Laid-back vocals… steady-rolling rhythms… melodies so sweet and simple, they almost make you cry. But when it comes to the Mississippi Saxophone, virtuosity ain’t necessarily a good thing – and sometimes it can be the exact wrong thing. Don’t get me wrong… With the possible exception of Popper (a very talented noodler), I love all those guys. ![]() Let’s start by arguing about the term “master.” Much like guitarists who wax poetic about Joe Bonamassa, some harp enthusiasts are only willing to apply master status to virtuosos such as Rod Piazza (the Mighty Flyers), John Popper (Blues Traveler), Howard Levy (Bela Fleck) and the late Norton Buffalo (the Steve Miller Band). Does that make me a leading expert on the blues harp? Let’s put it this way: You can find a whole lot of online chatter about Pitbull’s new release, but I’m probably your only source this week for semi-educated thoughts on the harmonica stylings of Lazy Lester. ![]() ![]() Alright, here’s a topic I know pretty well, mainly because I’ve played this thing for more than 40 years. ![]() “Dear Tim: You’ve bitched about the Confederate Flag, bashed bro-country, dissed Eric Clapton, trashed EDM, maligned Parrotheads… It’s not that we disagree with you on any of that stuff, but… Is there anything that you like? And, if so, is it a subject on which you can opine with great authority?”
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