These diatonic harmonica players are too difficult to classify in only one genre of music. Many play blues, but play other styles as well. Some also double on chromatic harmonica.
"A fairly well-known player who performs with, amongst others, Roy Rogers and the Steve Miller Band as well as his own formations. He's very versatile and his style adapts to the musicians he's playing with."
"There's no one in the pop music world quite like Lee Oskar. His unique role as a founding member and former lead harmonica player for the pioneer funk/jazz group, WAR, won him international renown for over two and a half decades (1969-1993). Oskar's signature harp solos helped to define the WAR sound from the band's beginning in 1969, adding dashes of color to their R&B/Jazz/Rock and Latin influences."
"The national French Harp pride. His brand new site is brilliant (and multilingual) you'll hear about many styles of playing, instruments (and even many different harp players) with nonetheless a strong Blues presence."
"Sonny Terry's harmonica playing inspired Madcat to pick up a harmonica and play along. He has been playing harmonica ever since. In the early years of his playing of harp playing, Madcat practiced along with whatever blues albums he could buy or borrow."
"Steve is a British harp player exiled in Germany. He's the creator, amongst other things, of the famous Steve Baker Special tuning from Hohner (SBS), a diatonic enhanced with a low octave. He plays with German artists (Abi Wallenstein) and English ones (Chris Jones) and is also the author of 'The Harp Handbook', the harp bible!"
"Out of the rowdy San Francisco blues scene self-taught Harmonica Player David Burgin began performing in 1970 with slide guitarist Roy Rogers. During David's 15 year career he toured the US and Canada, sharing the stage and recording with; Harry Chapin, Jerry Garcia, Johnny Cash, Maria Muldaur, Sammy Hagar and many more. Look for Burgin to re-issue his solo album Wild Child soon. Be sure to check out selection 2. That's Huey Lewis's horn section and Burgin on vocals. David has also played on a variety of film and TV scores including "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" and the Peanuts-Charlie Brown cartoons."
"This web site for harmonica players and fans is provided by Richard Hunter, world-class harmonica player, author of Jazz Harp (Oak Publications, NYC, 1980), and composer of original works for harmonica, including The Act of Being Free in One Act, the first full-length CD of works for unaccompanied harmonica ever recorded, and The Second Act of Free Being, the brand-new CD that takes solo harmonica to a new level."
"Composer, blues harmonica & piano, singer / songwriter, and most recently the winner of the Lila Wallace/Reader's Digest/Meet the Composer's national award for chamber music composition."
This UK emigrated New-Zealander has built himself a reputation as a virtuoso of celtic harmonica, even if he doesn't limit his skills to that style. He has also played with Sting and Ray Charles and uses strange tunings both on diatonic harmonicas and on chromatics.
"Carlos del Junco is the guy who brings Howard Levy style diatonic playing into blues and other 'popular' styles. His first album 'Just your Fool' is very enjoyable even if the choice of material isn't hugely inventive, but the second 'Big Boy' really hits the nail : jazzy stuff, ska, ballads, a bit of blues here and there..."
"A French performer who plays traditional Quebec folk music on various harmonicas, mainly tremelos, all more or less retuned to suit the requirements of the genre. His site will enable you to hear samples of his albums and to get acquainted with his style. And it's all in French!"
"My personal webpage that chronicles some of my involvement in the last 35 years playing professionally in NYC and other places. Includes live recordings and studio recordings as a sideman etc. and original tunes."
(in Danish and English) "Lars is a solid and skilled harp player which enables him to play almost everything. In the recent years, he has developed a unique style, that contains elements from several rhymic genres. Lars is well known in the Danish music community, where his distinctive harmonica sound has been heard in a variety of musical contexts."
"The site of Eugene Ryan, the Irish chromatic and diatonic harmonica player specializing in jazz, blues and Irish traditional music. You will find sound samples, concert details, tips, links and equipment reviews here."
"Canadian Blues/Country Diatonic Harmonica Player. 2x Nominated Maple Blues Awards "Harmonica Player of the Year". Over 1,400 Individual recording credits."
