Search - Willie Smith, Martin Lang, Little Arthur Duncan :: Harmonica Blues Orgy

True Chicago Blues at its Best!!

Blues Harp Fan | Chicago, IL United States | 09/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a fan of Chicago blues harmonica, I jumped at the chance to buy this CD filled with songs from 4 of Chicago's under-recorded artists. My high hopes were not only met but surpassed! I found myself listening over and over to Harmonica Blues Orgy because going from one artist to another mixes-up the CD in a great way. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith lets his harp do most of the talking as soft vocals are overtaken by his hard-hitting harp playing. His rendition of Hoodoo Man Blues would make Junior Wells proud. Martin Lang, although the youngster of the group, sounds like he played along side Little Walter for decades. Lang avoids vocals all together and gives us some fresh twists on pure blues harp solos. Little Arthur Duncan, on the other hand, belts out his vocals with a sharp precision all his own. Right from his first song on this CD, the upbeat Leavin' in the Mornin', Duncan sets the tone for the rest of his tunes. Any recordings from this bluesman are a must for blues enthusiasts seeking no-nonsense blues at its best. Easy Baby, the final artist on this CD, finds himself trying to follow 3 incredible artists and he succeeds beautifully! He always seems to add his own style and charm to his songs effortlessly. I could not stop singing Room 309 to myself after hearing it.
Harmonica Blues Orgy unquestionably lives up to its name with a changing of personalities, sounds, tones, and amazing talent that can only be described as an unforgettable experience!"