Blues Harp & La Altalaya Almansa

I love the blues and my second favorite blues instrument next to the guitar is the harp. So tonight, I’ve assembled some of the great harpists, many of whom are probably unknown to the average listener. I first heard Corky Siegel back in 1969 with the Siegel-Schwall blues band at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. He’s always been one of my favorites as was Junior Wells. Don’t miss John Popper’s (Blues Traveler) duel with Steve Vai. It’s unique.  Hope you enjoy these guys.

Paul Butterfield:

Born in Chicago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyLh7-MDJZU

Why do people act like that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS_x1A4LXCM

Slowdown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4GNci5koi8 

Corky Siegel

Hey Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRchJ40rLdE

Imagination: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf5Mh7WYkpo

Twisted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvNAkQhlbb8

John Mayall

Room to move: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ASnbv_ZsWY

Travelin man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0JBsn3BOVE

Parchment Farm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vKGluBbhro&list=PLCA7272FC719AE0DD

James Cotton

Slow Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBeuco0PgJs

Easy lovin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-_xVd1KuHs

That’s all right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC_3gJ3Z1m4

Big Walter Horton:

Blues Harp Shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQfEZd9t5YU

What’s on your mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on5EMdm5_2k

Trouble in mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfngVVh8d8

Carey Bell:

Last Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxczDEpNZeI

When I get drunk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wVpQIyUaJE

Everything’s gonna be all right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB_HI0fpn68

Dana Dixon:

Crazy Maise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_Ly__GHZo

Little Walter comes to town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgilN4Fzolo

John Popper

Dueling with Steve Vai: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGm0M2ztEWg

Play me something sweet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYH2dL2t7zw

Run Around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQl9GZJLHos

Hook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLeT252ZQRI

Junior Wells

Hoodoo Man Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47djAb6jVJk

Messin with the kid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWTieCjUhVw

Mystery Train: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwggMtbx_C4

Trouble no more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNY1ffQj7ng

Montreux 1974: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUZj8O2qgxM

For blues harp, I suggest a hearty red like the 2010 La Altalaya Almansa Old Vines Veilles Vigne ($14.00) from Spain. The wine, 85% Garnacha, 15% Monastrell, is inky purple and opens with aromas of black raspberries and plums. This is a powerful wine with a mouth full of black raspberry pie, smoky oak, and balanced tannins. The blues is often accompanied by good barbecue and this wine would compliment it perfectly. Enjoy!

Cheers!