Jaybird Coleman
On my most recent album, Sea Of Blues, I wanted to include a track by Georgia-born, Alabama-based harmonica player and singer Jaybird Coleman. Since first hearing his playing, many years ago, I have always been entranced by his performances, and intrigued by his enigmatic though tragically short-lived career.
From the relatively limited number of recordings available, I chose the Gospel/Blues song , I’m Gonna Cross The River Of Jordan – Some of These Days, upon which he is joined by a second harmonica player, Ollis Martin.
Through the use of overdubbing, I was able to record the two harmonica parts, although, unlike the original, where both harmonicas were in the same register, I used both a ‘high’ F and a ‘low’ F harmonica.
Continuing on a similar theme, I combined the Jaybird Coleman song with piece, ‘Better Get Ready’, by Elder Roma Wilson, another Gospel/Blues performance featuring two harmonicas (and vocals).
I discovered the Wilson recording on a compilation album on the French Frémaux label: Harmonica Blues, Vol. 2: 1946-1952
My recordings can be found on all the usual online music platforms, and heard for free on Youtube and Soundcloud.
Elder Roma Wilson
Mat Walklate
Here are the links:
https://soundcloud.com/matwalklate/rivers-of-jordan_get-ready
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsiquOmIbpQ
© Copyright 2020 Mat Walklate. All Rights Reserved.
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Mat Walklate is a professional musician and music teacher.
More details on his website: https://www.matwalklate.co.uk/
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