Educated as I try to be about harmonica stuff, I'm always stunned to discover just how ignorant I really am.
Here's an example: Do you know who Pierre Lacoque is? And have I spelled his name correctly? [edited to add NO: I HAVEN'T. It's "Lacocque."]
He's the harmonica player in a band called Mississippi Heat. They've been around for about 20 years, I'm guessing; they've paid their dues twice over. But they never came through NYC in the 20 years I lived there--or else I just never saw the ads--and I don't believe I've ever heard them on the radio. Nevertheless, they were advertised pretty heavily, and they've made quite a few albums.
Still, I knew nothing about Pierre's playing until just now, when for no good reason I suddenly decided that I should check him out on iTunes.
Good stuff! Certainly a guy who deserves to be on my honorable mention list. A real pro, with a distinctive sound and great chops.
And he's European. There's only one other pro Euro player, as far as I know, who has spent serious time in Mississippi--gigging time, I mean--and that's Walter Liniger, who used to play with James "Son" Thomas. Walter was the guy I stayed with the first time I came through Oxford, Miss., where I now live. A class act.
Here's Pierre's page at Hohner:
http://www.hohnerusa.com/index.php?1732
I suspect he's flown somewhat under the radar, as a harp player, because he's strictly a sideman.
Thoughts? Stories? Have you seen Mississippi Heat live?
Last Edited by on Jul 09, 2009 6:37 PM
Here's a video. You can find a few others on YouTube. Great tone here, and perfect sideman economy. Harp students: listen to how this guy does it. He makes as much music with his pauses as he does with his notes.
Adam, PIERRE LACOCQUE is how his name is spelled. You almost got it right. ---------- They've got a name for the winners in the world. I...I want a name when I lose. They call Alabama The Crimson Tide. Call me Deacon Blue.
It's interesting that he gets that Chess studio sound using a Boss Delay and Holy Grail for reverb. ---------- They've got a name for the winners in the world. I...I want a name when I lose. They call Alabama The Crimson Tide. Call me Deacon Blue.
Just looked up Mississippi Heat on Lala.com and I'm listening to "One Eye Open: Live at Rosa's Lounge" w/Lurrie Bell. I had never heard of them but Pierre is excellent. Great tone and emotion. Thanx Adam!
I've heard of these guys for years, but have never checked them out. They are absolutely first rate! I hope they come to L.A. sometime. Thanks for the heads-up Adam. Me too, LOVE that singer!
Wow I haven't heard a harp solo that soulful in a while... His style is truly unique too. ---------- "Without music, life would be a mistake" -Nietzsche
WOW. Now THAT is what it's all about. Tasteful, elegant and downright magical. I wonder if my harp has any of those notes on it...?!
I LOVE how she puts the mic away and just WAILS! It's like she took a step back and just wants to tell us all a story, up close and personal. THAT is what blues it all about in my book.
I'll definately be makin some new additions to my collection.
I'm not actually as much a fan of that second video as you guys. Buddha will second me, I think: his harp has a couple of out-of-tune notes. And the tone he's getting is a lacking something on the bottom end--it's pretty crunchy.
But that's just me. Still a fine player in my book.
I do agree with Kudzurunner on this one. The first clip seemed to have so much more depth and presence in his playing. The 2nd clip is outside and that may account for the sound. I'm not a fan of the shaker mics either and the 2nd clip really shows off the "cardboard" sound of them. The 2nd clips is more "showy" something a lot of players seem to do when they have very large audiences and/or can't hear themselves.
