Wes Harrison - Master of Vocal Sound Effects
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Posted on Oct 24, 2007 08:10 pm
Herb Utsmelz
Ne'er ate 'er
Member Since: Apr 05, 2006
Hey everybody,
You’re in for a treat.
I want to introduce you to Mr. Wes Harrison.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Harrison
Stay with me here.
Wes was a childhood hero of mine. I played his 1963 album You Won’t Believe Your Ears over and over. I was addicted to it. When I got my first tape recorder at age 12, the first thing I did was try to imitate Wes’s sounds. He was one of my prime inspirations to become a voice artist.
No one else - before or since Mr. Harrison – has displayed this incredible level of talent for creating vocal sound effects with no gimmicks or tricks, just a Shure 530 Slendyne mic.
In the late 50s and early 60s, Wes was very popular on the nightclub and talk show circuit. Now he is unknown or forgotten by most of the public – including you, I’m sure. This makes me sad. Wes still does a few gigs, at fairs and the like, in and around Illinois where he lives.
A few years ago, I began corresponding with Wes. Since then, the old fella has come to mean a lot to me.
I was listening to his first album a few days ago and thought it would be great to be able to give him some exposure. I wrote to Wes, told him about HRC and asked him if I could post some of his work on this site for my friends to enjoy. In return, I would post links where members can order his CDs. He agreed. I talked to dB about it, and he thought it was a great idea too.
Wes must be in his late eighties now (I’ve never asked about his age), so get these recordings now. They’re great for parties.
Now listen to his classic tracks in my profile. Trust me. This guy will blow your doors off.
The cut named Wes’s Car has a great story about his Halloween pranks.
Thanks so much, you guys.
Steve
_________________
You Won't Believe Your Ears can be purchased through Amazon and CD Universe.
www.amazon.com/You-Wont-B...s/dp/B000059WNE
www.cduniverse.com/search...e+Your+Ears.htm
Wes Harrison: The One and Only can be purchased at Wes’s Web site:
www.mrsoundeffects.com/cds-tapes.htm
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 25, 2007 08:40 pm Thanx Herb, that made my night. I was lucky enough to have seen him several times. As well on TV shows live back in the day. I to loved making the sound effects, or at least trying. I do as well have the vinyl of his stuff. But the CD's do sure look appealing and I think the boyz might enjoy this. It will make a great Xmass gift.
I am still laughing as I have to admit I have not heard him in years.
I will be going to visit the sight for sure and get the new one as well.
Thanx again for the great stuff.
Oct 26, 2007 08:22 am The line from Better Late Than Never, "If the dog barks at you, shoot him!" still makes me laugh out loud every time.
Everybody should hear the saga of the Great Duck Hunt too.
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
Oct 26, 2007 09:30 am No chance is that some one's voice!!!!
What the?
How good is this?
This is gold mate.
Oct 26, 2007 10:06 am Quote:
No chance is that some one's voice!!!!
That's the standard response. Another thing I can't figure out is - in his "door closing" effect, you can hear the door's window glass rattle.
How the HELL...
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 28, 2007 07:48 pm It was the porcelain caps on his teeth.
But ya, he is something else for sure.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Oct 29, 2007 12:16 pm wow, that was very cool. too bad there's not video of this...
I enjoyed listening to it.
