George “Harmonica” Smith – Oopin’ California Blues, 1954-1962

Although generally known as GEORGE “HARMONICA” SMITH, our man also recorded under other guises, e.g. Little Walter Jr, Harmonica King and George Allen.

He likewise played on sessions for other artists, including Blues heavies like Otis Spann and Champion Jack Dupree.

An influential harp maestro, George was one of the first men to amplify his harmonica, using an amplifier he'd salvaged from an old movie projector.

He also effectively pioneered the “West Coast” harmonica sound, fusing together Kansas City swing and Chicago Blues.

George was an enormous influence on the next generation of harp players, notably Rod Piazza and William Clarke, both of whom he worked with extensively.

This compilation anthologises Smith’s recording career between 1954 and 1962, juxtaposing his own recordings alongside selected highlights of his session work.

1. OTIS SPANN - IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE DEVIL
2. LITTLE GEORGE SMITH - BLUES IN THE DARK
3. LITTLE GEORGE SMITH - TELEPHONE BLUES
4. LITTLE GEORGE SMITH - BLUES STAY AWAY
5. LITTLE GEORGE SMITH - OOPIN' DOOPIN' DOOPIN'
6. (Champion) JACK DUPREE - ME AND MY MULE
7. (Champion) JACK DUPREE - OVERHEAD
8. (Champion) JACK DUPREE - SO SORRY, SO SORRY
9. CHAMPION JACK DUPREE - SHARP HARP
10. GEORGE SMITH - LOVE LIFE
11. GEORGE SMITH - CROSS-EYED SUZIE LEE
12. GEORGE SMITH - YOU DON'T LOVE ME
13. GEORGE SMITH - DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS (Hey Mr Porter)
14. LITTLE WALTER JR. - MISS O'MALLEY'S RALLY
15. LITTLE WALTER JR. - I DON'T KNOW
16. HARMONICA KING & HIS BAND - ALL LAST NIGHT
17. HARMONICA KING & HIS BAND - HOT ROLLS
18. GEORGE SMITH & HIS HARMONICA - WEST HELENA BLUES
19. GEORGE SMITH - AS LONG AS I LIVE
20. GEORGE SMITH - NOBODY KNOWS
21. GEORGE ALLEN - TIMES WON'T BE HARD ALWAYS
22. GEORGE ALLEN - TIGHT DRESS
23. GEORGE ALLEN - LOOSE SCREWS
24. GEORGE ALLEN - THE WILL TO GO ON
25. GEORGE ALLEN - UNTIL YOU COME HOME
26. GEORGE ALLEN - I WANT A WOMAN
27. GEORGE SMITH WITH JIMMY NOLEN BAND - SOMETIMES YOU WIN WHEN YOU LOSE
28. GEORGE SMITH WITH JIMMY NOLEN BAND - COME ON HOME
29. GEORGE ALLEN - YOU CAN'T UNDO WHAT'S BEEN DONE
30. GEORGE ALLEN - ROPE THAT TWIST
31. GEORGE ALLEN - I MUST BE CRAZY