lahoradelblues recently published a review of the 2024 release of Jerry McCain’s Blues Party on Wolf Records. The review highlights the legendary impact of harmonica player Jerry McCain (1930–2012), especially noting his influence on blues history and innovation in harmonica amplification.
The review details McCain’s humble beginnings in Atalá, Alabama, where his love for the harmonica led him to save money by collecting scrap metal to purchase his first instrument. His journey took him from playing on the streets to recording his first album with Trumpet Records in 1953, leading to a prolific career that included the famous track “She’s Tough.”
The Jerry McCain’s Blues Party album features 17 tracks that capture the essence of different phases of McCain’s musical journey. It is a special tribute album, with The King Bees serving as his longtime backing band, contributing to countless performances, recording sessions, and cherished memories. Band members Rob Baskerville and Penny Zamagni, who played guitar and bass respectively, wrote the album liner notes filled with personal anecdotes about their time with McCain. Drummers Russ Wilson, Mike Rhoades, and Dave Barbour, as well as notable blues legends Chick Willis and Nappy Brown, also contributed to this remarkable project.
According to lahoradelblues, the album is a fitting tribute to McCain’s extraordinary talent, placing him among the greatest harmonica players such as Little Walter, George Smith, and Walter Horton. The review praises McCain’s ability to innovate and infuse new life into the blues harmonica, calling him a “true blues master” with an unforgettable presence on and off the stage. The review concludes with a rating of “GREAT.”
Credit: lahoradelblues
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Jerry McCains’s Blues Party13,30 € incl. VAT
incl. 20% VAT