Archive for the ‘Harmonicas’ Category
Lee Oskar And His Harmonica
Lee Oskar was six years of age when he was given his first harmonica. One of his biggest influences was Ray Charles growing up. When he moved to the states he would play on the streets with his harmonica for money. With the sax from another member and his harmonica they started a horn section of the band War.
Lee Oskar is known not only for his group War, but also as the manufacturer of Lee Oskar harmonica. Oskar is fundamental in the contributions of rock-funk fusion primarily for his harmonica playing. His improve with the harmonica is one that people remember to this day. It is a big part on why War is still a popular rock-funk group.
I remember going to Dairy Queen when I was only five or six years old and getting a cheap harmonica as the prize in my kid’s meal. While harmonicas are often given out as prizes and considered a basic instrument, refining the art takes a great deal of skill. As anyone who has ever tried one can attest, it may be simple to make noise, but making it sound good is another story.
The harmonica is a staple in blues and folk music and features a distinct sound. As a reed instrument, the sound from a harmonica is created by the reeds vibrating when you blow. With one little instrument, you can play a vast range of notes without painstaking tuning.