Rick Estrin - On The Harp Side (2008)

Most of you will recognize Rick Estrin’s name from his work with Little Charlie & The Nightcats. While Rick fronted that jump-blues styled band for close to 30 years, and continues to front and also lead the band now that Little Charlie has bowed out, this CD is a showcase for old-school electric blues, and Rick’s harp skills, rather than the jump blues the Nightcats have been know for.
If you’re expecting the Nightcats sound here you won’t be getting that. This CD is (mostly) full of ‘50s and ‘60s style blues harp tunes, along the lines of music first heard from Little Walter, James Cotton, Rice Miller, and others. The album really is a labor of love for Estrin, as he covers songs by many of the artists that have influenced his own playing (4 of Rice Miller’s tunes). Rick also wrote 6 new songs (as well as reprising 1 song written for and recorded by The Nightcats several years back) for the CD, all them fitting in seamlessly with the 10 cover tunes. As stated by Rick in the CD’s notes, “People have been asking me for years to do a more low-down, harmonica-focused CD… here it is”. Yes, here it is… and it’s an absolute treat from start to finish!