JERRY PORTNOY AT THE TURNING POINT
PIERMONT, NEW YORK
March 15, 2002
by Suzie O'Kane

Jerry Portnoy: Harmonica; vocals
Troy Gonyea: Guitar; vocals
Marty Ballou: Stand-up Bass
Steve Ramsey: Drums
Mark Stevens: Keyboards

Since the release of his extraordinary Blues Harmonica Masterclass compact disc series, Jerry Portnoy has captured a great deal of attention as late, gaining coverage in all the major blues publications, so I knew I was in for something special when I went out to catch his show at the Turning Point on Friday night, March 15th. Performing professionally since the 1960s, Jerry Portnoy has been described as "THE definitive master of blues harmonica". A founding member (with Ronnie Earl) of the Broadcasters, and lead harp-man for the likes of Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton, Portnoy has covered miles of musical ground, playing alongside such greats as Albert King, B.B. King, Johnny Winter, and Dizzy Gillespie, to name but a few.

After the March 15th performance, I can vouch that behind the hype stands great reason: Mr. Portnoy and his band surpassed all expectation, moving seamlessly through musical genres without a hitch, serving up generous helpings of blues, rock, jazz, and back again. From Junior Walker’s "Hot Shot", through a sweet, soulful handling of the classic "Stormy Weather", to a rocking rendition of Bo Diddley’s "Mona", Portnoy demonstrated the versatility and subtle nuance of sound that qualifies him as a Harp Master. The evening’s line-up played like an American-Musical-History-Tour, featuring many standards from the 50s like the dreamy Gimbel/Heywood composition, "Canadian Sunset", Horace Silver’s 12-bar blues, "Doodlin", and Little Walters’ 1952 hit, "Juke". Executed with his signature style, the pieces sounded as fresh as Portnoy’s own compositions off his current cd, "Down In The Mood Room", recorded at Duke’s (Robillard) Mood Room, and released on Portnoy’s record label, "Tiny Town Records". The energy in the house was contagious, with an enthusiastic audience calling for encores, and finding many staying on through the late show. Kudos also goes to Portnoy’s band, featuring 25-year-old guitarist, Troy Gonyea (who I am sure we’ll be hearing about for many years to come!), for providing a nicely balanced accompaniment to Portnoy’s lead.

Learning to play from blues harp legends Big Walter Horton, Howlin’ Wolf and Junior Wells,
Portnoy has nevertheless paid his dues, picking up everything he knows about the harp the hard way: listening, observing, and attempting by trial and error to repeat those sounds. Offering private lessons himself for the past 20 years, Portnoy devised the "Masterclass" concept to assist aspiring harp artists with an intelligent, comprehensible approach to learning the instrument. Portnoy’s flair for communicating the essentials allows individuals who are serious about learning blues harp to take advantage of his life-long experience and unparalleled artistry.
Those interested in purchasing Jerry Portnoy’s Blues Harmonica Masterclass can order by phone: 1-877-MR BLUES (1-877-672-5837), or send check or money order for $66.00 ($81.00 for international orders) to:
International Blues Management
P.O. Box 540523
Waltham, MA 02454-0523

Be sure to visit Jerry Portnoy on the Internet at www.harpmaster.com for information on upcoming tour dates and new cd releases! On any night of the week, he is an artist not to be missed!