Blues Harp

This CD was originally released in 1989 and was re-released with 4 additional tracks by JSP in 1998. Buford is joined on this CD with JSP session musicians Richard Studholme-guitar, Geoff Nichols-drums, Jack Hill-piano, and Bernice Lartwright-bass. Buford's harp playing is sharp and his vocals are reminiscent of the old delta blues performed by the Muddy Water's band. The lyrics are often witty and somewhat humorous with warnings to big leg women to keep their dress tail down on "Big Leg Woman" to his declaration that he has found a new way of loving his woman on "Deep Sea Diver". The liner notes indicate that Buford has essentially disappeared after this 1989 release and has not been heard of since. This is not the case. In actuality, Buford has released at least four other CD's on Blue Loon Records all of which are also recommended.

It's a mite ragged around the edges, but Bell's 1969 debut session certainly sports the proper ambience - and no wonder, with guitarists Eddie Taylor and Jimmy Dawkins and pianist Pinetop Perkins on hand to help out. No less than four Little Walter covers and two more from Muddy Waters' songbook dot the set, but many of the best moments occur on the original numbers. Delmark's CD reissue includes three previously unissued items.

Originally recorded for Germany's L+R label in 1982, this studio date for Carey Bell's Blues Harp Band finds the group stretching out on seven lengthy blues jams. Son Lurrie Bell contributes some nice licks, including a tortured solo to close out a nearly ten-minute version of "I Am Worried," and other son Carey Bell Jr. anchors the rhythm section on electric bass.

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.

Big Walter Horton was one of the key architects of modern blues harmonica. Blues legend Willie Dixon referred to him as "the best harmonica player I ever heard." Along with Little Walter Jacobs and Sonny Boy Williamson II, he is considered to be one of the most influential harpists ever. He was capable of both intense power and fragile delicacy, often in the same song. He was endlessly melodically adventurous, and always unpredictable. His only Alligator Records album, - "Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell", came out in 1972. It paired him with his young protégé, who had played under Walter's tutelage since Bell's arrival in Chicago. Walter's long-time partner Eddie Taylor joined them on guitar. It was Alligator's second-ever release, and received widespread critical acclaim, especially for the fiery harp duets that pitted the two harmonica masters against one another.

On this CD are 2 Chicago Blues legends presented: Eddie "Chief" Clearwater and Carey Bell.
Once dismissed by purists as a Chuck Berry imitator (and an accurate one at that), tall, lean, and lanky Chicago southpaw Eddy Clearwater became recognized as a prime progenitor of West Side-style blues guitar. That's not to say he wouldn't liven up a gig with a little duck-walking or a frat party rendition of "Shout"; after all, Clearwater brought a wide array of influences to the party. Gospel, country, '50s rock, and deep-down blues were all incorporated into his slashing guitar attack. But when he put his mind to it, "The Chief" (a nickname accrued from his penchant for donning Native American headdresses on-stage) was one of the Windy City's finest bluesmen…

This CD is the work of three exceptional blues musicians from the Milwaukee area. The trio consists of Jim Liban on harp, vocals and baritone guitar; Jim Schutte on drums; and Perry Weber on guitar and vocals. Simply stated, these fellas are the real deal. Jim Liban is one of the top blues harp players in the world, but woefully under recognized, and is a soulful singer as well. Schutte and Weber have exceptionally strong blues pedigrees (as does Liban).
The entire CD has a loose, stripped down juke joint vibe - just guitar, drums, harp and vocals on most tracks. No tricks or gimmicks here, folks. Shoot, the closest thing present to an electric bass guitar (sorry Cornbread) is a baritone guitar. Jim Liban’s harp tone is huge, both amplified and acoustic and his vocals are very good. The guitar work of Perry Weber is of the Eddie Taylor less-is-more style (Tasty!) and the drums drive the songs along without overpowering them. A true blues ensemble sound in the spirit of the master of Maxwell Street.