Neil Barnes - Bald Guy With A Lot On His Mind (2020)

I owe 99% of how I learned to play from Gary Smith. Truly the Godfather of Bay Area Blues. Gary took the time to show me the how-to's and the don't-do's; along with the approach to the music I love. Because of Gary, I've spent untold hours, days, months, years of practice and frustration, struggling to get those elusive sounds out of that tiny instrument. I've spent fortunes on harmonicas, microphones, amplifiers and enough records to fill an entire garage. Strained relationships, strained jobs, obsessive behavior, crazed nights out. ....and 40 years later, it hasn't stopped. Thanks you bastard!

I also spent a lot of time going to see Charlie Musselwhite throughout the Bay Area. This was in the early '70's. I finally got the nerve to ask him for a real lesson; (I really was wrapped around the axle on third position.) Imagine my surprise when he said yes and showed up at my parents house. Charlie patiently played guitar to my caterwauling harp until those 3rd position mechanics started to sync in. I'm forever grateful for that time with one of my true hero's.