Sep 8, 2017
Born in Denmark, Lee Oskar found
his way to New York at age 18 to pursue a career in music. He
eventually found his way to LA where people quickly took notice of
his unique skills as a harmonica player. This is about the time he
met Eric Burdon who went on to be his bandmate in a little funk
rock fusion ensemble called War. The ensuing string of hits include
"Spill the Wine", "The World Is a Ghetto", "The Cisco Kid", "Why
Can't We Be Friends?", "Low Rider.” He also has an impressive body
of solo recordings.
Lee
has always seen the harp as not just an instrument, but as his
voice. In the late 70’s Lee began working on what would become Lee
Oskar Harmonicas, all out frustration with the subpar harps
available to him at the time. What better reason to create a
business that would become the leading designer and manufacturer
world class harmonicas.
Our
conversation is wide ranging, traversing his early influences, his
band War, gigs at Ronnie Scott’s famed Jazz club, meeting and
jamming with Jimi Hendrix, business, following one’s heart,
believing in one’s self, persistence, hype, and much, much
more.
I
recommend taking notes, because you’re about to hear a voice of
true wisdom and unique experience. Please enjoy my conversation
with the gifted Lee Oskar.
Show Notes
- Lee Oskar Harmonicas
- Tombo
- Playing for Change Band
- Crying Time by Ray Charles
- The Lowrider Band
- Lee Oskar & Friends
- Eric Burdon
- Boquette Jazz & Blues Festival
- UMP Episode 6 featuring John Wolff
- Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
- War
Check out the
book that lead me to start this podcast!