Album Notes

Surprisingly few people know that folksinger Sam Hinton is, perhaps, the greatest and most innovative non-blues (first position) solo diatonic harmonica players of all time. Of the some 200 songs Hinton recorded commercially between 1947 and 1992, only two tracks contain any harmonica playing.

"Sam Hinton - Master of the Solo Diatonic Harmonica" is a double audio CD featuring over two and a half hours of tunes and stories from one of the most respected folksingers in the United States. The harmonica solos on this album include Celtic, American and European folk melodies, reels, jigs, double jigs, airs, fiddle tunes, Yiddish melodies, hymns, hoedowns, and hornpipes.

Hinton had played the harmonica for over three-quarters of a century when most of the tracks on this album were recorded. The album showcases rare, live performances recorded at the San Diego Folk Festival, as well as the even rarer 1937 transcription of the "Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour," featuring a 19-year old Hinton making his radio debut.

Produced by George Winston and Adam Miller, this beautifully packaged album features extensive liner notes, vintage and contemporary photographs and over 120 songs and stories.

A veritable encyclopedia of what can be done with the solo harmonica, this recording is recognized as one of the most remarkable harmonica albums of all time.

For further information visit: www.SamHinton.org/harmonica