Record Label: EMI
Genre: Classical
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An odd album. Joseph Ashley is a harmonica virtuoso and here he’s playing the instrument along with a symphony. You don’t often – okay, never – hear the harmonica in a classical format. And, honestly, there’s good reason for that. The twangy, overwhelming timber of a harmonica fits in with a dramatic, mournful symphony about as well as a bike horn.

Once you get used to the combination, though, it’s easier to swallow. The first major pieces might’ve been written with the harmonica in mind, if I’m reading this correctly. And Ashley plays both in the fluttery usual fashion and also with long, held notes, taking on roles of flute, violin, and oboe. Unfortunately, the production puts him too much in front, so the reedy, yee-haw tone of the instrument never blends or disguises itself too well.

Less dramatic but better fitting are Ashley’s original tunes and his takes on some Gershwin standards, with the harmonica adding an amusing Spaghetti Western feel. Unfortunately, I don’t think the CD (or at least my copy) wasn’t mixed well and the Gershwin tunes fall in and out of my speakers.

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