‘Tales Of Tampa’ : A new album dedicated to blues master, Tampa Red.

Hi HarmonicaUK members!

A brand new album (available in CD and on Vinyl from 4 April)  showcases Tampa Red and his musical legacy.

Traditional acoustic blues with a refreshing ease and a feel-good factor.

With the record ‘Tales of Tampa’, Chris Kramer and Paddy Boy Zimmermann delve deep into the musical legacy of Tampa Red, the legendary blues musician better known by his birth name, Hudson Whittaker. Tampa Red shaped the blues of the 1930s and 1940s like few others with his distinctive guitar playing and his humorous yet often melancholic songwriting. His works, including classics like "Black Angel Blues" and "Love Her With A Feeling", remain some of the genre's most underappreciated gems to this day.

Kramer and Zimmermann have made it their mission not only to honor these hidden treasures but also to make them accessible to a new generation of blues enthusiasts. They deliberately avoid putting their virtuoso skills in the spotlight, instead focusing on capturing the essence of Tampa Red's music with respect and sensitivity. Their craftsmanship is used judiciously to interpret the songs in a way that is understated yet expressive, always serving the song itself.

Kramer, a harmonica virtuoso and charismatic singer with a pleasantly rough voice, and the masterful guitarist Zimmermann create a purely acoustic album that pays homage to Tampa Red’s musical achievements, bringing them to life with renewed brilliance. While remaining true to the traditional roots of the compositions, they imbue the pieces with a personal touch. Classics such as "So Crazy About You Baby" and "Crying Won’t Help You" are reinterpreted with fresh energy and palpable passion.

The recording impresses with its acoustic clarity and the passionate musicianship of the two artists. Zimmermann, who played all the guitar, bass, and percussion tracks himself, showcases not only remarkable technical skill but also a profound understanding of the structure and dynamics of the blues. Kramer complements this with his distinctive harmonica playing and captivating vocals. The harmonious collaboration between the two artists and their sensitivity to the soul of each song make this recording a unique experience.

With up-tempo ragtime pieces and groovy blues shuffles, they radiate pure joy and invite listeners to sway along. These lively moments perfectly contrast with the soulful, melancholic tracks that powerfully reflect the emotional depth of Tampa Red’s work.

Tales Of Tampa exudes refreshing ease and simply puts you in a good mood. It’s an album that will captivate connoisseurs of handcrafted music and newcomers to the blues genre alike.

Click below for:

- The link to the songs.

- International CD and Vinyl ordering link.

Our goal is to help Tampa Red receive the long-overdue recognition he deserves. This is not just a phrase for us; it is a heartfelt mission. To underline this, we have translated our extensive research on him, for you, and are happy to share it (below)

We hope you enjoy the music and the story we share.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with our music!

Chris Kramer & Paddy Boy Zimmerman

Tampa Red: The Hidden Gem of the Blues

Few names are as closely associated with classic blues from the 1920s and 1930s as Hudson Woodbridge, better known as Tampa Red. Born as Hudson Woodbridge, he adopted the name Hudson Whittaker after his adoption—another detail that contributed to his authorship of many songs not always being properly acknowledged over time. With his unique slide guitar technique, lyrical finesse, and distinctive sound, he influenced generations of blues and jazz musicians. Yet, he remains a largely undiscovered gem of the blues, whose significance is often underestimated. While artists like B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and John Lee Hooker are globally recognized as icons of the genre, Tampa Red rarely stands in the front row of blues legends.

From Georgia to Chicago: A Musical Journey

Tampa Red was born in 1903 in Smithville, Georgia, but grew up in Tampa, Florida, from which he took his stage name. In the 1920s, he moved to the vibrant blues scene of Chicago, a city that served as a melting pot for the developing urban blues. There, he quickly became part of the music scene and developed his characteristic style, defined by precise and elegant slide guitar playing.

Technique: The Art of Slide Guitar

Tampa Red is considered one of the first guitarists to popularize the National Resonator Guitar, an instrument that helped him produce his unmistakable, clear, and bell-like tone. His slide technique was exceptional—while many of his contemporaries played raw, aggressive slides, his style was smooth and almost gentle. This virtuosic approach made him a sought-after accompanist for many blues and jazz singers of his time.

