SlimJim have just added harmonica to their sound. Why would they do that? TJ Harpenstein offers his completely unbiased thoughts.
The harmonica (AKA the harp, the gobiron or the Missippippi saxaphone) was invented in 1829 by Charles Wheatstone. As the blues developed, the harp quickly established itself as one of the main parts of early folk blues bands due to its cheapness, simplicity and relatively loud and penetrating sound.
The early blues took shape in rural, farming areas and so harp playing was often influenced by this. You can use this little metal box to make a whole host of animal noises.
And if that wasn’t good enough, as the railroad began to cut its way through the USA harp players found that they could immitate machines as well as animals.
When the blues got electrified (whether in Chicago or back in the Missippippi hills) the instrument found a new life as a driving lead instrument.
With this kind of versatility who wouldn’t want a harmonica in their band.
If you need more convincing then I’ve put together a playlist of dirty harmonica blues to wet you appetite. But of course nothing beats seeing the harp played live at a SlimJim gig.
Slim Jim Blues 