There was a time, and not so long ago, when it seems practically everyone in the Maritimes could play a tune or two on the mouth organ, and if you wanted someone who could play all night, you wouldn't have to look too far. More recently, this "handy [+]There was a time, and not so long ago, when it seems practically everyone in the Maritimes could play a tune or two on the mouth organ, and if you wanted someone who could play all night, you wouldn't have to look too far. More recently, this "handy little rig" has fallen onto hard times, left to gather rust and dust in the back of a kitchen drawer, in the pocket of a forgotten pair of overalls, or in the glove compartment of a '48 Ford out behind the barn.
I'm originally from the village of Wallace, on the north shore of Nova Scotia, although now I live in northern Alberta. I started playing the mouth organ when I was just a little kid. I'd figure out how to play the old songs we'd sing around the house, and the next natural step was to start working on the fiddle tunes my mother was always playing on piano. These she had learned in her younger days on Prince Edward Island. The Scottish melodies had a particular appeal to me, and as a teenager I began seeking out Cape Breton fiddle music, and trying to work out ways to play the old modal tunes. At the same time, I was experimenting with blues harp, and the two endeavours seemed to complement each other . . .
There's been a lot of water under the bridge since then. I've messed around with other instruments and other types of music, but I keep coming back to the diatonic ten-hole harmonica and the Celtic and old-time tunes.
On this CD, I'm fortunate to be joined by Kevin Roach, a guitarist who is well-known down east. His hard-driving rhythms, subtle harmonies and, when called for, delicate touch, provide an accompaniment that in itself expresses the many moods of Celtic music.
If you like reading liner notes, you'll be in your glory with this CD: it includes ten pages of commentary on the tunes, the traditions, and my own musical background.
Meanwhile, better clear a space on the floor - you may want to dance!
- James Thurgood
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:
"If you think the harmonica is a kid's toy, not to be distinguished by the term 'musical instrument,' then James Thurgood has something he wants you to hear.
"Thurgood raises the humble Marine Band into something that can produce the most danceable fiddle tunes and the most beautiful airs a
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Genre/Tags: 
Ringtones
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