Fabrizio Poggi – Harpway 61 1.18.13
Chip Eagle | Jan 17, 2013 | Comments 7
Fabrizio Poggi
Harpway 61
Blues Foundation
BluesWax Rating: 2 out of 10
Going Up?
In a magnanimous gesture, Italian blues harmonica man Fabrizio Poggi has donated this album to the Blues Foundation as a fundraiser; it is available through Poggi’s Web site. Poggi’s generosity is laudable, the goal is worthy, and there are several aspects of this CD to be valued. For aspiring harmonica novices particularly, the liner notes are useful in delineating not only the key of each song but also the type of harp being played and the position in which it is played. There are fourteen songs and Poggi’s harmonica stylings are front and center in each, allowing for study and emulation.
Now for the caveat. Poggi is a praised harpman who has purveyed many albums over the last two decades with his band, Chicken Mambo, and has played and recorded with many other blues notables. However, this outing is undistinguished. Its theme is great harmonica players of the past, presumably ones who have “inspired and guided” Poggi (according to the blurb on his Web site). Each song is dedicated to one of those harpmen, and named after his town of origin or fame.
However, inspiration and animation are lacking throughout. Every song is mid-tempo, with one up-tempo exception (ironically, the song devoted to Sonny Terry, who would probably have been baffled by the tune dedicated to him!). Despite nods to figures as diverse as Terry, Slim Harpo, and Paul Butterfield, there is virtually no variation or nuance in Poggi’s playing. He incessantly deploys the same formula: multiply repeated riffs, almost ad nauseum, followed by a few arpeggios. “New Orleans, LA,” dedicated to Little Walter, sounds almost identical to “Holly Springs, MS,” dedicated to Peg Leg Sam. Really?
There is scarcely any variation in dynamics. Enrico Polverari on guitar delivers some nice fill, but is given no chance to stretch out. The rhythm section is mundane. In fact, despite the citation that two percussionists were involved, I would swear that a drum machine was deployed.
I hope that this album does well for the Blues Foundation and that Poggi finds his mojo on future outings. Harpway 61, however, is blues elevator music.
Steve Daniels is a contributing writer at BluesWax.
Filed Under: BluesWax Weekly • This Week's BluesWax • Weekly CD Reviews
About the Author:
I’ve bought this cd after reading this review from World of Harmonica and I completely agree with the World of harmonica review .
FABRIZIO POGGI
HARPWAY 61
First of all would like to apologize to Fabrizio for taking so long to write a review. Especially when I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him, and his partner this year in London @ The House Of Mercy radio station. What a lovely experience this was, a moment will saviour forever. It is an honest opinion coming from my very soul, not my heart, due to knowing him personally. Love his music, and the man. His recent albums are some of my favorites ever. And I literally mean classics, which every real music lover should own, his works are true Masterpieces. Lyrically, musically, vocally, and especially harmonically. Fabrizio is a multi talented musician, a man who lives, walks, talks, and is the blues. So why the long delay in writing. Well at the time of this recording arriving, was totally banged out with new arrivals. Let’s just say that this album is like a fine wine, and have waited for that moment in order to really sit down, chill out and listen. On first listening to this CD, admit it wasn’t what I expected. Having enjoyed his vocals so much on past albums, was left a little sad, not to hear his pleasant Cat Stevens Italian style vocals, especially his amazing lyrics, which are up there with the very best songwriters in the business. This album is an instrumental harmonica Masterpiece. Yes! Not to use the word lightly, repeat a real Masterpiece. Fabrizio is up there on a pedestal, shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest names ever to parade the harmonica palladium. What you’re getting here is a jaw dropping performance of how this little instrument is meant to be. What’s more, love the idea of including the harmonica key to use if you wish to play along. And dare you try, l failed after only a few minutes in. Buy this album not just for the quality of playing, but also as a guide to play along to if you’re a budding player. Listen carefully, and study each and every note of true perfection. What’s more every penny of the sale goes to The Blues Foundation. Sit back and enjoy.
Outstanding cd!
Poggi is an amazing harmonica player.
I’ve been trying to play along with this great CD for months now. I’m getting better, thanks to Fabrizio Poggi! He’s given me many riffs to work on!
I’ve been trying to play along with this great CD for months now. I’m getting better, thanks to Fabrizio Poggi! He’s given me many riffs to work on!
i def have to check this out- and get out my old box of harps and try to learn to blow again…been a long while; harp blues is my fave….I am wondering who did the cover art? This reminds me (in a bluesier sorta way) of a certain LP cover that was done by R Crumb…(ok younguns: twas “Cheap Thrills” by Big Brother and the Holding Company w/Janis Joplin- don’t make my dinner get any colder by having me going to see if its “featuring” JJ!)-long live the blues! Shane, Beantown
I just bought Harpway 61 from the Blues Foundation and I like it very much. Sonny Terry, Peg Leg Sam, DeFord Bailey, the two Sonny Boy Williamsons, Big and Little Walter are my favorite players. The CD is marvelous to tribute to many of the great harmonica players! Thank to Fabizio so much for his love and work on it!
hi folks
Harpway 61 is # 7 in World of HArmonica Album of the Year 2012 Top 10
1 – James Supra Blues Band – Tip My Hat to the Maker
2 – NJR Nedra Russ & Julio Ingasses – Everybody’s Been
3 – Fried Bourbon Gravy Train
4 – Dave Goodman & Steve Baker – The Wine Dark Sea
5 – Hard Times Trio
6 – Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones – What’s it Gonna Take
7 – Fabrizio Poggi – HARPWAY 61
8 – Adrian Jimenez – Rockin’ Blues
9 – Tom Walbank – Blues In Dub
10 – Mississippi Heat – Delta Bound