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Mad Dog Blues Solo

where the century-old tradition of Solo Harmonica Blues still lives

Photo by Ken Arias.

Mad Dog Friedman Performing as Mad Dog Blues SOLO Won the 2025 Colorado Blues Challenge (Solo/Duo Award) on 10-26-25. This performance was captured on Mad Dog Blues' tenth album: HEART TO HARP (LIVE at the Colorado Blues Challenge).

You can now enjoy Mad Dog's winning performance on your favorite streaming service.

This is my effort to revive the nearly forgotten, solo harmonica blues tradition of the early 20th century. Some of the other harmonica players through the years that have recorded solo (unaccompanied) harmonica in this tradition are Jaybird Coleman, Henry Whitter, Freeman Stowers, Noah Lewis, Palmer McAbee, George "Bullet" Williams, Peg Leg Sam Jackson, Deford Bailey, Sonny Terry, Forest City Joe, Napoleon Strickland, Elder Roma Wilson, J.C. Burris, Johnny Woods, Rice Miller, Adam Gussow & Bobby Rush. (Click on each artist's name to hear a sample.)

I am always interested in learning about others doing this rare form of songwriting and performing. Do not hesitate to contact me if you also like geeking out about the history of the harmonica blues.

You may contact Mad Dog Friedman directly at
maddog AT maddogharp DOT com.

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Mad Dog Blues Solo's EP, Live & Alone (Released 8/1/25)

is a recording of the debut performance of Mad Dog Blues Solo, featuring the solo harmonica blues of Mad Dog Friedman. This video was filmed at Longmont Public Media as part of the Cosmos Cooperative's Stellar Sundays Community Potluck & Creative Showcase on June 8, 2025

Mad Dog Friedman has just recorded an audio and video project called Mad Dog Blues - Live & Alone. In the tradition of Peg Leg Sam, Jaybird Coleman, Deford Bailey, and the early recordings of Sonny Terry, Mad Dog's new recording project is a harmonica and vocal performance, recorded live, with no additional accompaniment. It is raw, bare-boned, intense, and definitely worth checking out. Thank you, Mad Dog, for keeping this tradition from dying out. ~ Peter Madcat Ruth, Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso

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LIVE VIDEO EP

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LIVE AUDIO EP

• Stream for free on Spotify & YouTube Music.
• You may also listen on Tidal, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
• Download or stream high-quality audio at BandCamp.
• Watch all the videos without annoying advertisements at Tidal, Apple Music at BandCamp.

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What people are saying about Mad Dog Blues SOLO:

"Wonderfully expressive performance with a depth of feeling and sense of humor and play you don't always find together." ~ ‎Duane Davis, owner of Wax Trax Records in Denver, Colorado.

"Mad Dog's traditional acoustic blues harmonica playing...is a delight to hear." ~ Peter Madcat Ruth, Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso

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Mad Dog Friedman Opens Up in Exclusive Interview

"With over one million streams under his belt and a reputation for redefining Colorado country blues, Mad Dog sat down for an exclusive interview you won't want to miss. Known for his gritty sound and soulful storytelling, this conversation dives deep into the legend behind the name, the music, and the man himself. In this intimate sit-down, Mad Dog reveals how his unforgettable nickname was born — and how it connects to his lifelong musical journey. He also shares the powerful advice that's guided his path: "Go to where your fear is — there's power there." It's not just music. Mad Dog opens up about his musical hero with the unforgettable name Mad Cat, and the moment he fell in love with the harmonica — a story that'll give any blues lover chills. And yes, it gets even better." - Bad Hollie Wood, host of the Morning Wood Show.

https://youtu.be/vvaD2xEKsbs?si=neDABJl4I0CvI-6T

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for all bookings please contact Mad Dog Friedman

at maddog AT poetscoop DOT org

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