May 17, 2012:  There's a long list of great
harp (harmonica) players...Paul Butterfield,
Charlie Musselwhite, Sonny Terry, James
Cotton, Junior Wells, Carlos del Junco, Sonny
Boy Williamson, Rod Piazza, Debra Windsong
...just to name a few.  The one who tops my
list is, hands-down, the best harp player I've
ever heard and the most innovative.

During the Depression, he used to play on the
street for spare change. One day, someone
suggested he enter a contest at the Canadian
National Exhibition.  He blew everyone out of
the water, winning a gold medal (over much
older and better known players) at the tender
age of 10.  He can play any style from blues,
rock, folk, pop and country to classical...all with
his own unique embellishments.

Today, at 90 years young, he's narrowed his
harp collection down to a couple of favourite
chromatics, which he still plays.  This sketch is
of one of his old cast-offs – a Canadian Ace
(made in the Republic of Ireland).

It seemed a fitting title for this amazing
harp player who also happens to be my Dad.