Geneva Red - Blues Harmonica In Lima, Ohio

Recently blues harmonica player Geneva Red was an Artist In Residence in Lima, Ohio. This interview was taped on the last day of Red's week long presentation that culminated with the students from both schools coming together and performing a concert with The Original Delta Fireballs. Geneva Red is an official Hohner Harmonica endorsee and enjoys presenting workshops, blues in schools and artist in residences when they can be worked into her performance schedule. For more about Geneva Red please visit http://www.genevared.com or try a Google search.

When the critics speak of Geneva Red they often cite as her influences some of the greatest harmonica players in American music history. Here are some samples, in their own words:

Geneva Red plays with a driving style that touches all the ancestral bases.
- LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE, USA

Her tone and phrasing brought to mind the Chicago blues greats - Little Walter, Big Walter, Sonny Boy #2, and Jimmy Reed. - AMERICAN HARMONICA NEWS MAGAZINE, USA

A tradition-slanted set that shows off Red's harp-blowing skills amid fine arrangements by the excellent Roadsters. Hot spots include Red's haunting minor-key "A Lil Somethin'", Wolworth's slow blues "When I Wonder" (with Big Walter tone from Red), the funky "Taxin' Me", and the strong reading of Howlin' Wolf's "Who's Been Talkin'". - BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE, USA

...her rootsy harp (especially in "Bring It On Home") is sooo Walter Horton it is a delight to hear. -ANDRE HOBUS, SOUL BAG MAGAZINE, ITALY

You've got Sonny Boy Williamson & Charlie Musselwhite all mixed into one there, man what a harmonica player that young lady is. - SUNSHINE SONNY PAYNE KING BISCUIT TIME RADIO , KFFA, USA

Geneva Red is one of the top female instrumentalists performing on the "blues harp" as well as leading her own band, The Roadsters. Red was born and raised in a small town just outside of Chicago, Illinois. She grew up performing in musical shows somewhat like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and other show business performers had in their early years. Both her parents were actors and made their living operating a small theatre troupe. Red was encouraged to perform in this troupe from the time she could walk.

Geneva Red & The Roadsters' first CD Alley Ways was released on Full Cyrkle Records in November of 1997. On the strength of her debut Geneva Red & The Roadsters broke into the tough Chicago blues market performing in some of its most noted blues clubs and outdoor festivals, including a performance at the Memorial Tribute to blues harmonica great Jr. Wells at Rosa's and the 16th Annual Chicago Blues Festival. The band's success has brought them engagements throughout the country.

In October of 1998 renowned veteran blues guitarist, Floyd Murphy, (Jr. Parker, Big Mama Thornton, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Matt "Guitar" Murphy) joined the Roadsters bringing his original Memphis style to their music until his health declined in 2002.

Red has performed with blues musicians Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Bob Margolin, Sam Carr, Phil Guy, John Primer, Jimmy Johnson, "Little" Smokey Smothers and she has been a guest performer with fellow harmonica players, Billy Branch, Paul DeLay, Studebaker John, R.J. Mischo, and Mr. Downchild.

Geneva Red & The Roadsters second CD In The Red was recorded in 2000 for Full Cyrkle Records with sessions at the famous Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee that included Living Blues award winning drummer Sam Carr (Rice Miller Sonny Boy Williamson II, Frank Frost, Big Jack Johnson) and was completed with sessions in Chicago. Their latest CD, Gettin' Cocky on Bottle Cap Records, was released in early 2005 and includes Chicago blues legend, guitarist Jimmy Johnson throughout.

In 2000 Red started her foot stompin' "Juke Joint" style duo, The Original Delta Fireballs, and continues performing with Geneva Red & The Roadsters and this traditional unit.

Geneva Red has had an endorsement contract with the Hohner Harmonica company since 1998. For more about Geneva Red check out The Encyclopedia Of The Harmonica by Peter Krampert, published by Mel Bay Publications Inc.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Geneva
• Red
• Blues
• Harmonica
• Harp
• Original
• Delta
• Fireballs
• Lima
• Ohio
• Artist
• In
• Residence
• Workshop
• Hohner
• Schools
• Roots

[MariAnne6297]

i go to lima north, and shes finally here for blues week :)

[renegademax]

That's really great. Well done!

[detroitbluesguy]

I am in love with Ms. Red and the great work with the children..you got my vote for life. JC

[wache22]

Email Blues Traveler...they may be around...

[suzyqblues]

I am a blues harp player, a retired elementary school teacher, member of SPAH, member of The Mile High Harmonica club, and would like to know if Geneva Red needs any assistance.

I'll be happy to work with her in her endeavors to teach harp to children.

When may I start?

My favorite harp musician is Jason Ricci.

I've had two house parties for Jason Ricci and New Blood in the past three years.

[GlenDoll]

Sure would have been great to actually hear the kids really play for a few moments. That's tv news fer ya!

Great project, anyway.

[detroitbluesguy]

Now this is really good stuff..what a great gift to give someone..it's been my pocket buddy for over 40 years.JC

[andyfedel]

thanks for sharing with the young kids. we need more artists willing to give to the kids. thanks and best wishes.

[Karcsubey]

Interesting!!!! Geneva Red is fantastic blues singer and harp player. I love Her!!!! ...and good to see teaching school children! I remember for  'Blues Brothers 2000' movie, where appeared 'the young new blues generation'..... Let's Go Children!!!!!