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The World Is Only Air...
Mike Stevens
CD BCD132

Mike Stevens is a phenomenal harmonica player who has backed everyone in the bluegrass world from Bill Monroe to Jim & Jesse to the Lewis Family to Raymond McLain. Proclaimed as an innovator of bluegrass harmonica, he has written several definitive harmonica instruction booklets. His performance highlights include regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry; television appearances on TNN (The Nashville Network), and live performances across Canada, the United States, the Bahamas, Mexico, as well as Japan. He has released three solo harmonica albums to wide acclaim. Now he is releasing a groundbreaking album on Borealis.

The World is Only Air… and a Very Dangerous Hat features original and traditional Canadian fiddle tunes played on the harmonica. This recording marks the first time any harmonica player has undertaken this challenging and exciting repertoire.

Recorded live off the floor, The World is Only Air… features Mike blowing his way through an incredible range of fiddle tunes, including Big John McNeil; Reel de Pointe-au-Pic; Clarinet Polka; Hanged Man’s Reel; Grumbling Old Man, Grumbling Old Woman; St. Anne’s Reel; Jerusalem Ridge; Black Velvet Waltz; and more.

With an excellent cast of backup musicians— including Don Reed (fiddle), Steve Piticco (guitar), Matthew Shawn Fleming (percussion), Gene Falbo (bass), Jeff Bird (B3, bass), Randall Coryell (drums), and Raymond McLain (fiddle)— and some of the most incredible harmonica playing you’ve ever heard, this album is a must-have for anyone who enjoys great instrumental music.

"He’s the Tony Rice, the Jerry Douglas, the Mark O’Connor, the Bela Fleck, the Earl Scruggs, the George Jones, the James Brown… of the harmonica."

-Bluegrass Canada Magazine

"Mike Stevens is arguably the best harmonica player in country/bluegrass music today."

-Country Music News
  1. Big John McNeil (4:41)
  2. Jerusalem Ridge (3:38)
  3. Reel de Pointe-au-Pic (4:04)
  4. Black Velvet Waltz
  5. Grumbling Old Man, Grumbling Old Woman (4:56)
  6. Clarinet Polka (2:58)
  7. The Unreel Breakdown (1:57)
  8. The Hanged Man's Reel (2:31)
  9. St. Anne's Reel (4:04)
  10. Grumbling Old Man, Grumbling Old Woman (On Vacation in Jamaica) (4:04)

 

 

 

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