I have just learned that wonder-harmonica player Gary Primich passed away last Sunday, September 23rd. I didn't find the reason of his passing anywhere, he was only 49 years old. Gary Primich was one of the most interesting, inventive and soulful modern blues harmonica players. When others rehash old material and/or play the same solos over and over, Gary would take risks and bring fresh material to the musical table all the time. I haven't always enjoyed his records as much as I could have, mostly due to the squareness of his backing bands, but his playing was always a marvel.
I first discovered Gary on a Texas Harmonica compilation, playing the slow blues Sadie. I remember feeling my jaw drop listening to his long solo and thinking how the hell does he do that. After repeated listening, the interrogation became how the hell does he do that and still inject so much feeling. Gary was a one-of-a-kind player who had found his own voice and vocabulary. I can't think of that many more in the blues field today.
I never had a chance to see him live, now I never will. More importantly, he was according to many a great human being and will be missed by all...
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