There's more than a few California harp players who grew up under the influence of the man who was truly the king of West Coast blues harmonica. To be sure, George "Harmonica" Smith outshone even the great Little Walter ... more »when it came to blowing chromatic harp. Sadly under-recorded and under-appreciated, Smith deserves recognition as one of the greats. This release goes a long way in rectifying that situation. Of the fourteen offerings, five are extremely rare 60s reissues, including a real rocker called "Tight Dress" and a rather haughty little number titled "Blowing the Blues." The remainders were produced by harmonica virtuoso Rod Piazza. In the mix are powerhouse blues pieces like "Goin' Down Slow" and the previously unissued "Last Chance." Top these with such unexpected gems as "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "Peg O' My Heart" and what you have is pure harmonica heaven. --Lars Gandil« less
There's more than a few California harp players who grew up under the influence of the man who was truly the king of West Coast blues harmonica. To be sure, George "Harmonica" Smith outshone even the great Little Walter when it came to blowing chromatic harp. Sadly under-recorded and under-appreciated, Smith deserves recognition as one of the greats. This release goes a long way in rectifying that situation. Of the fourteen offerings, five are extremely rare 60s reissues, including a real rocker called "Tight Dress" and a rather haughty little number titled "Blowing the Blues." The remainders were produced by harmonica virtuoso Rod Piazza. In the mix are powerhouse blues pieces like "Goin' Down Slow" and the previously unissued "Last Chance." Top these with such unexpected gems as "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "Peg O' My Heart" and what you have is pure harmonica heaven. --Lars Gandil
Vintage "harmonica" smith-as powerful as 60`s sides......
01/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I played B3 on a Bluesway album George did back in the late 60`s. He played a powerful harp back then and he still had it on these sides. Although I never talked to Rod anymore after we did the sonny boy williamson side "Help Me" on that early album, it sure sounds like Rod did a nice job producing this, apparently George`s last effort. If you aspiring harp players out there check George out, you will learn how the old masters did it and did it right! It`s unfortunate george`s gone, but maybe, just maybe, he`ll become "discovered"- He`s sorely missed by the blues community.--Robert Schedel"
An Absolute Must-Have For Any Harmonica Fan!!!
peter krampert | eharmonica.net | 12/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"George "Harmonica" Smith is one of the more influential of the great Chicago Blues harmonica players. After playing with Muddy Waters for a while, he made his way west and finally ended up in California where he influenced an ntire generation of young Blues harmonica players, including Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza,William Clarke and James Harman.This collection of recordings by George Smith is an excellent example of why harmonica players flocked to him. It is a sampling of recordings that he made in his later years and includes some great Chicago Blues as well as a few surprises like "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" and "Peg O My Heart". The playing and the singing are outstanding. the recordings are raw, but a true joy to listen to.If you're curious as to where a great deal of the California Blues harmonica players learned to play, then I definitely recommend that you give this CD a whirl."
THE BEST
mike | HARTFORD, CT | 01/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"NOT ONLY THE BEST BLUES SINGER IN MY EYES, THE BEST HARMONICA PLAYER PERIOD. EVEREVER."
Blues Harmonica Masterpiece
Edward Anady | Walla Walla, WA United States | 09/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For us lovers of the Blues harp (especially of the chromatic variety)this CD is a must."
It's george harmonica smith's best record
Edward Anady | 02/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"george harmonica smith was probably the best blues chromatic harmonica player of all time. his style was great; he was a good singer. it is sad that he never recorded with muddy waters."