I left out several harmonica players (harmonicists) in my previous post.
Rudy Hung--mostly classical and several performances on YouTube. He has an unusual vibrato but I think you can see how the chromatic harmonica qualifies as a serious instrument through his playing.
Chamber Huang. I believe he's deceased but he was a well-known classical player and did well with his harmonica manufacturing business.
Charles Leighton. A pop/jazz chromatic harmonica player and my very favorite. He really made it sing. I have his only CD titled "Angle Eyes." I see Amazon lists it as unavailable but a used copy could probably be found.
Robert Bonfiglio. Very accomplished and from classical to blues.
Tommy Reilly. Some classical and also pop/jazz.
Toots Thielemans. Jazz. Big reputation. Also plays guitar.
I know of a couple of jazz pianists who also play the chromatic harmonica. Something some of you pianists might consider for a nice musical diversion.
It's a shame that the chromatic harmonica is not considered a serious instrument by most people and much of that has to do with so many players making it sound like a toy or worse. Even the little diatonic harmonica is wonderful when played by a skilled player and one of the prettiest tunes for it is Shenandoah.
Hard to imagine but there are a couple of high-end chromatic harmonicas that sell for 5-6,000 dollars.
Bech
Last edited by Bech; 02/26/11 09:12 PM.