From the first time you hear Will's harp on the track "Blowin' Like Hell" on the Live In Germany disc you know you're in for something special. Not only is his playing style unlike any blues harpist I've ever heard before, there is a rawness and purity to its sound that sent shivers up my spine. Will was exploring territory technically and emotionally where paths hadn't been made yet.

The first thing you'll notice is the sound of the band; it's more what you'd expect from a jazz band than a blues group. The clean melodic guitar, swinging bass lines, and less aggressive attitude from the drummer all added up to a sound that is freer than one normally associate with the blues.

Instead of the formulaic quality that blues can generate, their sound left plenty of room for everybody to move around and improvise. Instead of the alto tenor sax of Charlie Parker putting a band through its paces, Will Clarke's harmonica led the way.

For those who want Chicago blues, don't worry, that's here, too; Will's song "Educated Fool" is as grand an example as any you'll ever hear. Listen to his solos and how he drives the beat, how it pulsates like a heart and turns the song into a living creature.

Will doesn't try to bludgeon you into submission with his harmonica by playing endless streams of notes at high speed. Instead he'd rather imbue one note with soul and have it transmit his message. It's on the more jazz influenced tunes that you'll understand by comparison how different and remarkable a player he truly is.

Will Clarke may never gain the renown of people like Muddy Waters or B.B. King; the market has changed too much, and his career was far too brief. But that doesn't mean he will be forgotten. Will Clarke deserves a share of the immortal brass ring that musicians strive for. Once you hear him play harmonica, you won't soon forget him.