Various Artists – Chicago Blues Harmonica – Paula Records PCD-7 

This 19-track CD presents the late-1940s-1956 Chicago blues sessions from ten individual artists, only four of which are not known for their blues harmonica work (Baby Face Leroy, Arbee Stidham, Charles Clark, and Sunnyland Slim).  In those instances, the quality blues harmonica work of others who support their efforts is highlighted.

With selections having originally been cut for the JOB, Cobra, Abco, Chess/Checker, and Artistic labels, this CD is fulfilling in its vision of offering a wide-ranging listening experience of some of the most gifted Chicago blues harmonica players of the time.

In condensed format, the artists presented are Baby Face Leroy Foster (with Snooky Pryor on harmonica), Snooky Pryor, John Lee Henley, Little Willie Foster, Louie (Louis) Myers And The Aces, Arbee Stidham (with Sonny Boy Williamson (II) on harmonica), Sonny Boy Williamson (II), Charles Clark (with Sonny Boy Williamson (II) on harmonica), Walter Horton, and Sunnyland Slim (with Walter Horton on harmonica). 

What this wide-ranging picture of classic period Chicago blues, specifically harmonica infused work, offers is a reinforcement of just how important the harmonica was to the blues ensemble sound in Chicago.  The diminutive instrument shaded the tunes with depth and feeling, and was a mighty solo channel when called upon. 

This esteemed collection also presents a wealth of blues supporting cast members, including Moody Jones, Alfred Elkins, Eddie Taylor, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Johnny Holloway, Lazy Bill Lucas, Willie Dixon, Eugene Lounge, Dave Myers, Art Sims, Wayne Bennet, Odie Payne, Harold Burrage, Otis Rush, Bill Stepney, Harold Ashby, Red Holloway, Lafayette Leake, Al Duncan, Jimmy Rogers, Poor Bob Woodfork, and S.P. Leary; a certifiable who’s-who of Chicago blues at the time.

Throughout, the blues harmonica wizardry offered for consideration is of a uniformly very high caliber, and when one considers that fact, knowing just how many blues harmonica players there were in Chicago at the time, choosing these 19 songs had to be quite a chore.

Plus, this outstanding CD presents the utmost in blues ensemble proceedings, affording a glance into what must have been a truly astounding period of classic Chicago blues in the band format.

This CD comes perilously close to being labeled as “essential” by this reviewer, but nonetheless, its blues fruits are tasty and sweet.

Highly-recommended without reservation!