Here’s an instrument that has a long history in jazz music, but very little recognition. Its unique sound capabilities add a warm, bluesy quality to any arrangement. The first time I heard the harmonica played professionally was in the 1950s when Johnny Puleo and the Harmonica Gang appeared on TV. How can you forget little Johnny, dressed in a cowboy outfit, attempting to play along with the group only to be pushed out by the other members?
Finally, Johnny would slug one of them. I still laugh just thinking about their antics, as slapstick as they were.
Although they were great musicians, they used comedy to get bookings. To watch them in action, access YouTube and type in “Johnny Puleo and his Har¬monica Gang w/Milton Berle – Holly¬wood Palace.” Aside from the clowning around, you will enjoy some of their old standards such as “Peg of My Heart.” Once at the site, you can select other videos, including a show by one of the original members of the group called the Harmonica Rascals, which later became Johnny’s Gang.
My favorite harmonica artist is Toots Thielemans. Toots played in the back¬ground for many vocalists, including Peg¬gy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billy Joel. He and Stevie Wonder combined their talents in “Bluesette,” where Toots also plays the guitar and whistles.
Toots was born in Belgium and ini¬tially was a guitarist. He immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1950s and joined the George Shearing group. Later, his harmonica could be heard in film scores, including his most notable performance — the theme from the movie “Midnight Cowboy.” Later he was in great demand doing TV commercials and even playing on Sesame Street.
A personal favorite of mine is his solo and background for Michael Franks on Michael’s “How the Garden Grows.” You can also find this on YouTube. When you are browsing through Toots’ work, you will discover a number of selections by him on guitar, also worth your time. He’s in his 90s now and still going strong.
I hope this gives you an appreciation for this instrument and its virtuosos.
P.S. Last time in my column about vi¬braphonists, I neglected to mention Milt Jackson as one of the other greats on the vibes. Thanks to reader Bud Brinkman for pointing this out.
Live Music Calendar Notes:
Elgin Symphony Orchestra – Feb. 24 – The Frog Prince – A one-hour concert treat for the entire family. Activities be¬fore the concert put everyone in the mood for music and fun!
Note: Family concerts begin at 3:30 p.m., with activities beginning at 2 p.m.
Location: Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin, IL. See website for details.
www.elginsymphony.org/1213season. php)
