Monday, May 7, 2007

Harmonica x 2 = ?

Today's featured video is Hazmat Modine performing "Who Walked In". Hazmat, is a New York City based jazz orchestra featuring two harmonica players. The band is fronted by Wade Schuman a diatonic overblower who demonstrates his considerable high end skills in this video. Randy Weinstein plays chromatic harmonica on "Who Walked In" but also is an excellent blues harmonica player. This song sounds like an amalgamation of early twentieth century blues, gypsy music, and Dixieland jazz. This video was taken from a Russian television appearance recorded during the summer of 2006.











Hazmat Modine's album "Bahamut" is a terrific collection of music and I really recommend purchasing it. Not only does it feature a number of incredible harmonica performances from both Wade and Randy but also many of the songs are very well written. It is a great opportunity to hear interesting harmonica rhythms blended with unique instrumentation. Not to mention much like NYC the album is a melting pot for a number of musical genres. Who ever thought harmonica would go with Tuvan overtone singers? It is truly an original and innovative album.

Check out Hazmat Modine on the web:
http://www.hazmatmodine.com
http://www.myspace.com/hazmatmodine

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

El Dub and The Gang

Here is a rare recorded performance by Hound Dog Taylor of "Wild About You Baby," featuring Little Walter. These guys are the real thing! Little Walter's blowing is soulful and spirited as well as rhythmicly completmentary. Enjoy this classic!