Customer Reviews

Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Corky Siegel has proven throughout his long and illustrious career that the humble harmonica is virtually without any limitations. beginning with his work in the 1960's with the Seigel-Schwall Blues band, he showed the world that a white kid could play authentic Blues with as much integrity as any of the old masters. Later he expanded the horizons of the harmonica by working with William Russo to produce "Three pieces for Blues Band and Orchestra" and "Street Dances". On this latest project, Corky Siegel again pushes the envelope of what a harmonica is capable of.

Chamber Blues features a string quartet playing Blues along with a Tabla drummer for extra rhythmic support. Corky's masterful harmonica playing should not surprise anyone who has heard him before. He is simply one of the best to ever play the instrument. This recording still took me completely by storm. Every single cut on the album is a textbook example of what great harmonica playing is all about. Subtle, yet powerful.

if you have any doubts as to whether the harmonica has a place in the future of Classical music, this recording should definitely set you straight.

I bought this as a tape a couple years ago. When I went to CD's I couldn't find it, now I have, and I'm estatic. It's entertaining, and once again, I love the last song. Insecurity...

Corky's music is a refreshing blend of classical chamber music (two violins, a viola, and a cello) with his harmonica and/or piano playing. A fresh sound without being over the edge. You've got to pick up this group on tour. Visit their website (chamberblues.com) and catch them when they get near you. It'll be a cozy venu.

I love this CD! I can't believe no one else has reviewed it yet. Corky Siegel hails from Chicago, where in earlier days he was best known as Siegel of the Siegel Schwall Blues Band. In more recent years, Corky has played harmonica with the Chicago Symphony and the National Symphony Orchestra, and collected fine artists from various symphony orchestras to form the chamber blues project. Listen to the samples, then buy the CD. It is a rare treat.

I met Corky Siegel at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa about 10 years ago. He and the Chamber Blues ensemble were both charming and engaging.

This album is at once technical prowess and jazz improvization.

And it makes a wonderful party background!

GET IT!

I meant to review Traveling Chamber Blues show, which looks similar to this one, so the opinions expressed may not reflect this particular album, but I have a feeling this one sounds pretty much like the other one.

You gotta really love the harmonica to be happy with this CD. I've tried it twice now, but can't get through it. It's not bad, I just can't get through the harmonica and violin to get to the groove. I'd heard a couple of songs from him before buying this that had a quirky, groovy feel to them, that I thought would take me to the acoustic crossover between buzzland and hometown organic. A rare place to go I can tell you, but neccessary once in a while. Anyway, I'm going to keep looking for the right time to try it again so I can hopefully appreciate it. But until I can find it, my advice is to buy it only if you love the sound of a harmonica.