This has got to be my current favourite solo, performed by the great JJ Milteau. The raw energy, drive and clarity of this solo on a C harp is intoxicating. Any others of a similar vibe worthy of a mention?
btw. There are some good blues riffs and backing tracks on this guy's channel
Last Edited by on Sep 08, 2010 10:03 AM
2nd Walking By Myself. Winding it up on my Victrola is really special. Better than any sound system I've ever heard, the ghosts come out. I have 100's of blues 78's. Todays spin was Jimmy Reed, Take Out Some Insurance. BEAUTIFUL.
If we're talking Blues, I've gotta agree with Bruce Iglauer, owner of Alligator Records. I think Big Walter Horton's performance on Evening Sun is one of the best harmonica performances ever recorded. I never get tired of listening to it.
Walkin By Myself is a good call... Little Walter on "My Babe", Norton Buffalo on Bonnie Raitt's "Runaway", Sonny Boy Williamson on "Help Me", Paul Butterfied on "The Same Thing" with Muddy on Fathers and Sons. Oh, the list could go on and on.
"Walking By Myself" by Paul Butterfield. "Lovin' Eyes" by Jason Ricci (great rock harp solo). "Magic Fingers" by Bela Fleck and The Flecktones (Howard Levy on harmonica).
Have to give my vote (one out of a possible shitload!) to Little Walter (etc) on "I just wanna make love to you", which would get any of us laid I think......! :~)
"Boogie", by Little Walter, recorded in October 1952 with Louis Myers, Dave Myers and Fred Below. The same session that produced Blue Midnight, Mean Old World and Sad Hours. I love the military/march rhythm I hear in this song, and I love the lyricism in Walter's playing.
That said, I agree that all of the other songs mentioned are great harp solos.
That track is tame for JJ Milteau...he can do a lot more as on his solo signature song Tin Biscuit Boy.
Seems like all great players have a signature song:
Charlie Musslewhite - Harpin on a Riff Cephas and Wiggins - Burn Your Bridges James Cotton - the Creeper Little Walter - Juke Mitch Kashmar - RUnning off at the mouth and Whammer Jammer ----------
