Mean Low Blues (1929) - Blues Birdhead

This is said to be the first recording of the use of the over blow technique on the diatonic harmonica, recorded in 1929 on the Okeh label by Blues Birdhead (real name James Simons). I’m no expert but I think it occurs at - An overblow is not a “bend“, which can be commonly heard in much of the pre-war repertoire, it is a different technique which blocks the upper reed so that the lower one (which normally is meant to be drawn) vibrates.
Back to Top