Retro Redux: Mouth-Harps — From Lincoln To Dylan And Beyond - Page 2

He had to punch his time clock at each location and when he noticed me looking up in awe at the rows of huge barrels stacked to the ceiling, he volunteered the information that a guy had been crushed to death by a falling barrel once, so I probably should stay close to him. It made me shiver at the time, and might have even been true, but it wasn't until years later that I realized that it was a good way to keep me from wandering around in dark areas, getting lost.

Back in the guard shack between rounds, he'd open his thermos of coffee and sometimes we'd talk a little, but what I remember most is that if the mood was right, he'd sometimes get out his old harmonica and play. He knew I enjoyed his mouth-harp (as he called it) but I think he had another reason for playing. He knew I was too young to stay up all night, and after starting with a lively "Turkey In The Straw", he'd move on to something slower and I'd be sound asleep in no time.

Harmonicas were rural America's favorite instrument for a lot of years. Coming over from Europe, mostly from Germany's Hohner company - probably still the most recognizable brand - they permeated America. Relatively inexpensive and if not easy to learn, at least simple enough that you could pretty quickly approximate a familiar melody with one. Harmonicas became very popular during the Civil War. It's said that Abe Lincoln had one, as did Wyatt Earp and Billy The Kid.

Through the years, the harmonica in all its sizes and styles has been an important part of almost every kind of music from country to jazz and blues to rock. It's tough to imagine Bob Dylan without a harmonica, and Lennon, Springsteen, and Jagger have all spent some time with one. Even the ladies have gotten involved, with singers as different as Alanis Morissette and Shakira known to take a few turns.

I wish I had a recording of my Grand-dad playing, but here are a couple of clips that are reminiscent of the Americana style of harmonica music. "Orange Blossom Special" by Charlie McCoy, and "Ice Water Blues" by Deford Bailey. Both are from the album, Inspiration - Harmonica Performances. I think Grand-dad would have enjoyed hearing them.

Article Author: Big Geez

Big Geez is a retiree who takes time off from trimming his ear hair to write about music -- sometimes doing conventional reviews, but often just sharing his opinions about how something resonates with his memories and those of his generation. …

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