I was looking on a music app for a good player that I really enjoy. Charlie McCoy is as close to perfection as a human can get I/M/O. He can play anything. I have read request for a good country player on this forum and his play is fantastic. His ability to play single notes is great. A “good ole boy” from West Virginia he lets his harp do his talking. If you are looking for some of the very best country music he is the guy. Its a mix of blues and country and he plays things from Hank Williams, Patsy Kline, to Willie Nelson. What a great player and his style is fantastic. I had never heard of him until I started playing 29 months ago. His music will be listened to long after we are all gone. Hope you enjoy hearing him. A great way to end a bad day by just going for a walk and listening to him. Started at the age of eight and was in bands by age fifteen. The number of awards he has won is long and well deserved and the people he played for very impressive. has to be one of the best ever.
I would have to say, the only harp player that could compare to Charlie McCoy would be Buddy Greene. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RIouLeoF3QA
Orange blossom special
Charlie McCoys version is special, filled with twang.
Buddy Greens is amazing, but different.
I am starting to think this tune is just playing train on steroids.
Listening to each performer playing Orange Blossom Special is jaw dropping. Charlie McCoy is the one who brought it to harmonica. He is amazing. Every other performer is chasing a true master.
I have heard them both and they are the best players I have ever seen in person. Both can play anything and play it well. Both are salt of the earth ‘good ole boys’ and it is their harps do their talking. On single notes I would give C M a very slight edge as he plays them all so rich and sharp. You will never meet a person that tops B G. Never spoke with C M but he is probably just the same.
The single note portion of the song is no easy task. I am trying to learn it now and its definitely a line at a time. Lots of practice and listening needed.
The song is played in so many way different ways there is no exact way to play it but C M and B G raise the roof with it.
He plays a violin and guitar very well B G is a god guitar player. Both are near the top of the “best” list I/M/O.
I am slowly realizing that with Orange Blossom Special. Just play the train in the most maddeningly upbeat way you can - rulebook goes out the window.
I would like to learn the Buddy Green version though - I just can’t do the time commitment for this complex tune.
I have a couple of hours for it a day and you are correct about a rule book. I do feel if you can get the single note portion down it comes together quicker. The fast portion is the tough part but there are so many ways it is played.
Yeap!
Best thing is when a crowd recognizes the tune they cannot hear you, at least in Texas. Half are on their sixth round and the others dancing. This is one that will never go out of style. I was working on the single notes today and finally was worn out. If I can get this part the rest is easier. You are right about the number of ways it is played.