Widely regarded as America’s foremost harmonica virtuoso, Phil Wiggins is on his way to Ocean Grove’s Piping Hot Chicken Shop for what is sure to be a major highlight of the venue’s time. Phil was born in Washington, D.C., after his parents had moved from Titusville, Alabama in 1941. However, Titusville would remain a major part of Wiggins’ life. Many childhood summers would be spent there, while it also proved to be a major reason for developing his strong connection with the blues. From his website: “I would walk my grandmother around the corner to the church on Thursday evenings for prayer meeting. I would wait outside and hear the elder women of the church singing prayers and praises. The context was religious, but the sound was deep blues.” The generosity of blues musicians from the Washington area was evident in his early years, with Flora Molten, Esther Mae Scott, Wilber “Chief” Ellis, John Jackson, Archie Edwards and John Cephas being among the names Wiggins played with or learnt from. Perhaps no musical relationship was greater than that he shared with the late John Cephas, a 30-year partnership where they became America’s premier blues duo. The Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Ocean Grove – March 28. He’ll be joined by Dom Turner.
