From another article: (new window)

Norton was an extremely accomplished artist performing on more than 180 albums. He played with the Steve Miller Band for more than 30 years and recorded with the Doobie Brothers, both bands had posted warm letters of remembrance on the front pages of their Web sites Monday.

"There are some people who pass through this world who are so unique and special they defy description and Norton Buffalo was one of those people He gave more than he took and brightened the world whenever he played is harmonica or sang a song," said Miller. "... he had a unique and wonderful musical voice and had love in his heart for everyone he met."

Dude was everywhere.

Condolences, etc.

Only saw the guy once or twice on SNL, etc. as solo act and was totally unimpressed so my intital post was gonna be 'BFD to a 'no talent hack'.

NOW after seeing he played on over 180 records (I would love to see the list, btw) I'm sure he's on at least one song I like and a few that I think don't suck.

However, he did perform with Steve Miller for 30+ years so that's a strike against him...

douchebag/hater: NOW after seeing he played on over 180 records (I would love to see the list, btw)

Link (new window)

There you go.

Damn, that blows.

I got to meet him when he was on tour with Steve Miller and Little Feat back in '98 or so. A great guy and a great player that will be missed by many.

RIP, Norton.

One of my great regrets in life was booking a trip to Reno that was scheduled to depart the day before Norton Buffalo and Roy Rogers were to play a gig at the Silver Legacy.

Norton & Roy performing a song that the Jerry Garcia Band made a staple of their sets.

Link (new window)

Harmonica is doing just fine

Link (new window)

spidermann 2009-11-03 10:55:09 AM
douchebag/hater: NOW after seeing he played on over 180 records (I would love to see the list, btw)

Link (new window)

There you go.

Thanks.

And disappointed. A whole bunch of non-descript albums that no one (but him and the band he played with) heard of, with a couple of notable exceptions.

So...I guess I was right with my first observation.

.....sorry, but if you want a real "harmonica virtuoso," check out (in no particular order):

(the late) Larry Adler (a more-than-50-year career; check out YouTube)

John Sebastian (father of the John Sebastian Jr. of the "Lovin' Spoonful")

Cham-Ber Huang (still alive, I do believe)

Eddy Lawrence Manson (impeccable playing on tons of Hollywood soundtracks back in teh day)


Mr. Buffalo: a spirited "good time" player of not-great technical accomplishment, who didn't do anything on the instrument the blues harp guys hadn't done by the time he was born.

/ah, but every performer is an "artist" these days, no?

That is all.

kenny's mom: .....sorry, but if you want a real "harmonica virtuoso," check out (in no particular order):

(the late) Larry Adler (a more-than-50-year career; check out YouTube)

John Sebastian (father of the John Sebastian Jr. of the "Lovin' Spoonful")

Cham-Ber Huang (still alive, I do believe)

Eddy Lawrence Manson (impeccable playing on tons of Hollywood soundtracks back in teh day)


Mr. Buffalo: a spirited "good time" player of not-great technical accomplishment, who didn't do anything on the instrument the blues harp guys hadn't done by the time he was born.

/ah, but every performer is an "artist" these days, no?

Thank you, teacher. I'm glad we were recipients of your completely unsolicited "lesson" on great(er) harmonica players. However could we have continued our lives without this knowledge? Ah, but this is FARK, afterall, isn't it? The land of "I'm cooler than you because I'm more sophisticated."
Now, kindly bite my ass.

/R.I.P. harmonica man

I was more affected by Junior Wells' death in '98. He played one of the best shows I ever saw; just him and a band, in a small Santa Fe club. Truly amazing.

there was a wonderful tribute at Westfest San Francisco by fellow Steve Miller Band member David Denny 2 weeks ago. 5 days before he died

I recorded it, and you can hear it here

http://www.bluoz.com/blog/index.php?/archives/823-a-tribute-to-Norton-Buffalo.h t ml

oops...here's the link

Link (new window)

kenny's mom: .....sorry, but if you want a real "harmonica virtuoso," check out (in no particular order):

(the late) Larry Adler (a more-than-50-year career; check out YouTube)

John Sebastian (father of the John Sebastian Jr. of the "Lovin' Spoonful")

Cham-Ber Huang (still alive, I do believe)

Eddy Lawrence Manson (impeccable playing on tons of Hollywood soundtracks back in teh day)


Mr. Buffalo: a spirited "good time" player of not-great technical accomplishment, who didn't do anything on the instrument the blues harp guys hadn't done by the time he was born.

/ah, but every performer is an "artist" these days, no?

No, only those that just died, and have music that some corporate dickhead thinks can be marketed and made profitable. he rest are just people...