From Hokum Blues to Urban Blues

In addition to his playing technique, Tampa Red was also an outstanding songwriter. He became particularly known for his Hokum Blues compositions—humorous and often double-entendre songs that played a significant role in the blues tradition. Songs like "Tight Like That" (1928) were not only popular but also influenced later blues and rock musicians.

However, Tampa Red was not limited to the Hokum style. Over the 1930s and 1940s, his music evolved to become more serious, emotional, and melancholic. His song "It Hurts Me Too"—one of the most frequently covered blues songs of all time—was later performed by Elmore James, Junior Wells, Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton. Another of his compositions, "Cryin’ Won’t Help You", was recorded multiple times by B.B. King.

An Influence That Remained in the Shadows

Throughout his career, Tampa Red worked with some of the greatest musicians of his time, including Big Bill Broonzy, Georgia Tom (later known as Thomas A. Dorsey, one of the founders of gospel music), and Memphis Minnie. His ability to shine both as a solo artist and an accompanist made him a key figure in the Chicago blues scene. Yet, despite these connections, his name gradually faded into obscurity.

Calm, Modest, and Reserved

Unlike some of his contemporaries, who were known for their excessive lifestyles or eccentric behavior, Tampa Red was considered more reserved and unassuming. He was not the typical charismatic frontman but rather a musician who focused on his craft and did not push himself into the spotlight. This could be one of the reasons why he does not enjoy the same level of recognition today as some other blues legends.

Why Tampa Red Did Not Receive the Recognition He Deserved

His Role as an Accompanist: Tampa Red was not only a solo artist but also a highly sought-after session musician. He accompanied numerous blues greats on their recordings, including Big Maceo Merriweather and Georgia Tom Dorsey. Although he had a major influence as a musician and composer, his name was often not the main focus.

Focus on Commercial Success: Tampa Red was a savvy musician who frequently adapted his style to the musical trends of the time. His early Hokum Blues songs were often perceived as "light entertainment," which brought him financial success but did not earn him the image of an “authentic” bluesman.

Changing Blues Trends: In the 1950s and 1960s, the focus of blues music shifted toward electrified styles such as Chicago Blues. Artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, who were heavily influenced by Tampa Red, became stars with this new sound—while Tampa Red faded into the background.

His Withdrawn Later Years: While many of his contemporaries continued touring or were rediscovered during the blues revival of the 1960s, Tampa Red retreated from the music scene after personal tragedies, such as the death of his wife. Without a late-career resurgence, his influence remained invisible to many music fans.

Why His Name Was Forgotten

The Open Structure of the Blues Genre: Blues music was passed down orally for a long time, causing original composers to fade into the background. Many associate "It Hurts Me Too" more with Elmore James than with Tampa Red.

Lack of Documentation and Legal Protection: Many African American musicians, including Tampa Red, had to sell their songs to record companies, often without securing long-term royalties.

Reinterpretation in Electric Blues and Rock ’n’ Roll: Artists like Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin adopted many early blues compositions, further pushing Tampa Red into obscurity.

Lack of Mythology Around His Persona: While Robert Johnson became legendary through the "deal with the devil" myth and Muddy Waters was celebrated as the face of Chicago Blues, Tampa Red lacked a comparable narrative that would have cemented his image in the public consciousness.

Chris Kramer & Paddy Boy Zimmerman: A Late Tribute

To give this unjustly forgotten artist the recognition he deserves, Chris Kramer & Paddy Boy Zimmerman have released the album Tales Of Tampa. With 13 reinterpretations from Tampa Red’s repertoire, they bring his music to a new generation. Their project aims to lift Tampa Red out of the shadows of the blues greats and present him as what he truly was: a pioneer and a master of his craft.

Conclusion: The Hidden Legacy of Tampa Red

Tampa Red was a blues pioneer, a virtuoso guitarist, and an outstanding songwriter. Yet, over the years, his name faded, and many music lovers are unaware of his crucial influence on the development of modern blues. With the tribute album by Chris Kramer & Paddy Boy Zimmerman, his music is once again brought into the spotlight—a long-overdue recognition of an artist who not only played the blues but shaped it. It is time to rediscover Tampa Red.