Harmonica Masters (1996)

About this title: Continuing the label's exploration deep into the early vernacular music of the United States, Yazoo Records devotes this compilation to some of the finest harmonica players of the 1920s and 1930s. Harmonica Masters features performances by harp greats like DeFord Bailey, Noah Lewis, Jed Davenport, Jaybird Coleman, and 19 others. The smallest and therefore most portable of instruments, the harmonica took a place not unlike that of the violin in blues and jug band combos. As the musicians here demonstrate, it can also be a fine solo instrument. In the hands of an expert, the harmonic and ... read more

Tracks:

1. Ice Water Blues [Traditional]
2. Lost Boy Blues
3. Mississippi Swamp Moan [Lewis]
4. Choking Blues
5. Chickasaw Special [Lewis]
6. Pannsylvania Woman Blues
7. Take Your Foot Out of the Mud & Put It in the Sand
8. Don't Mistreat Your Good Boy Friend
9. The Downfall of Paris
10. Touch Me Light Mama [Williams]
11. Booneville Stomp
12. How Long Blues
13. East Virginia Blues
14. Goin' Cross the Sea
15. Just It
16. Wilkes County Blues
17. Man Trouble Blues [Coleman]
18. I Want My Mama
19. Gastonia Gallop
20. Don't Let Your Head Hang Down
21. Sisco Harmonica Blues
22. Down South Blues [Waters]
23. Medley of Blues [Traditional]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.