Paul Butterfield, Paul deLay, Lee Oscar, Rod Piazza, George (harmonica) Smith, Mark Ford, and William Clarke are my harp icons. Mellifluous and soulful vocalists like Andy Bey and Liz Wright are my inspirations. And jazzin blues guitarists like Ronnie Earl nourish me. Occupying the top of the list though are my heart and daughter Erin and my gorgeous muse Marina!
Sounds Like
I seem to have assimilated a lot of the late Paul Butterfield's tone in my effort to emulate him as a kid. Somehow when I heard him effuse that tone I was arrested in a way that never has let go. Many, many types of music engage me but the harmonica when overdriven sweetly through a tube amp is the deepest expression I have yet to express myself with (and I've tried a few). As a result of this organic attraction and being wholly self taught I sound like: me.
I have been playing harmonica since I was about 17 years old when I first heard Paul Butterfield and hugged the speakers. Self taught with lots of stage time over the years I try to personifiy the soulful tone that defines this humble instrument for me. I spread myself around musically these days standing in with many after a year with the band "Number 9 Train". The newest band: "Blue Alert" is in rehearsals and we hope to be N.Y.C. gigging soon and I just finished a recording with Nanette Natal available on the iTunes music store and a demo with the Bone Dog Blues Band. Locally I have the privilege of playing with Big Ed Sullivan pretty regularly. I'm also a Registered Nurse, lifelong New Yorker, my gorgeous girlfriend and muse Marina is pregnant with our twins, and I'm the proud father of my favorite person in the world: Erin Moriarty.
Dennis, thanks for the kind words Brother! It was great to meet you and hear you play. You sounded Awesome! We had such a GREAT time at the jam... Looking forward to seeing you again soon... All the best, Billy
Hey Dennis, As I wrote on the BD page, you're an amazing player:-) I sincerely love your very laid back style - not over-blowing, but keeping it swampy. Sounds very southern to me. But I was kinda wonderin'? Why Lee Oskars, and not Hohners? As a harp-player, I've always used Hohner, and always been satisfied. So, what's your approach to this issue? /Chris D. Wildcat The blues is our business..
I hope you can make it to Scotland Yard this coming Sunday for the Candye Kane benefit show!! It should be a GREAT day!! Take care and see you soon! Gina
spending time in the studio with you was great you blew some damn good harp and sound wisdom, you're experience helped out a lot. Let's do it again sometime Thanks Dennis!
As someone who got turned on to Paul Butterfield back in the 1960s, I can appreciate your influences. From Paul and John Mayall, I learned about the roots of blues harp, like Little Walter, Sonny Boy I & II, and other greats.
