Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers: The Evolution of the People's Instrument

by Kim Field

The harmonica is one of the most important, yet overlooked, instruments in music. This definitive volume celebrates the history of the world's most popular musical device, its impact on various forms of music, folk, country, blues, rock, jazz and classical music. The author traces the development of the harmonica from the ancient Chinese sheng to futuristic harmonica sythesizers. Nearly seventy harmonica masters are profiled including Stevie Wonder, Little Walter, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Reed, Charlie McCoy, Sonny Terry, and John Popper. This updated edition includes an extensive new afterword, an expanded discography of the finest harmonica recordings, and a listing of the best harmonica resources on the internet.

Genres: Reference, Music

370 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[J.J. Lair · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts with the history of the harmonica had interesting points but was dry. When I get to the bands, it got good. Harmonica Rascals, Harmonicats, and Harmonica Jug Bands were interesting histories going way back. Stevie Wonder played more harmonica in his songs than I realize.
Harmonica is more than the 10 hole diatonic that I have. Harmonica is more than the $10 plastic one in the discount store. Some are an arm’s length, some have two levels, some are what I play.
There is a discography at the end that I plan to explore.

[Denis Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I get in a new edition I'll give it five stars :-)-;