Harmonica Moods, Johnny Cadente with Rhythm Accompaniment. Palace Records PST-602. 1950s? 1961?

Another of my Harmonica Series. That is one huge harmonica. And one small woman. According to Bass Harp, this album is by Danny Welton using an alias. Includes “La Cucaracha,” “I Talk to the Trees,” and “Man on the Flying Trapeze.” How can you go wrong?

Johnny Puleo and his Harmonica Gang, A Study in High Fidelity Sound. Audio Fidelity Stereodisk AFSD 5830.

This is the second in my “harmonica series.” What I find interesting about this album is that someone thought using harmonicas to educate about stereo sound (as apposed to mono) was a smart move. Inside the gatefold is quite a lot of information on what makes stereo sound and how it is different than mono. I knew a girl that had mono, and you don’t want that. Anyway, I’ve been surprised how many older records explain the stereo process. I also find interesting the goofy and ugly guys on the cover. Who would think of buying this album for an explanation of the stereo processing?

The Harmonicats, Jerry Muradi, Great Love Songs from the Movies. Columbia HS 11181. Nothing quite like listening to love songs played on the harmonica. “A Kiss to Build a Dream On,” Theme from El Cid, “Love is a Many-Splendored Thing,” “Tender is the Night.” Yep, really puts my wife in the mood.

Then we have the opposite. The Harmonicats Featuring Heartaches. Pickwick Mercury SPC 3108. Previously released. This was popular enough to warrant a second release on a different label.

I have a few other harmonica vinyl LPs. I had no idea that harmonica music was so popular! After listening to a few, I still don’t know why.