Charlie Barath

Issaquena Getaway

My Dog Is Blue Music

Charlie Barath is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who was first inspired by the music of Muddy Waters. He purchased his first harmonica in 1979 for six dollars and has rarely been without one since. His music bridges blues, roots, and Americana, and over the decades he has quietly developed a deep, authentic command of the instrument. That dedication has carried him across the country as both a performer and an educator, committed to keeping the living tradition of blues harmonica alive.

After releasing a few EPs in 2021, Barath followed with his debut album, Just Me and My Friends, which earned international airplay and critical praise. Renowned harmonica authority Joe Filisko cited Barath’s rare ability to move fluidly across multiple styles while always serving the song rather than the ego. A retired career carpenter, Barath now devotes his creative energy fully to music.

Issaquena Getaway, Barath’s second album, is co-produced by Gary Vincent and Barath. It was recorded deep in the Mississippi Delta at Clarksdale Soundstage in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Now an official Hohner Harmonica artist, Barath is recognized for his versatility across Chicago blues, rural country blues, honky-tonk, western swing, and folk-influenced forms.

Barath handles vocals, harmonica, and percussion and is joined by guitarists Johnny Burgin and Andrew Sherer; keyboardist Mark Yacovone; bassist Mike Law; drummer Danny Banks of the John Nemeth Blue Dreamers; and guest vocalist Shari Richards on one track. The album features twelve songs written and arranged by Barath, along with two carefully chosen covers.

The album opens with “I Gets Around,” featuring Burgin on lead guitar, as Barath sings, “I ain’t got no money, but I got a lot of friends… I ain’t got no steady woman, but I’m never alone.” The honky-tonk–styled “The Weekend Song” follows, with Yacovone on piano and Sherer on lead, as Barath chimes about punching the clock, getting paid, and blowing off steam.

“Waitin’ for the Queen” is a story-driven blues with a classic Delta feel, centered on a card game and the patience it demands, highlighted by Burgin’s expressive lead guitar. “Cuban Getaway,” written by Ike Turner and Joe Josea, is an instrumental showcasing Sherer’s first guitar break, Burgin’s second, and some especially sweet harmonica work.

On “I Might Fall in Love,” Burgin provides rhythm while Sherer adds fills as Barath cautiously admits the possibility of romance. “The Best Thing You Can Do” delivers a moral crossroads message, urging listeners to take the high road, with Sherer on lead and Yacovone on piano.

The traditional blues “Brass Monkey” features Yacovone on organ and Burgin on lead as Barath sings of a cold-hearted lover with biting wit. “Just Wanna Walk with You” pairs both guitarists on rhythm while Barath’s harmonica weaves through a lighthearted expression of attraction.

“That Wasn’t Me” uses playful call-and-response between piano, harmonica, and guitar to deny some questionable accusations. On “Renee,” Yacovone returns to piano as Barath laments lost love and lingering loneliness.

Barath’s harmonica shines on “Can I Have This Dance?” while “I’m Gonna Let You” features Yacovone on Hammond B-3 and Burgin on lead, as Barath turns heartbreak into resolve. Stanley Turrentine’s 1971 jazz instrumental “Sugar” is reinterpreted on harmonica in a six-minute exploration that highlights Sherer’s guitar and Yacovone’s piano.

The album closes with “Honey I Got No Money,” a warm, carefree blues as Barath croons about love mattering more than wealth.

Charlie Musselwhite sums it up best: “Charlie Barath is a friend of mine. He’s not only a really good guy but a fine harmonica player. Charlie has recorded a heck of a good blues album right here in good ol’ Clarksdale, Mississippi. You won’t be disappointed. Take my advice—get Issaquena Getaway.”

Richard Ludmerer

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