Harmonica Blues
Located in 2 routes
Harmonica Blues centers the blues harp as lead voice, rhythm engine, train imitation, horn substitute, and call-and-response partner. Its sound ranges from acoustic country whoops and train rhythms to amplified Chicago squall, jump-band swing, swamp echo, and instrumental showcases full of bends, warbles, tongue-blocked octaves, and hand-cupped tone.
History
Blues harmonica developed from inexpensive portable instruments used by rural singers, street performers, and jug bands, then became a defining electric blues voice through amplification and Chicago club bands. DeFord Bailey, Sonny Terry, Jazz Gillum, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Little Walter, Big Walter Horton, Junior Wells, Slim Harpo, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield, Charlie Musselwhite, and Kim Wilson made the harp central to multiple blues eras. Harmonica Blues influenced Chicago blues, swamp blues, jump blues, blues-rock, country blues revival, and modern blues education.
Sub-genres in this family
15 sub-genres · 15 written up
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Kim Field, Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers
- Tony Glover, Blues Harp
- AllMusic
- The Blues Foundation