us. Even if they aren't at the top of their game anymore, there may not be many more opportunities to see some of these guys. Guys like Willie Smith, Billy Boy Arnold and James Cotton are American musical history.
If you aren't sure, do some of your own research. Start by googling the artist. Go to iTunes or Amazon and listen to some sound clips. Form an opinion of your own. Who knows, you may just dig the music.
These things are highly personal. There are some harp players that a lot of people really, really dig, that I can't stand the sound of their playing, but you'll never know until you listen for yourself.
Last Edited by on Apr 29, 2010 8:42 PM
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harpdude61
122 posts
Apr 30, 2010
2:55 AM
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Sandy88... I saw Willie play harp 2 days ago and while he may not know all the fancy techniques he played very well. His eyes were shut and he leaned back and played the blues. He had this audience on its feet. He is a bluesman.
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