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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Johnny Sansone/Adam Gussow NOLa show review
Johnny Sansone/Adam Gussow NOLa show review
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toddlgreene
1282 posts
Apr 30, 2010
10:29 AM
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Last night was a happenin' Thursday night here in New Orleans, since it falls between Jazz Fest weekends-any music club in town has good acts playing to good crowds-you name the style, it's all here. At a fairly new Canal Street haunt known as Chickie Wah Wah, Johnny Sansone was hosting his annual Blues Harmonica Show.
With an all-star backing band of hot-shot New Orleanian blues players on drums, guitar,bass and piano, Johnny had assembled a dream-come-true for any harmonica player. The fact that this particular venue is probably the only smoke-free music club in town made it an even more perfect setting. Onstage was one of Johnny's Bassmans, a few Shure Bullets, a sweet EV 641 on loan from Harvey Berman, and Adam's big-sounding little HarpGear HG2.
The players that graced the stage before Adam did his thing were all locals except for our Italian friend, Riccardo Grosso, in town for another week. He's a great, dynamic player, and he moved nimbly thru a medley of standards.
Thomas Walker, one of Johnny Sansone's finest pupils and local Tone God, put down his guitar to rock the Bassman for several tunes. He's a reluctant frontman in his own words, although he certainly has the skills to do the job. Thomas is a true student of the classic blues, and he channels them well.
Benny Maygarden took to the stage with his melodic, swinging vocal and harp stylings. Benny has skills on harp, but his vocals stand out in a big, very good way.
Adam Gussow confidently strode onstage with his trusty HG2, and at first summoned only the drummer for a fun version of Thunky Fing, under the watchful eye of his lovely wife. He found his way thru a good variety of selections, probably most notable of all being The Meters' Cissy Strut. Beforehand, he asked me if I thought the band would know the tune-I laughed, as I'm pretty sure every musician with any history in New Orleans knows Cissy Strut! Adam and band fell in synch and did this classic funk tune good justice. I'd also like to point out that Adam's skills as a vocalist are superb, with his distinctive vibrato and a comfortable range that never sounded strained or forced.
Johnny took the stage next, doubling on a southpaw Strat and acoustic harp, and cycling back and forth later between his Bullets and acoustic playing, as he sang in his trademark voice, working thru a standard or two, but showcasing his fine New Orleans Swamp Pop-styled tunes. His powerhouse harp playing was in fine form as well, always keeping it interesting and with great use of versatility and dynamics.
Bruce 'Sunpie' Barnes was a no-show unfortunately, but Andy J. Forest eagerly stepped up to bat next in his place. Andy is truely one-of-a-kind in all respects:from his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and deep voice coupled with his unique delivery, to his broad abilities on harp. He's incredibly entertaining to watch and listen to, and a very down-to-earth guy to boot.
Afterwards, Andy called Johnny, Riccardo, Adam, Thomas, and myself to the stage for a finale of Mellow Down Easy, but this unfortunately occured right after I discoved my car had been towed, with my harps inside...great. Harvey Berman happily took my place. This was fun, listening to all these skilled players work out different parts on the fly so as not to create a cacophony onstage, and they pulled it off.
Besides my 150 dollar mistake and missing out on sharing the stage with so many great players, this was a great night of harmonica-fronted music that I was thrilled to be able to experience.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
Last Edited by on May 01, 2010 6:14 AM
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Kyzer Sosa
465 posts
Apr 30, 2010
12:36 PM
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yikes... timing was impeccable eh todd? sucks about the car. excellent write up however!
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
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toddlgreene
1287 posts
Apr 30, 2010
1:00 PM
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Thanks! Johnny will be at Hill Country-good stuff.
Sometimes I think my life is an example of what not to do...
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
Last Edited by on Apr 30, 2010 1:01 PM
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asilve3
105 posts
Apr 30, 2010
3:25 PM
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Wow sounds like a great night! Thanks for writing this review. Anyone know if there is audio or video from any of the sets?
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toddlgreene
1292 posts
May 01, 2010
6:15 AM
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I did not notice anyone using anything other than a still camera, but that would be a cool discovery, asilve3.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
Last Edited by on May 01, 2010 6:15 AM
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kudzurunner
1387 posts
May 01, 2010
6:18 AM
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Thomas Walker is indeed a tone god. Incredibly modest guy, too.
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toddlgreene
1293 posts
May 01, 2010
6:24 AM
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I saw some pics from yesterday's JazzFest of Thomas playing guitar with J'Monque' D. Thomas is easily one of the most humble, unassuming musicians I've ever met in my life;you'd never realize the incedible talent he possesses until he wields a guitar or picks up a harp.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
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HarveyHarp
16 posts
May 01, 2010
7:30 AM
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Thomas and I played with Oscar and the Blues Tones at Big Al's last night. It was a Hoot. I am working on Thomas real hard to come to Hill Country with us. I am making headway. We were hoping Adam was going to show, but I think we wore him out on Thursday. I am heading to Jazz Fest today on my Motorcycle, and hope to run into Adam there. Then to drag him to Porch Fest right outside the Fairgrounds, where my Band 30X30 is playing. They are all Female, except for me. They call me Monica, as in HorMonica. One of the best Blues Bands in New Orleans.
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toddlgreene
1294 posts
May 01, 2010
7:35 AM
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Harvey, did you guys move the city's latitude and longitude, or just change the band name to 30x30? It was 30x90, haha...Somebody's havin' too much fun at the Fest!
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
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HarveyHarp
17 posts
May 01, 2010
7:46 AM
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When I play harp, I move the world. The Oil Spill has removed 60 Degrees from our location, I am old and Senile, My brain moves faster than my fingers, I drink too much and am having withdrawel symptoms. Take your pick of excuses.
At least I know where to park, and can hold my harps rightside up, Normally.
LOL.
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toddlgreene
1295 posts
May 01, 2010
7:48 AM
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Touche', you old bastard...;-D
Put your superhero cape on and move that oil slick the hell away from here.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
Last Edited by on May 01, 2010 7:57 AM
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