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Classic Harmonica Blues from Smithsonian Folkways

Various Artists
Classic Harmonica Blues from Smithsonian Folkways
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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

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101
Theme Song Doctor Ross 2:54
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102
Heart In Sorrow Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee 2:58
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103
Take Your Fingers Off It Will Shade, Charlie Burse, and Gus Cannon 2:52
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104
Nine Below Zero Eddie Burns 3:33
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105
Bye Bye Bird Charlie Sayles 3:09
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106
Gillum Blues Jazz Gillum 2:13
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107
Crow Jane Blues Sonny Terry 1:58
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108
Dog Days of August John Cephas and Phil Wiggins 4:09
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109
Minglewood Blues John Sebastian and the J Band (with Annie Raines) 3:41
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110
Good Morning Little School Girl Doctor Ross 3:36
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111
Sweet Home Chicago Phil Wiggins and the Robert Johnson Tribute Band 4:15
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112
One Way Out Eddie Burns 2:25
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113
Boogie Baby Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee 2:30
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114
Low Down Blues Neal Pattman 4:08
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115
Hooka Tooka Chambers Brothers 2:25
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116
Train Piece Charlie Sayles 5:07
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117
Chicago Breakdown Doctor Ross 3:40
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118
I Feel So Good Warner Williams and Jay Summerour 2:00
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119
Barbara Allen Blues Roscoe Holcomb 1:26
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120
Custard Pie Sonny Terry and unknown washboard band 2:48

Album Info

Catalog Number

SFW40204

Year(s) Released

2013

Recording Date(s)

1952-2008

Label/Collection

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Series

Classic Series

Genre(s)

African American Music; Blues

Country(s)

United States

Instrument(s)

Bass; Bones; Drums; Frying pan; Guitar; Harmonica; Jug; Mandolin; Percussion; Piano; Tenor guitar; Vocals; Washboard; Washtub bass

Language(s)

English

Credit(s)

Barry Lee Pearson - Co-Producer, Liner Notes
 Pete Reiniger - Mastering Engineer, Audio Restoration
 Devin Bean - Audio Restoration
 Courtesy of Duncan Schiedt Collections - Photographer (Cover)
 Chris Bamberger - Editor
 Nora Simon - Designer
 Jeff Place - Co-Producer, Liner Notes
Download Liner Notes