"When someone finds out you play harmonica, the first thing
they usually say is 'So you play blues.' And it's true ... I love playing
blues. But, if you understand where American music comes from, then you see
that it's not all that different. At its roots, real music is about
entertaining people and telling stories. Sometimes I'll play a blues song,
sometimes I'll play a twangy thing and sometimes I won't play my harp at
all. To me it's really about what the story calls for and the important
thing is to give credit where due. Once you do that, you can make some real
music of your own and find the people and places you should. Music brings
people together ... come on in and find out."
"I play traditional Irish and other "celtic" music, mostly on diatonic harps. I discuss many aspects of playing this kind of music, such as choosing suitable instruments, setting
up and tuning, altered tunings, learning tunes, techniques, making yourself
heard, and playing successfully with other musicians. Some useful links are
included."
"British Singer Songwriter, storytelling-tap-dancing one-man-rhythmic-dance-band. Rory plays diatonic harmonica primarily. Bass harmonica and some chromatic can be heard on his various CD's playing his own tunes."
"The bands and musical projects of the Austrian harmonica performer Reynhard Boegl include: "austrian harmonica school", "lucy in the sky" (pop-rock), "diving duck blues band", "dr.jekyll and mr.blues" (power-blues),...'
"Buddy Greene is a singer, songwriter, and of course an excellent harmonica player. He has recorded several albums, two of which are mainly harmonica instrumentals - "Praise Harmonica" and "Simple Praise". His playing on these albums runs the range from folk to bluegrass to classical."
"Harp player and vocalist, Lyndon Anderson, came to music quite late considering he came from a musical family. Born in 1969, it wasn't until the age of eighteen when the heard the recordings of Little Walter that he decided to take up the harmonica. Constantly refining his playing, he pushes the boundaries of established harmonica styles. Employing a variety of techniques (overblows, double stops etc..) he has developed a distinctive jazz infused style that shows a mastery of both diatonic and chromatic instruments."
"A veteran of many bands across the US, this multi-style player now lives in the Pacific Northwest. The high quality MP3 clips at his site exhibit different diatonic harmonica styles of playing and amplification."
"Based in California, Richie Blue is a professional musician who brings an industrious sound and style to his specialty -- the harmonica. Due to his dedication and years of devotion
to this instrument, Richie Blue holds a respected place in the music
industry and plays regularly with a slew of artists up and down the
entire West Coast. His dynamic and versatile approach seamlessly
intertwines with a wide variety of music genres and includes
performances with rock, jazz, and folk artists between San Diego and San
Francisco."
"I play Blues, Country, Rock, and Jazz on the diatonic, BassHarp in groups, and Bass Guitar and keyboards. Streaming Real Audio files of my latest recording projects are found in the 'Listen' Area." Links, chat, and event information also available.
"Known principaly as a virtuoso harmonica player, London based Lee Sankey has, with his debut album, My Day Is Just Beginning, introduced his song writing, guitar playing and producing talents into the arena. His music is an eclectic fusion of Jazz, Roots and Funk with a heavy blues based overtone."
(in French) "DH is a french professional harmonica player (diatonic blues, country
jazz) who has recorded several CDs and made several methods. You'll find
tabs, video and CD excerpts online as well as a super Virtual Harmonica :
Roll Over notes with your mouse and listen!!!"
"West Coast Canada (Vancouver Island) multi-style diatonic player and teacher with 35 years pro/semi-pro experience. Styles include blues, rock, country, funk and old-time western. Site includes playing tips and equipment hints."
"Jason Rosenblatt leads Montreal-based Shtreiml through an array of Eastern European, Gypsy Swing and Klezmer music. Using the techniques of overblowing and overdrawing Rosenblatt succeeds in turning the harmonica into a klezmer intrstrument."
