Rick Estrin and Nathan James join me on episode 131 for a retrospective on James Harman.

James ‘Icepick’ Harman was born in Anniston, Alabama in 1946. After moving between various locations, including Florida, New York, New Orleans and Chicago, he settled down in Southern California in the early 1970s where he established himself in the vibrant blues scene there.

Harman was a formidable song writer and had his own unique view on life which he delivered through his powerful singing voice. His harmonica playing was highly accomplished but he didn’t get too bogged down in the technicalities of the instrument, just playing it to great effect.

Harman released numerous albums under his own name from the 1970s to 2019, and also recorded with other artists, including three albums with ZZ Top.

Links:

Nathan James website: https://www.nathandjames.com/

James Harman appreciation: https://bluesjunctionproductions.com/an_appreciation_of_james_harman

Playing with ZZ Top: https://billygibbons.com/2016/10/james-harman-mystery-man-zz-top-band/

Videos:

James Harman Tribute Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf-z0fByTsM

James Harman interview from 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkbDA4jpB_c

Grit Soup with Rick Estrin and Nathan James:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7x1BajhVfc

Albums on YouTube:

Thank You Baby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_xc_lneR8c

Extra Napkins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVwrq57PM-Q

Strictly Live in ’85: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR1OEhF6Hr0&list=PLSzXohOP-AmcgBdbKmj-DNYiP6CfPTGUY

Black and White: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_0qUrM_XBw

Liquor Parking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL9y1bydpCI

Didn’t We Have Some Fun Sometime album intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1WhxC8Q1ro

Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
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Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com

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