Noah Lewis, Ripley Blues

Noah Lewis is my favourite harmonica player. He played with Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers. He died of frost-bite. I travelled all the way to Ripley, Tennessee, because of this tune. I wrote this poem for him.

Noah’s Harp 

The cries of animals excluded,

Drowning in the rising flood.

Prisoners’ wails,

Freight trains heading North.

 

Noah Lewis.

Frost-bitten feet,

Nose frozen to mouth-harp. 

 

For Noah Lewis, Blues Harmonica Player, 1895-1961.

Here's "Noah's Blues".

Want more? "Viola Lee Blues"