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CD Review by Jeff Harris (Bad Dog Blues, Feb. 2001) Shakin Smith: Wizard Of The Harmonica Shakin Smith has been playing blues harmonica in Buffalo, NY since the 60's and while well respected among bluesman his name hasn't spread much out of Western New York. Wizard Of The Harmonica should go a long way change this and his mastery of blues harp is guaranteed to turn a few heads. Smith has shared the stage or crossed paths with more than a few legends including Jr. Wells, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Louis Myers, James Cotton and perhaps most importantly Robert Lockwood Jr. The two have been good friends since meeting in 1977 with Lockwood offering support and encouragement throughout the years. In fact Lockwood can be heard on two cuts on the new record. Despite the name recognition that Lockwood brings, Wizard Of The Harmonica is Smith's showcase all the way and he lives up to the title one hundred percent. The liner notes mention that Sonny Boy Williamson and Little Walter are two main influences and you can certainly hear that in Smith's playing but his real genius is being able to distill those influences into a sound all his own. The music is comes across solidly in a classic Chicago blues groove but like his friend Lockwood there's also a strong jazz influence in his playing. In addition to his harp work Smith is a strong vocalist and also happens to have a tight band that compliment their leader perfectly. "Hard Kind Of Life" opens things up with in romping Chicago blues fashion, "Bye Bye Baby" is a fine blues shuffle, "Change Your Ways" displays some jaw dropping harp work and "Sweet Little Girl" has a swinging jazzy feel. Some of the disc's best moments come on the instrumentals including the wonderfully late night feel of "A.M. Blues", "Chess Piece" a steamy Chicago blues featuring exceptional playing by Lockwood and Rochester legend Steve Grills on guitar (recorded in Lockwood's basement) and the jazz tinged "No Apostrophe"." Wizard Of The Harmonica more than lives up to the title and is the best harmonica blues disc I've heard in a long time. The bottom line is that this one cooks from start to finish and will hopefully bring Shakin Smith's name to a wider audience. (Jeff Harris) |