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Harmonica Shah

Harmonica Shah's got it...

Seward 'Harmonica' Shah is one of the few remaining living links to the classic deep blues of Detroit. Harmonica Shah was born in Oakland, CA, but grew up in Texas, where he was inspired by his grandfather Sam Dawson's guitar playing. Sam Dawson had recorded for Alan Lomax and Duke records. Moving to Detroit in 1967, Harmonica Shah began playing the harmonica in 1976. He perfected his craft through years of constant playing with many of the classic bluesmen of Detroit. Bobo Jenkins, Eddie Kirkland, the Butler Twins, Willie D. Warren and Uncle Jesse White were all close friends and musical compatriots. Influenced by the music of Junior Wells, Jimmy Reed and Little Walter, as well as Motor City harmonica players Lazy Lester, Johnny 'Yarddog' Jones, Clarence Butler and Little Sonny, Harmonica Shah has forged his own no-holds-barred sound; gravelly vocals, jagged harp lines and raw guitar accompaniment, all with a tough edge that is uniquely Detroit. A prolific songwriter, Harmonica Shah's recordings have engaged blues fans around the world; he has toured Europe, Russia, Japan and Australia, in addition to appearances at almost every blues club and festival in the U.S. (quoted from Harmonica Shah's page at myspace.com)

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