Ultra-rhythmic and highly entertaining, this Chicago blues duo creates a very big sound with just a harmonica, National guitar and vocal harmonies reminiscent of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Mining rag time, acoustic blues, old time country, jug band music and early jazz, Filisko and Noden play styles that defined the blues in its earliest days, channelling the spirit of masters like Sonny Boy Williamson and Big Bill Broonzy, taking their traditions in vibrant new directions.
With jaw-dropping virtuosity and hilarious story-telling, Filisko and Noden have a synergy born of many years on the road, taking their toe-tapping music across the world, including an annual pilgrimage to the home of the Hohner harmonica company (Trossingen, Germany).
Also a skilled harmonica craftsman, Joe Filisko’s customised Marine Band harmonicas are used by many renowned artists including Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, Neil Young and Jellyroll Johnson. He contributed to the design of Hohner’s “Thunderbird” model which now bears his name. In 2001, the world’s leading harmonica organisation (SPAH) awarded him “Harmonica Player of the Year”.
Deeply rooted in the music of 1920s and 1930s blues pioneers like Charley Patton, Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Blake, Eric Noden’s percussive guitar work, timeless songwriting and well-travelled blues vocals is the perfect accompaniment to Filisko’s pre-war harmonica style.
Their pairing of guitar and harmonica sounds as sweet as you will find anywhere. Be sure to check out their latest recording, On the Move.
They return to Australia at Pistol Pete’s, Geelong – January 5; Old Castlemaine Gaol, Castlemaine – January 6; and Martians Café, Deans Marsh – January 7. Do anything to get a ticket. Unmissable!