J. Geils Band - Update featuring Magic Dick the Harmonica player | Eastern NC Now

Picture from Richard Salwitz Website    Following my usual practice, when I write an article about a musician passing, I usually do a bit more research on the musician. That usually includes a review of articles from Rolling Stone and other music-oriented sites. By far the best way to get a flavor of the impact of a musician is to watch several of the YouTube versions of their performances over the years. In this case I discovered another member of the group (Richard Salwitz) that Stan had mentioned in his comments to the original article on the passing of J.Geils Jr. See that tribute here.

   It is just as important to me to read the comments under the videos to get some background information on the life and times of each musician. Those comments will give an indication of their impact people. It also is a great place to gain a few personal tidbits from people who may have known or seen them in their best or worst of times.

   Usually, I gain a newfound appreciation for musicians that I only knew incidentally. That is certainly the case with the J. Geils Band. Stan has indicated in the comment section that they were truly a Rock and Roll band that I would enjoy.

   Subsequent research has confirmed his statement. I was aware of the song below but never really associated it with the band. The mouth harp has always been one of the most versatile instruments of musicians. Unlike a Piano or Guitar, it is easily transportable and can be brought out at a moment's notice to render the melody of a song. Beyond that, it allows the jamming of a true musician in a free form performance.

   The video was recorded in 2008 and it is a rendition of "Whammer Jammer" by Richard Salwitz, known as Magic Dick . He was a member of the J Geils band. While there are several versions of the song done by the band, I chose this video because it shows the energy and virtuoso of Magic Dick. Interestingly enough, this is not the J. Giles band. It also reminds me that some of the best music is still performed in bars with smaller crowds. Here are the notes from the YouTube link.

"Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue at Knuckleheads in Kansas City on February 8, 2008. Magic Dick (harp player for the J. Geils Band), heats up the house with the classic "Whammer Jammer" - includes Tommy Castro (guitar), Chris Sandoval (drums), and Scot Sutherland (bass)....though I think Tommy and Scot are just clapping - Dick and Chris are doing all the work."

BEST "Whammer Jammer" Magic Dick on Harmonica