Any songs in higher keys (D-E-F etc)?
As the title says, I'd like to hear a song done using a higher key harmonica like F or D regardless of the genre, though I prefer non-blues stuff. :)
So far almost all the harmonica songs I have gathered are in lower keys especially the blues ones, as most blues players seem to totally dislike the upper register of low key harmonicas let alone using a higher key harmonica for entire song. I wonder why is this though? Is it because harmonica doesn't sound good in higher pitches?
I know you asked about non-blues but this is a blues harmonica site.
Chicago blues through the 1960s saw a lot of use of F-harps, expecially by Sonny Boy Williamson II, Junior Wells, and Sonny Boy I. Same goes for D-harp although Little Walter also used that key quite a bit. Junior Wells and Little Walter both used an E-harp sometimes.
In recent years, blues players - especially amplified players - have gone away from anything higher than a D-harp.
One famous non-blues use of F-harp is Charlie McCoy's recording of "Orange Blossom Special," a fiddle tune that he turned into a harmonica showcase. He actually uses a Bb harp as well for the part of the song where he chugs on three different chords, but most of the song is on an F-harp, which he plays in both second and first positions, using second position for the train whistle and chugs (along with some bluegrass licks), and then first position for the main fiddle melody.
Many players avoid the upper register but plenty don't, espcially when playing first position on lower key harps:
Jimmy Reed, Honest I Do: https://youtu.be/iBluIjvjIhQ
Sonny Boy II, Trust my Baby: https://youtu.be/ecAHHitTDgU
Rhythm Willie, New Block & Tackle Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF3eBjBRjs0
Walter Horton, Hard Hearted Woman: https://youtu.be/IIud1F7Yu3M
"I'll Fly Away" Charlie McCoy on a "F" harp
"Life's Railway to Heaven" Buddy Green on a "F" harp
"What You Doing to Me?" Brandon Santini on a "F" harp.
"Copenhagen" Gary Allegretto on a "F" harp
"Girl from Idaho" Ray Norcia on a "F" harp.
Thank you for mentioning Paul deLay , didn't know him.
Listening to this song :
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lSDcC4sZXM
Sounds rather jazzy to me. :)
And thanks to others too, appreciated. :)
Off the top of my head:
Junior Wells, "F" harp on "Messin' with the Kid"
Paul Butterfield, "D" harp on "Born in Chicago"
D harp is used quite a bit on "rock" style songs (Key of A second position). I have used it at jam sessions often.
E is not as common. Once at a jam session the leader called out the key of B, and I had no E harp and was not at the time as familiar with first or third position. I do now own an E and an Eb, but rarely use them.
Most player don't use the upper register, cause they don't know it as well. Sometimes they ignore learning it. It's their loss as it can add more flavor and interest. Sets apart the better players.
Listen to Paul deLay.
Also listen to some Jimmy Reed's first position playing.
I'm sure other forum members know of more songs and examples that fit this criteria.
BC