The harmonica is an instrument synonymous with all genres of American music—Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan used it in their classics ballads, psychedelic rock pioneers the Brian Jonestown Massacre brought it to new generations, and Stevie Wonder used it on chart-toppers. Despite its versatility and ubiquity throughout American music, it is most closely associated with classic American blues, and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is releasing an album of some of the most expressive and talented American blues harmonica masters.

Due out May 21, 2013, the album entitled Classic Harmonica Blues from Smithsonian Folkways, was compiled, produced, and annotated by Barry Lee Pearson and Jeff Place. The 20-track set features harmonica luminaries such as Doctor Ross, Eddie Burns, Jazz Gillum, and Sonny Terry, and includes eight previously unreleased recordings from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival dating back as far as 1977.

Preview three songs from the upcoming album.

Read more about the upcoming album release of Classic Harmonica Blues from Smithsonian Folkways.