Let's Start an Argument ... er ... Discussion!
Best chromatic blues harmonica player, living or not: Little Walter? Rod Piazza? Dennis Gruenling? George "Harmonica" Smith?
I'll start it off with my favorite. Recognizing the way Little Walter and George Harmonica Smith started it all, I'm going with Rod. Maybe because I've experienced him - and his amazing showmanship - in person, a number of times in a number of different settings. Maybe because to my mind, no one is as cool as Rod (tho' with his leopard-print sportscoats Dennis gives him a run for his money).
Have at it.
Not just a really powerful chromatic player, but an amazing writer of insightful lyrics.
I always thought he could have written musicals. He wrote characters, not just himself, into his songs, nd different points of view of the characters.
His "I Know You Got Another Man" is a work of genius!
Each great player has something unique to offer. And why not include Bill Clarke and Paul deLay as long as we're at it? Bill really rocked that Low F chromatic, while Paul added a layer of Stevie Wonder to his own unique and soulful stylings in a Pacific Northwest R&B style that didn't owe as much to either Chicago or LA blues but was every bit as good and bluesy.