"Former of the popular experimental blues band "El Fish" and more recently a new collective, "The Rhythm Junks". A tight band with a very distinctive sound. A sultry groove of alienated swing, ranging from 'mad camel' blues to fat funk; the whole thing strongly spiced up with harmonica and persuasively blown out by a horn quartet with major lungcapacity. He's got a great acoustic sound but his trademark is probably his distinctive electric tone and clever use of electronic effects."
"David Lipkind has been a staple on the Portland, OR music scene since 1998, where he moved from the Midwest. David plays with many different groups, including rock, blues, country, bluegrass, stringband, and folk groups. He teaches at Portland Community College, as well as private lessons."
"Shay is an accomplished guitarist and "first position" harmonica player. He has been playing American folk, British folk, country and Celtic (Irish/Scottish) music for few decades.
Shay was a founding member of the legendary band "The Jerusalem Taverners". He's played and recorded with various artists in Israel and the UK and now is a founding member of the Irish Traditional Music Band "EMERALD", which is based in Israel. Shay specializes in playing harmonica while playing the guitar, not as a simple accompaniment, but far beyond it."
"I play Celtic and Old-Time music from the Maritimes of Canada. I use diatonic harmonicas in
standard tuning, and employ a mix of traditional and
innovative techniques and approaches."
"A diatonic and chromatic harmonica player- Performs mostly in musical theatres throughout the U.S.A. He's played on Broadway (Will Rogers Follies) and numerous regional productions (Big River etc.)"
"Shakey Reay Suter has been playing diatonic harmonica in Blues, Country, and Jazz based bands for over twenty years. He is currently playing harmonica & writing music for the Vancouver Island based trio Little Blue Planet. Their original music covers Jazz/Blues, Gypsy Jazz, Eastern European Folk, & Middle Eastern influences. Shakey Reay's influences include: Little Walter, Walter Horton, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Howard Levy, & Charlie McCoy."
"A veteran harmonica player, Glen Doll has continued to push the boundaries of what
can be accomplished on a diatonic harmonica. His recent experiments with the new XB-40
harmonica have resulted in a fresh and unique style, which is integrated into all of his
original songs."
"Alfred plays a unique style (some sort of Instrumental Chillout Jazz) on the diminshed tuned diatonic harmonica. His first regular CD "Motivation" includes fascinating melodies and solos over some really original compositions."
"Paco Shipp is an innovative, world class harmonica player and singer/songwriter whose debut CD, "Tip Of The Tongue" on Earwave Records is the culmination of decades of musical study, road experience and studio sessions."
"Very experienced player and teacher in most styles. Session, Movie Soundtrack, TV and Radio work. Has played with many well known artists and other top harmonica players-e.g. Lee Sankey, Brendan Power, Paul Lamb, Adam Glasser, Phil Wiggins,etc. Happy to give some free individual lessons by e-mail. Based in London UK but also teaching harmonica and playing in China and Thailand for part of the year."
"Eclectic style on a small instrument with huge potentials. Isn't it amazing that you can carry it in your pocket and it's a whole musical world with so many flavours that no other instrument has? I hope that my play will encourage some to expand their musical horizons."
"30 year old professional harmonica player from Brasil. Play both diatonic and chromatic. See webste for details, recordings, pictures, agenda, and videos."
"A well-known harmonica player in Italy. He is considered the father of the electric harmonica. He has an incredible talent as a music composer, as well as, a harmonica player - for sure - he's one of the most creative harmonica players around. His music is considered to be a type of country rock with a touch of Native American Indian melodies, let's say on the road type music. Music that makes you travel deep into your soul."
"Swing Brothers is a band from Argentina. Styles include: Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz, and Funk. Most of the songs are sung in English. Jorge Simonian, Swing brothers founder and harp player had lessons with Howard Levy and Carlos del Junco during the years 2005 and 2006. At this site, you can find Videos, MP3s, photos, gigs and other information about the band."
"Hawkeye Kane started playing harmonica for his bar patrons in 2008, and has since joined the ranks of harpists in the Central Illinois region, and joined with the Hipbone Sam Band. Being only 25, his primary focus is bringing harmonica back to the light for the younger generation, to whom the harmonica has become an obscure instrument. His genres vary, but is highly proficient at blues and fast tempo music."
