CLASSIC HARMONICA BLUES

In the 1850s, clockmaker Matthias Hohner began making harmonicas in Germany. By the turn of the century, his market expanded to America where among countless others, African Americans claimed the instrument as their own. Classic Harmonica Blues from Smithsonian Folkways brims with the creativity of soulful harmonica greats of the 20th century, including Sonny Terry, Doctor Ross, Eddie Burns, Phil Wiggins, and more. Culled from the historic Folkways Records collection and live performances at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, these recordings take us to the heart of the classic American blues tradition. 66 minutes, 36-page booklet.This is the 21st release in the Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series.

Theme Song Doctor Ross 02:54

Heart In Sorrow Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee 02:58

Take Your Fingers Off It Will Shade, Charlie Burse, and Gus Cannon 02:52

Nine Below Zero Eddie Burns 03:33

Bye Bye Bird Charlie Sayles 03:09

Gillum Blues Jazz Gillum 02:13

Crow Jane Blues Sonny Terry 01:58

Dog Days of August John Cephas and Phil Wiggins 04:09

Minglewood Blues John Sebastian and the J Band (with Annie Raines) 03:41

Good Morning Little School Girl Doctor Ross 03:36

Sweet Home Chicago Phil Wiggins and the Robert Johnson Tribute Band 04:15

One Way Out Eddie Burns 02:25

Boogie Baby Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee 02:30

Low Down Blues Neal Pattman 04:08

Hooka Tooka Chambers Brothers 02:25

Train Piece Charlie Sayles 05:07

Chicago Breakdown Doctor Ross 03:40

I Feel So Good Warner Williams and Jay Summerour 02:00

Barbara Allen Blues Roscoe Holcomb 01:26

Custard Pie Sonny Terry and unknown washboard band 02:48