The Great Harp Players (1927-1936)

by Great Blues Harp Players 1927-1936 / Various

Overview

Although one may think of the blues harp beginning with Little Walter, the first Sonny Boy Williamson, or Sonny Terry, a variety of harmonica players did record in the '20s. Some of their recordings were technical displays that featured them imitating everything from animals to trains, while other players were more blues-oriented. This valuable CD has two selections from the guitar-harmonica team of William Francis and Richard Sowell; Ollis Martin's "Police and High Sheriff Come Ridin' Down"; six pieces by Eli Watson (including "El Watson's Fox Chase"); two cuts apiece by Palmer McAbee, Ellis Williams, Alfred Lewis, and the team of Smith & Harper (which is the only music on this CD recorded after 1930); plus four songs/displays from Blues Birdhead (including "Get up off That Jazzophone") and George "Bullet" Williams (highlighted by "Frisco Leaving Birmingham" and "The Escaped Convict"). Fascinating music. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	12/26/2000
Label:	Document
UPC:	0714298510027
Rank:	129502

Tracks

1. John Henry Blues  - William Francis  - Richard Sowell  -  Traditional
2. Roubin Blues  - William Francis  - Richard Sowell
3. Police and High Sheriff Come Ridin' Down  - Ollis Martin
4. Pot Licker Blues  - El Watson
5. Narrow Gauge Blues  - El Watson
6. El Watson's Fox Chase  - El Watson
7. Bay Rum Blues  - El Watson
8. Sweet Bunch of Daisies  - El Watson
9. One Sock Blues  - El Watson
10. Lost Boy Blues  - Palmer McAbee
11. McAbee's Railroad Piece  - Palmer McAbee
12. Touch Me Light Mama  - Bullet Williams  - G. Williams
13. Frisco Leaving Birmingham  - George "Bullet" Williams
14. The Escaped Convict  - G. Williams  - George "Bullet" Williams
15. Middlin' Blues  - George "Bullet" Williams
16. Don't Mistreat Your Good Boy Friend (The Bubbling-Over Five)  -  Blues Birdhead
17. Get up off That Jazzophone (The Bubbling-Over Five)  -  Blues Birdhead
18. Mean Low Blues  -  Blues Birdhead
19. Harmonica Blues  -  Blues Birdhead
20. Buttermilk Blues  - Ellis Williams
21. Smokey Blues  - Ellis Williams
22. Mississippi Swamp Moan  - Alfred Lewis
23. Friday Moan Blues  - A.J. Lewis  - Alfred Lewis
24. Poor Girl  -  Smith  -  Harper
25. Insurance Policy Blues  -  Smith & Harper

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Harper   Primary Artist
Smith   Primary Artist
Bullet Williams   Primary Artist,Harmonica
Smith & Harper   Primary Artist,Vocals,Accordion
El Watson   Primary Artist,Speech/Speaker/Speaking Part,Harmonica,Accordion,Vocals
Richard Sowell   Primary Artist,Harmonica
William Francis   Primary Artist,Guitar
Alfred Lewis   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Harmonica,Speech/Speaker/Speaking Part
George "Bullet" Williams   Primary Artist,Speech/Speaker/Speaking Part,Harmonica
Ellis Williams   Primary Artist,Harmonica,Accordion
Palmer McAbee   Primary Artist,Harmonica
Blues Birdhead   Primary Artist,Harmonica
Ollis Martin   Primary Artist,Vocals,Harmonica
Bob Brown   Vocals
Robert Cooksey   Vocals,Harmonica,Speech/Speaker/Speaking Part
James "Blues Birdhead" Simons   Accordion,Harmonica
Charlie Johnson   Guitar,Guitar

Technical Credits

Johnny Parth   Producer
Alfred Lewis   Composer,Vocal Effect
Traditional   Composer
Robert Cooksey   Vocal Effect
A.J. Lewis   Composer
Howard Rye   Liner Notes
El Watson   Composer
George "Bullet" Williams   Performer
G. Williams   Composer
Blues Birdhead   Performer