[Harp-L] Bob Dylan as a harmonica player

[John F. Potts]

I read that one of Dylan's first gigs in NYC (before he got a
recording contract) was as a session harmonica player (!?) recording
on a Harry Belafonte album.

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[John F. Potts]

I read an interview with Sugar Blue who did session work on a Dylan
album that resulted in out takes that were eventually released on
"The Bootleg Series." Sugar Blue said that Dylan's harmonica skills
should not be judged based upon what he plays on his own albums
because he is capable of *doing a lot more* on the harmonica than
what he usually plays. I thought that Sugar Blue may just have said
that to be gracious,, but Sugar Blue does not have a reputation for
being particularly gracious.
Anyway, Dylan's use of 4th position on "All Along the Watchtower"
indicates that Dylan had more than casual familiarity with the
instrument, whether or not his breath technique and playing were
particularly proficient.
Btw, Bryan Ferry (the front man for Roxy Music) released a solo
album of Dylan covers titled "Dylanesque.* Ferry plays harmonica on
the album in a style and manner that is perhaps best described
as...Dylanesque. The studio band on that album is pretty good,
though, particularly the slide guitar player.

[Rob Paparozzi]

Yes, it's true, I own the LP...he was doin' some session work in NY while
getting his career together.

I think Bob's harp playing on his OWN material is Brilliant! I do feel that
Hohner should be more critical when choosing a player for their signature
lines. I mean on chromatic they have Larry Adler and Toots models....very
appropo

Then on Diatonic they choose Dylan, Steven Tyler and The Beatles....doesn't
make much sense at least they had the good sense to use Steve Baker ! ,-)
but why not Walter, Butter, Sonny Boy or even Popper ???

In the guitar world they at least model the signature axes after cats that
really play, ie:
LES PAUL, BARNEY KESSEL, JIMI HENDRIX, CLAPTON....but then I guess Trini
Lopez blows a hole in my theory!,-) oh well............

Rob P.

[Icem...@aol.com]

It may be hard to get signatures on the harmonicas from Walter, Butter and
SB....

Marketing Marketing Marketing

Admit it, when dealing with the general public - Bob Dylan signatures will
sell more units than Popper or Steve Baker even.


In a message dated 9/7/2008 3:58:08 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
Chro...@earthlink.net writes:

Then on Diatonic they choose Dylan, Steven Tyler and The Beatles....doesn't
make much sense at least they had the good sense to use Steve Baker ! ,-)
but why not Walter, Butter, Sonny Boy or even Popper ??

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