I am looking for all the suggestions possible for solo harmonica songs. No looping, kinda like what Mr. Gussow does with his one man band. Singing, harp, maybe some foot percussion. Blues for sure, but any other genres that could be doable for solo harp and keep it interesting? Thanks.
For a non-blues selection I do a medley of Rock around the Clock, Blue Suede Shoes and Route 66 - always goes down well. ---------- Grey Owl YouTube Grey Owl Abstract Photos
It's only a vague suggestion, but I've noticed that short, depressing songs (like St. James Infirmary) work well if you do them as call and answer. If it has too many verses it ends up being too long. I guess I don't do it straight call and response... I think I echo whole verses instead of just single lines.
Maybe a cross between Son House and Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers versions of John The Revelator? It's not a harp song, but I think it could work.
Thanks! That is a good one to add. So far my list includes:
When the saints Honest I do Superstition Summertime Crossroads Need to make a dollar What a wonderful world Stranger by the shore St. Louis blues train song Will it go round in circles Sunshine of your love Georgia Watermelon Man The entertainer Good morning little school girl Juke/blues shuffle including big walter horton's shuffle Amazing grace Tequila Little bitty pretty one What I'd say Spoonful Help me Going down south/R.L. burnside harmonica riff
I've been working up a version of Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho (hopefully I'll have it recorded in time for BYBO). My version is probably closest rhythmically to Mahalia Jackson's version (which YouTube won't let me embed). I like the sound of it on a minor harp better, although I'm considering switching part way through to change things up. Again, it's not a harp song, but it's a catchy melody that's fun to play on the harp.
I do 2 versions of Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho. One is on C harp in 3rd pos. Ala Gindick's vid. The other version I like is based on the Peg Leg Sam video, done on an A. Having 2 versions gives me a variety for different crowds, or needing to do repeats for a long night of playing to the same crowd and for my own mental well being. I have a few tunes that I vary the tempo so I can do 2 or 3 versions of depending on need.
