Patrick J Norris aka Big Bones

After rescuing a harmonica that a friend's acquaintance had thrown in his trashcan back in the summer of 1973 in San Francisco, it was missing teeth and had some stuck reeds. "That began my love affair with the harmonica and the hypnotic effect that this little tiny instrument still has on every aspect of my being."

Some Notable Events

Opened for Chick Willis
[1986]
San Francisco Battle of the Harmonicas
[1987 + 1989]
Worked with the great Willie Dixon
[1990]
San Francisco Blues Festival Big Bones & Paul Pena
[1990]
Giant Killers (Live CD)
[1991]
Opened for John Lee Hooker
[1991 - 1992]
Harmonica Player of the Year, Bay Area Blues Society
[1991]
Big Bones & Paul Pena with special guest Alvin Youngblood Hart
Live at the Freight and Salvage I & II [1991 - 1992]
Ike Cosey - Ike - The Low Down Throw Down, JSP Records, England
[1995 - 1997]
Sang and played with Ted Taylor
[1996]
Preacher Boy - Gutters and Pews, Blind Pig Records, US
[1996]
Opened for Gatemouth Brown
[1997]
San Francisco Blues Festival Big Bones & Paul Pena
[2000]
So Low (Album)
[2001]
The Golden Gate Blues Society International Blues Challenge: winner Solo/Duo Category
[2016]

History in Images

Now is what you get and you get it through PJ Norris's unique interpretation.
When he pulled the trigger on his hard core harmonica, I was blown away. He is the real deal and has run the blues circuit around the world for over a decade. PJ has thrown that cotton picking blues over board and created a new slice called "Gangster Blues". It's relentless, it's called Gangster Blues because it's going to cross that imaginary line. It's going to draw blood and that's the bottom line, the truth period. Some bubbles will get busted and some feelings may be hurt, but, PJ don't give a damn about trouble.

PJ was also a longtime musical partner with the late guitarist-songwriter Paul Pena (Genghis Blues was a documentary about Paul traveling to the isolated Russian Republic of Tuva to pursue his interest in Tuvan throat singing. And remember the song "Jet Airliner" that Steve Miller covered? Paul's song!). They toured successfully on the club and festival circuit. In 1991 they released "Giant Killers" Live from the Freight and Salvage (with Paul Pena and special guest Alvin Youngblood Hart}
Young BB
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Purple BB
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James Cotton, an old friend of mine, was in town at the Bisquit & Blues. It was a slow night and Super Harp knew I wasn't coming to the show. But he reminded me that he was smokeless and so I showed up to hang out and tell a few jokes and show some support. I had opened up for him several times and faced off on the same stage with him, took his band over and shined and he treated me like a pro, an equal, and encouraged me, but he knew I was restless and had a new slice... Read More
Paul Pena
James Cotton
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BB Green
Giant Harmonica
BB Coffee
BB Sweatin
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/Preacher%20Boy%20and%20The%20Natural%20Blues%20- Gutters%20and%20Pews
Preacher Boy and The Natural Blues - Gutters and Pews
This CD is a rocking session most notable for the strange voice of Preacher Boy, who makes Louis Armstrong sound like a tenor. Preacher Boy (listed as playing various guitars, mandolin, bass guitar, mellotron, banjo, accordion, organ, piano, melodica, corn whiskey jug, tambourine, washboard, trumpet, wrench and egg) is joined by a colorful and versatile group including Big Bones on harmonica for a set of originals.
/Ike%20Cosse%20- The%20Lowdown%20Throwdown
Ike Cosse - The Lowdown Throwdown
Ike Cosse's debut for London-based JSP came about after the label's owner heard a copy of the bluesman' s self-produced cassette. With The Lowdown Throwdown, Cosse proved capable of attacking the full range of blues styles; "Dog Dang Shoot" is straight Chicago material, while "Hell to Pay" offers James Brown-style funk and "Let It Happen" recalls classic R&B balladry.
/Big%20Bones%20&%20Paul%20Pena%20- Giant%20Killers
Big Bones & Paul Pena - Giant Killers
the combination of Big Bones and Pena on the Freight and Salvage-set Giant Killers CD makes for one hugely enjoyable recording – in fact, one of our favorites – as they (also joined by Alvin Youngblood Hart on mandolin) roll through such tunes as “Hangin’ Around Foolin’ Around” (the first of the songs we heard from Bones on that San Francisco compilation) and the harmonica-driven, mostly instrumental “Folk Music,” Robert Johnson‘s “Terraplane Blues” and “Hellhound on My Trail,” Lightnin’ Hopkins‘ “Bring Me My Shotgun,” Jimmy Reed‘s “Bright Lights,” Charley Patton‘s “Tom Rushen Blues,” and the Mississippi Sheiks‘ “Sitting on Top of the World.”
/Steve%20Ganon%20Band%20-%20Oaktown
Steve Ganon Band - Oaktown
This is an excellent set of guitar driven blues/rock. A London born guitarist, Steve has been an Oakland, CA. resident since 1982 and a staple on the Bay Area blues circuit. Steve has been a regular member of the house band at the famous "Eli's Mile High Club" as well as making appearances at the Monterrey Jazz Festival. On this inaugural album, Steve is backed by Blue Monday Band with guitar, bass, drums, Big Bones on harp and some keys. Good album of upbeat and slow blues.
/Joe%20Louis%20Walker%20- Blues%20Survivor
Joe Louis Walker - Blues Survivor
Joe Louis Walker's album, "Blues Survivor," is a captivating testament to his enduring prowess as a blues musician. With his gritty vocals and masterful guitar work, Walker effortlessly navigates through a variety of blues styles, showcasing his versatility and deep-rooted connection to the genre.
/Big%20Bones%20-%20So%20Low
Big Bones - So Low
Big Bones' album, "So Low," is a mesmerizing journey through the depths of raw emotion and introspection. The band's ability to blend elements of blues, rock, and soul creates a sonic landscape that is both haunting and captivating. From the first track to the last, "So Low" immerses listeners in a moody atmosphere, filled with brooding lyrics and soulful melodies. The introspective songwriting and powerful vocals of Big Bones tug at the heartstrings, evoking a range of emotions.
/Bhi%20Bhiman%20- The%20Cookbook
Bhi Bhiman - The Cookbook
What a great first album. Bhi has a unique voice and knows how to strum that guitar. He is a man of many talents. His lyrics are full of satire and tells many great messages. There is a lot of humor, love and talent. A must listen!

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