Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues (album)

Subject: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 22 Dec 99 - 01:26 PM

A few weeks ago on the KPFA Saturday afternoon show Blues by the Bay I heard a couple of pieces that really grabbed me. One I managed to identify quickly through a brief description of it on HarpTalk--blues harmonica backed by a chamber ensemble: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues. This is wonderful blues/classic fusion. I now have two CDs, the original, which bears the same name as this thread, and the second, which in addition to that name bears the title "Complimentary Colors." Both are absolutely terrific: and amazing. On one of them, Corky unbends a note what sounds like a full fifth (a minor third is the usual maximum bend, and only one reed can manage that. Of course Seigal plays harps specially tuned for him by the harmonica doctor, Joe Klesko (setup for a 10 hole diatonic is more than $100--and if you're lucky you might be able to schedule some work with him a couple of years into the new millennium).

The other number I have not been able to identify: it begins with the player saying simply "Northbound train" then proceeds through a five minute train ride, all coming from one harmonica, and ending with the repetition of "Northbound Train."

--seed

Subject: RE: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 03:21 PM

I'm gonna keep refreshing this until at least one other human being breaths on it. Meanwhile, I'm starting the CD again, loud, while I take a shower.

--seed

Subject: RE: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 03:24 AM

Can't let this one escape yet Seed. I assume that he's the Seigel of the Seigel/Schwall band of a few years ago? Have you heard the amazing Howard levy?
Rick

Subject: RE: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 05:07 AM

No, I haven't. Yes, he is. It's after 2 a.m. here. Gotta read another thread. Compulsion, can't wait 'til morning. Gotta go. C'mon, Kratz, hit the goddam button...

--seed

Subject: RE: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: Mike Billo
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 09:28 AM

Was "Nothbound Train" an old or new sounding recording? If it's an old one, I'd suspect Freeman Stowers as the artist. He recorded a bunch of train imitations, and his work shows up on a lot of old-time harmonica anthologies. BTW, he had INCREDIBLE technique. If it's a newer sounding recording, then I'm stumped.

A full fifth is an amazing bend, for Corky, Howard Levy, or anyone else. I can approximate that on a chromatic harp by gradually manipulating the valve while maintaining the bend, but it doesn't work for me every time, but then, I'm no Corky Siegel or Howard Levy.

Subject: RE: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 11:18 AM

For something really amazing, Ruup, the Starboard Watch pennywhistler, can do incredibly long, drawn out bends on his wee pipe (every way I've tried to express this has come out sounding preposterous and pornographic--but he can [and sounding preposterous and pornographic earns you points in Mudcat heaven][right, Spaw?]).

And of course, Corky has the advantage of Joe Klesko's legendary way with a harmonica.

--seed

Subject: RE: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Dec 99 - 11:10 AM

Interesting tale:

It just happened that I was in the audience downing a few when Corky and Jim Schwall's band auditioned for BIG JOHN'S---the premier Old Town blues club in Chicago about 1965. They were a fine band. The early Vanguard LPs were standouts. Corky did a ton of work with Seji Ozawa and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in later decades. It was really ground-breaking work that led Corky to his recent delvings into CHAMBER BLUES.

While I was at the Mayo Clinic a while back, a fellow had to come in and do an interesting precedure on me every few hours. I was playing a cassette of Corky Siegel when he wandered in one day & he just freaked out. Seems he had tickets to see Corky in Redwing, Minnesota in a few days. He wondered if I thought Corky might sign an autograph for him. I told him I was sure he would---just go back stage and ask. He was amazed I knew Corky and walked out of my room a few inches off the floor. A few days later I got a full report on the concert as well as greetings from Corky. The fellow was amazed 'cause Corky said was sending another signed 8 X 10 photo in the mail.

The guy went on vacation and got his job changed. I never saw him again .

I eventually went home. About a month after I got home a photo, signed to ME, showed up from Corky.

I was really wondering why Corky was sending me this thing so I called him. It seems Corky had gotten the distinct impression that it was ME, ol' Art, who wanted the signed photo! He couldn't figure out why I'd want it, but he figured since I was in the hospital I must need it...

Well, we had a good laugh over the whole thing. To end the episode, I sent that photo to another friend of mine, also named Art, with no information or return address. He's probably still wondering why Corky sent him a signed glossy photo.

Reality beats fiction--once again!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Corky Seigal's Chamber Blues
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Dec 99 - 11:16 AM

And one more thing----Howard Levy is truly a wonderful harp player. Also from Chicago. I'd love see Howard and Corky team up for a CD if they've not done that already.

Art