"Mark Pack is a highly accomplished self taught harmonica musician with 35 years experience in rock, R&B, jazz, country, bluegrass and post-war urban blues that brings the instrument to a new level. He is available for film/commercial productions and studio recording."
"B-Side Band are a New Zealand trio; harmonica, guitar and rockabilly drum kit (no bass). They play blues, rockabilly, r & b, and roots music. They have 2 cd's, Pilot Bay Blues and Down Under & Blues, both available online from Cd Baby."
"Hello and welcome to ADVPHARP (anointed - dynamic - vibrant - progressive - Harmonica) the musical home of Minstrel and Musician Jared Forte. I am
glad you came. Take a look around and come back for updates."
(in German) "It began 1962 with a chromatic harmonica. Then came several years in a harmonica quintett. International success and TV gigs were the highlights. Then came the time in a Blues Band and later different kind of music styles. Between a long time without music. January 2009 I have catched again the harmonica, but this time especially the blues harp and seriously."
(in French) "In 1984, at the age of 18 and after only four months of harmonica practice, the impetuousness of youth and his growing passion for the small instrument allowed him to share an unforgettable moment on stage in front of 50.000 persons with the greatest French rock band "Telephone". Today, Patrick Hannak, a french harmonica and guitar player, presents his own show in which he likes to play different styles of music as a french waltz, a celtic or a country tune, but his own jazzy compositions too without forgeting his first love... the blues. He also plays on stage with bluesmen such as Carl Wyatt, Archie Lee Hooker, and with the great Senegalese songwriter and painter artist Baye Gallo. Pat Hannak is a Seydel's artist endorsee."
"The website introduces the Finnish harmonica virtuoso Jantso Jokelin, his various harmonica projects that include Klezmer-Viking-Metal-duo, Arab-influenced acoustic trio, world harmonica solo machine, beatboxing and more. Jantso Jokelin studies folklore in the university of Turku, the harmonica being also his main academic interest."
"A veteran of numerous local rock bands from the Sexexecs to Coots. A founding member of Treat Her Right. A founding member of Fort Apache recording studios. Has recorded with a wide range of artists: the The, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Kim Richey, Morphine, Martha Davis, Blood Oranges, Scissorfight, one note on a Kelly Joe Phelps CD, Maybe Baby, Tim Gearan, Kevin Connolly, Rain Dogs, Bill McQuaid, The Immortals, Tom Hambridge... had harmonica parts on a Les Sampou Cd recorded over by James Montgomery."
"Pat Goldsmith has been playing blues-harp since 1968. Bluegrass to fusion, he has sat in with many reknowned musicians; from S."Buddy" Miller, to G."Buddy" Miles. He showed John Popper how to play fast in Princeton 1984, and learned new phrasing from The Uptown Horns w/ Jon Paris NYC 1989. Pat is still active in the NYC blues scene."
If you have a harmonica-related website and would like it listed here, please email us with the web address, site title (or player's name), brief description, and the page it should be included on. Also, if you find any 'dead' links or have changed the URL to your site, let us know so we can make the update.
To open any of the pages in a new browser window, right-click and select "OPEN LINK IN NEW WINDOW" ("NEW WINDOW WITH THIS LINK" in Netscape). Macintosh users should click and hold on the link until you can select the same option.
Dave explains the value of not just learning a scale up and down, but dividing it into smaller "bite-size" chunks, which can then be used as blues riffs.
Here are Dave Gage's sons, Brody and Alex, now called the Brothers Gage, back when they were 10 and 12 year old kids. This video shot in 2015, is an unedited take playing an improvised blues and country based jam and having a bunch of fun.
One plays rhythm beatbox harmonica while the other takes a solo. They are both playing a standard key of "C" 10-hole diatonic in 2nd Position (which is also known as "Crossharp"). They both learned to play harmonica around age 5 and now also sing, play guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. The key to getting good is consistency. They still practice every single day.
