Rating: 
Summary: Depressing, riveting, and fascinating
Review: This book was somewhat depressing but only because I was struck with the sadness of Little Walter's wasted talent as his life spiraled downwards as a result of alcoholism. The overall experience (of reading the book) was a joy--very informative and fascinating, particularly since I play blues harmonica and am (now even more than ever) a Little Walter fanatic! I am so grateful that these 3 authors saw fit to write such a book. And, in response to a prior review decrying the detail--to the contrary, the detail is what makes the book all that much more fascinating and satisfying to read: it gives you the real sense of what it was like to be at a CHess recording session in the fifties.
Rating:
Summary: Depressing, riveting, and fascinating
Review: This book was somewhat depressing but only because I was struck with the sadness of Little Walter's wasted talent as his life spiraled downwards as a result of alcoholism. The overall experience (of reading the book) was a joy--very informative and fascinating, particularly since I play blues harmonica and am (now even more than ever) a Little Walter fanatic! I am so grateful that these 3 authors saw fit to write such a book. And, in response to a prior review decrying the detail--to the contrary, the detail is what makes the book all that much more fascinating and satisfying to read: it gives you the real sense of what it was like to be at a CHess recording session in the fifties.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Read for Any and All Blues Harp Enthusiasts!
Review: Those of us into blues harmonica know that Little Walter is the father of this musical genre. Although he was not necessarily the first to put harp to mic to amplifier (I believe Snooky Pryor was many years before), Little Water undoubtedly revolutionized how amplified blues harp was played, then and now. He turned the harmonica - a simple pocket instrument that many musicians didn't take seriously - into a musical force that Muddy Waters pianist Otis Spann called "the mother of the band." As a budding harp player, I do not consider any band a true BLUES BAND if it doesn't have a harmonica player at the forefront (as opposed to the background). We who follow blues music have Marion "Little Walter" Jacobs to thank for that.This book is a must-have for any and all blues harmonica enthusiasts. As with Robert Gordon's recent Muddy Waters bio "Can't Be Satisfied," the authors of "Blues With A Feeling" lay out in brilliant detail, from painstaking research and interviews with family, friends and associates, Walter's life in ways many had never been privy to. Just as his musical ability made him famous, his quick temper, heavy drinking and overall reckless lifestyle, unfortunately, led to his eventual, yet far too early demise. If you really want to understand the man, myth, icon, and human being that was, is and will always be Little Walter, then buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: From child's toy to serious instrument
Review: Until Little Walter started blowing, blues harp (harmonica) was little more than a child's toy: a cheap, portable method for making folk music, but more like a kazoo than a serious instrument. Little Walter revolutionized a musicians approach to the harmonica by playing it like a saxophone. Suddenly, this $2 band instrument could play full, rich swinging solos and improvisation. In this very readable text, the authors show that Walter was every bit the innovator on his instrument that Jimi Hendrix and Charlie Parker were to theirs: every single blues harp player since has shown his influence. Unfortunately, the authors also uncovered Walters dark side: his quick temper, his total lack of business sense, and the numerous backstreet brawls that shortened his life. Most important, they guide the reader through his songs as they are recorded, take by take, and show Walters consummate artistry as he continues a neverending search for even newer and more innovative sounds. A must-read for blues fans in general and fans of blues harmonica in particular.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book About A Great Musician
Review: Whether you are familiar with Little Walter's wonderful music, or not this is a great book that will make any reader appreciate Little Walter even more. For a treat, listen to the songs described in the book as you read. The authors point out fascinating insights on many songs, including how Little Walter changed harmonicas and where in each song he changed them. They even explain what keys each harmonica was in. Little Walter deliberately changed harmonicas in mid song to make his records harder for other harp players to copy. Even if you don't play the harmonica, just listen to each song as the authors talk about it and be amazed at how brilliant Walter was.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book About A Great Musician
Review: Whether you are familiar with Little Walter's wonderful music, or not this is a great book that will make any reader appreciate Little Walter even more. For a treat, listen to the songs described in the book as you read. The authors point out fascinating insights on many songs, including how Little Walter changed harmonicas and where in each song he changed them. They even explain what keys each harmonica was in. Little Walter deliberately changed harmonicas in mid song to make his records harder for other harp players to copy. Even if you don't play the harmonica, just listen to each song as the authors talk about it and be amazed at how brilliant Walter was.
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