Mouth harp pioneer Charlie Sayles exemplifies the last of the blues “journeymen.”
Charlie Sayles has blown his harmonica all over the world—from London to Shanghai and even on the stage at Carnegie Hall. His unique style, gleamed from his journeys to New York, St. Louis, and Atlanta has been documented by the Smithsonian in an effort to capture the last soundbites of the authentic blues journeymen.
We have the pleasure of premiering the lead single “Laughin And Grinnin” from Sayles’ forthcoming album—due in stores on July 1. The song and accompanying album manages to leapfrog the derivative slump blues has found itself in by the sheer authenticity that Sayles brings to the table.
The seasoned “journeyman” avoids the standard clichés, going for the gut with clever couplets, off kilter rhythms, and a raw performance worthy of his legacy.
