Blues Harp
At the Horseshoe, Thurbly, Nr. Bourne, Lincs, on 10th May 2003
Gordon's musical awareness began in the mid to late 50's, but instead
of the usual progression from Pop, through R&B to Jazz, he went
straight in at the deep end. Benny Goodman, Dave Bruebeck, Slim Whitman
etc were his first influences.
He got hooked on Blues in the 60's when Humphrey Littleton brought over
the likes of Muddy waters, Sonny Boy II and Big Bill Broonzy. Then it
seems (as with a lot of us) that life took over, you know: marriage,
kids etc. Blues went on a slow burn and a buried constant niggling urge
for 20 years (the magic number). After the marriage ended, music
returned to its rightful place and trips to the European Blues
Foundation events at Exeter University and such brought him into direct
influence of Mike Roach, Ian Briggs, Johnny Mars, Sam Mitchell, Mike
Messer and many others. The end result is that Gordon swapped his long
standing "air guitar" for harmonica (better late than never).
He has obviously put in many years of practice although he admits
that his opportunities of playing "live" are limited. I have
to say this lack of gigging was not apparent at The Horseshoe where he
played some excellent solos and great backings.
Gordon's style of playing is very much his own as he has avoided the
trap of exactly copying his heroes such as:
Musical influences:
- Sonny Terry
- Little Hatch
- Sonny Boy Williamson II
- Little Walter
- Carey Bell
- Big Shakey Horton
Has played with:
- Johnny Mars
- Phil Wiggins
- Ian Briggs
- The Dana Dickson Band
- Dr. A's Blues Consortium
- Plus local and travelling jam sessions.
Gordon can guest with us anytime and is a welcome addition to the
growing list of fine musicians who are brave enough to subject
themselves to the mad antics of the band.
If there are any blues bands out there who are looking for a fine
Blues Harp Man, E-Mail us
and we'll help out.
Gordon Watson