Classic Harmonica Blues from Smithsonian Folkways

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.

Track Listing

101	Theme Song Doctor Ross, The Harmonica Boss	02:54
102	Heart In Sorrow Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee	02:58
103	Take Your Fingers Off It Will Shade, Charlie Burse, and Gus Cannon	02:52
104	Nine Below Zero Eddie Burns	03:33
105	Bye Bye Bird Charlie Sayles	03:09
106	Gillum Blues Jazz Gillum	02:13
107	Crow Jane Blues Sonny Terry	01:58
108	Dog Days of August John Cephas and Phil Wiggins	04:09
109	Minglewood Blues John Sebastian and the J Band (with Annie Raines)	03:41
110	Good Morning Little School Girl Doctor Ross, The Harmonica Boss	03:36
111	Sweet Home Chicago Phil Wiggins and the Robert Johnson Tribute Band	04:15
112	One Way Out Eddie Burns	02:25
113	Boogie Baby Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee	02:30
114	Low Down Blues Neal Pattman	04:08
115	Hooka Tooka Chambers Brothers	02:25
116	Train Piece Charlie Sayles	05:07
117	Chicago Breakdown Doctor Ross, The Harmonica Boss	03:40
118	I Feel So Good Warner Williams and Jay Summerour	02:00
119	Barbara Allen Blues Roscoe Holcomb	01:26
120	Custard Pie Sonny Terry and unknown washboard band	02:48