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David's Tip of the Day: Big Walter Horton's Backing Work

Posted Thu, 12/06/2012 - 08:39 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

Both Little Walter and Big Walter Horton were prolific in regards to how many players they backed on recording. On the Jimmy Rogers two-CD set, "Complete Chess Recordings" you'll find "If It Ain't Me (Who Are You Thinking Of)" and "Walking by Myself" with Big Walter... two of the most celebrated tracks in the blues harmonica world. "Chicago Bound" with Little Walter is also on that recording and is one of my personal favorites. The backing hook he played on this is also the hook I use for my instrumental "Matchstick" on the History of the Blues Harmonica Concert two-CD set.

Jimmy Rogers, Complete Chess Recordings
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=8831

History of the Blues Harmonica Concert
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=17786

My other favorite recordings with Horton is when he backed Johnny Shines...

Johnny Shines with Big Walter Horton
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=8961

Evening Shuffle -The Complete J.O.B. Recordings 1952-1953
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fish-tail/id267900871?i=267901424

You can find some of the same "Evening Shuffle" cuts on this three-CD set of Horton.

Horton Big Walter (3CDS), Blues Harmonica Giant
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=17926