Unfortunately, I just heard that Lester "Mad Dog" Davenport passed away on March 17, "09 at the age of 77. Another link to the past is gone. In the mid 1950s he replaced Billy Boy Arnold in Bo Diddley's Band and stayed until the early 1960s. I highly recommend his Delmark CD "I Smell A Rat." Anyone ever hear him play? I know he backed Diddley on the Chess recording of "Pretty Thing."
hi_sakura
Favorite Answer
I was familiar with Davenport's work with Bo Diddley, but I didn't get to know him until I heard his solo pieces on "When the Blues Hit You" (Earwig Records, 1992). He ought to get more credit for his contribution to the Chicago blues style, but the harmonica isn't as respected in mainstream music criticism as say, the guitar or trumpet.
It's too bad, considering that the harmonica has been featured in the work of so many artists outside of blues and folk---Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Paul Butterfield, Credence Clearwater, among others. Maybe there should be a harp revival in honor of Lester.
The Grey Atheist
I remember the name, never knew he recorded solo. Always thought of him like a Sam Crawford type, content to bring out the best in a song.
Thanks for the tip.
PapiCulo
thanks for the tip, I'll check him out..