About the Book “Harmonicas, Harps and heavy breathers”
Available at Amazon.com in Print and Kindle versions
The first—and only—in-depth look at the history of the world’s most popular instrument, Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers charts in loving detail the influence of the harmonica on all forms of American music: blues, country, jazz, rock and roll, pop, soul, and even classical. Kim Field traces the development of the harmonica from the ancient Chinese sheng to the universally popular Hohner Marine Band to futuristic harmonica synthesizers.
368 pages, 40 photographs on glossy paper
Published by Cooper Square Press
“A must for all ‘harp’ fans.'”—Charlie McCoy
“The Encyclopaedia Britannica of the harmonica.”—Larry Adler
“This remarkable book is the best tool for the harmonica player outside of the instrument itself.”—Magic Dick
This unique book includes profiles of—and, in many cases, personal interviewers with—nearly 70 harmonica masters, including:
Little Walter Jacobs Kim Wilson
Jerry Murad and the Harmonicats
Stevie Wonder DeFord Bailey James Cotton
Sonny Terry Junior Wells Bob Dylan
Paul Butterfield Larry Adler
Charlie Musselwhite Charles Leighton
Jimmy Reed Lee Oskar Jerry Portnoy
Jean "Toots" Thielemans
Charlie McCoy Mickey Raphael Magic Dick
John Lee Williamson Wayne Raney
Rice Miller Walter Horton
John Popper Howard Levy
Tommy Reilly Slim Harpo
Borrah Minevitch and the Harmonica Rascals
Critical praise for
Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers
"A book as unassuming and unexpectedly delightful as a potent blues rising suddenly from a pair of cracked, cupped hands . . . A loving celebration both of the players and of their instrument . . . Included are masters from all musical disciplines, and from past and present alike, as well as a closing discography of some of their seminal recordings. Like the singular instrument it details, Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers has a quiet charm that it--is could be overlooked among its flashier brethren. It's worth looking for."—Billboard
"The first book to qualify as a definitive history of the harmonica and its place in American music . . . Excellent . . . Field, a harp player himself, has both the expertise and writing skills to pull this off."—Country Music Magazine
"The definitive volume on the harmonica, which may be the definitive American instrument . . . Field's real accomplishment as an author, however, may lie in his exhaustive study of intrinsically American musical forms . . . The characters in Field's book tell endless tales of the instrument's adaptability."—Jim Kelton, L.A. Times Syndicate
"A highly enjoyable and informative book . . . It's especially valuable to have a book written by someone who is himself a musician. Field's knowledge of the various styles and terms is helpful; best of all is his ability to write about them in straightforward English. No arcana here, just a well-writen, easy-to-read picture of the 'little instrument.' Great photos, too."—Living Blues Magazine
"Finally, a book that addresses the people's instrument . . . An interesting and thoroughly researched book . . . The sections on the country, folk, classical, and jazz harp blowers are the best ever collected . . . Everything you ever wanted to know about the harmonica . . . An essential volume for players, scholars and fans alike. Field's writing style provides an easy read and his command of the field is unparalleled."—Blues Revue Quarterly
"Outstanding . . . A fascinating read for anyone with even the slightest interest in American music and its development, and, to harmonica players and blues harp fans, essential . . . A fact-crammed, thorough and accurate account of the harmonica's history . . . A fun, inspirational, and sometimes astonishing read."—Southland Blues