"For a long time the harmonica was the orphan of the music business" -- so begin the liner notes to
Hi-Fi Harmonica, an early orchestral pop album starring harmonica virtuoso
Leo Diamond.
Diamond plays his instrument with an agenda, which is to have the lowly harmonica take its place -- alongside the harp, accordion, and other neglected, limited, or folk instruments -- in the modern orchestra. Romantic and technically slick as his arranging and playing is, there is probably just no getting past one's predisposition to the instrument. One thing that makes it less obtrusive, or abrasive, is
Diamond's frequent use of exotic themes. "Chinese Junk Boat" and "Hindustan" are by far the most exciting numbers, and each features deep, strange percussion figures. Other welcome treats are the bongos in "Speak Easy" and the vocals in "C'est Magnifique."