Customer Reviews

Southern Old-Time Harmonica

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I met Mark Graham and started listening to his music after working on the graphic arts production of his CD cover with the cover designer/artist, Richard Russell, and I have to say that it is a delightful CD! Mark captures and comfortably fits in with the roots of the music, while inserting a dose of his own playful whimsy that I am coming to know with his singing and the sound of his harmonica. This is music that is authentic and fun to listen to!

Old-time music certainly get the airpaly or listening that it truly desrves. Even with the recent popularity caused by the hit "Oh, Brother Where Art Thou", old-time music is still only getting only the most cursory glances from radio stations and record companies. Practioners of traditional musics pretty much have to go it alone.

We who are interested in old-time music are left to our own devices, having to search high and low and occasionally get lucky. On this CD I definitely got as lucky as I could have hoped for. Mark Graham is quite obviously a historian in his own right, jumping from one old-time style to another with apparent ease. The music is certainly as beautiful as it gets. Incorporating old standards with a few originals, Graham is a true master of the harmonica. These recordings cover the years 1986-2000 and they show an artist who is comfortable in a variety of styles.

For all you harmonica players out there, take note; This is definitely a must-have on your CD list. If you want a good collection of older styles of harmonica playing, this is definitely a CD you need to add to your collection as soon as possible. For lovers of old-time music; this is one rock-solid album. For radio programmers; shame on you for not playing this album more often.