Best Of Harmonica Blues, The - Various Artists

Advantages: Great songs - Both upbeat and slow. Excellent harmonica playing
Disadvantages: None

...Following a purchase of a harmonica, and a "teach yourself book", I have become interested in the Blues music scene. After watching a video by a proffesional harmonica player on youtube, I was directed to blues artists such as "James Cotton", "Little Walter" and others. Because he recommended their music to enthusiastic beginners, I decided to buy James Cotton - Living the Blues. I was glad I did! This album has both soul and passion, with catchy songs which make you want to grab a harmonica and play along! There are 13 songs in total, each of which I will give my thoughts on. 1) Mississippi Freight Train - Theres no singing in this song, just pure quality harmonica playing. The classic "train" on the harmonica, it sounds great! Starts off slow, and gradually builds up to a fast beat, with the train whistling as loud as it can... Read review

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Advantages: The Lyrics are often touching and sublime
Disadvantages: Little innovation and dull instrumentation

.... This is where the rhythm for the entire track comes from with everyone else following suit. The composition is so simple it is almost comical. With each verse ending in a short burst of harmonica melody. She belongs to Me She's got everything she needs She's an artist, she don't look back Covered by Grateful Dead, Harry Connick Junior, Ricky Nelson and others this track is slower and more subdued than the relatively upbeat ' Subterranean Homesick Blues'. It has a gentle mood with one guitar playing a meandering melody while the other remains steady. In general the rhythm guitar and percussion echo the vocals, with the guitar occasionally slipping into double time. A harmonica serves as a filler as it leads a mournful bridge and smooth outro. Maggie's Farm Well, I try my best To be just like I am But everybody wants you To be just like them... Read review

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Advantages: Blues music, what more can be said? Many great legends of blues and soul.
Disadvantages: Not enough songs

...about the storyline or the film itself, go to: http://dvd.ciao.co.uk/TheBluesBrothersWideScreen35057 THE SONGS 11 tracks are included on this album; all are from the original movie, although some are slightly edited so that they are suitable for a soundtrack album. This editing is barely noticeable though. 1 – She Caught The Katy – As always, this is a great intro to the album. It’s the first song you’ll hear on the film and is very much in the style of blues. A continuous guitar rhythm is followed by an equally continuous drum beat. Brass instruments, such as trumpets are occasionally heard but the real joy is the harmonica. Jake Blues (John Belushi) sings the, typically blues, lyrics well. – 8/10 2 – Peter Gunn Theme – This instrumental follows a same beat as the previous track, as well as style. A continuous guitar... Read review

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