solo cigar box guitar

Turn and Burn (demo)

"Been a Poor Ol' Boy and a Long Ways from Home" is a deeply moving blues track brought to life by the multi-talented Federico Gerhardt. With his soulful voice, the resonant twangs of the cigar box guitar, and the mournful wails of the harmonica, Gerhardt weaves a rich tapestry of sound that encapsulates the essence of the blues. The song tells a poignant story of hardship and longing, a narrative that Gerhardt masterfully conveys through his emotive performance. Each strum of the cigar box guitar and each note from the harmonica add layers of depth and texture, transporting the listener on a journey through the heart of the blues. Gerhardt's vocal delivery, raw and authentic, perfectly complements the instrumental arrangement, making "Been a Poor Ol' Boy and a Long Ways from Home" a testament to his versatility as a musician and his profound connection to the blues tradition.

Blues & POP

Been a poor ol' boy and a long ways from home

Sestupná _01/2024

Federico Gerhardt's instrumental track "The Train" captures the quintessential spirit of the blues with a minimalist yet profoundly evocative approach. Employing a Didley Bow, a one-string Cigar Box Guitar, alongside a harmonica, Gerhardt crafts a sonic journey that mirrors the departure and arrival of a train.

The piece begins with the solitary twang of the Didley Bow, its raw and singular note mimicking the initial chug of a train leaving the station. The simplicity of the instrument, often associated with the roots of Delta blues, sets a rustic and nostalgic tone, creating an auditory landscape that feels both expansive and intimate.

As "The Train" gathers momentum, the harmonica joins in. Its wails and cries lend a soulful depth to the track, evoking the lonesome yet hopeful essence of travel. The harmonica's melody intertwines with the Didley Bow’s rhythmic pulse, echoing the increasing speed of the train as it races through sweeping landscapes.

The interplay between the Didley Bow and the harmonica not only serves to convey motion but also reflects the emotional undertones of the journey. The blues elements are palpable, with each bend of the harmonica and each pluck of the string resonating with a sense of longing and anticipation.

Approaching its conclusion, "The Train" slows, mirroring the train's arrival at its destination. The tempo decelerates, the harmonica's notes become more reflective, and the Didley Bow's vibrations taper off, settling into a quiet halt. The track leaves listeners with a sense of fulfillment, akin to the completion of a long journey.

Overall, Gerhardt's "The Train" is a masterful example of storytelling through music. By using just a Didley Bow and a harmonica, he encapsulates the essence of blues and the metaphorical journey of a train, creating an emotionally rich and sonically layered piece that stands out in the instrumental blues genre.

The train

For years, my beloved Cigar Box Guitar and my inseparable harmonica have been companions to countless melodies. However, it was only recently that I decided to breathe new life into one of my most cherished instrumental compositions: lyrics that could encapsulate years of memories and emotions. Thus was born "Reencontrándonos" (Reuniting), a song that transcends time through its words and melodies.

The piece begins with a soft harmonica intro, evoking the nostalgia that only music can convey, a perfect prelude that prepares the soul for a sentimental journey. The Cigar Box Guitar soon joins in, its warm, homey notes setting the tone for a story of enduring and true love.

The lyrics of "Reencontrándonos" speak of reuniting with a youthful love, one that, despite the years and changes, continues to resonate in the heart with the same intensity. The verses recount the first meeting, that solitary dance that captured my heart, and how that moment transformed into a shared life of joys, challenges, and routines.

The chorus, "Reuniting in every step! Reuniting in every embrace!", is a powerful and catchy call that celebrates the constancy of love and the unbreakable magic between two people. It is a declaration that, despite the passage of time and inevitable transformations, the fundamental feeling remains and is renewed with each encounter.

The bridge of the song is particularly emotional, a moment of introspection and promise where the lyrics invite us to relive the initial magic and continue the journey together, acknowledging that the happiness we deserve lies in that continuous reunion.

Musically, "Reencontrándonos" is a tribute to the traditional sounds of soul, supported by the unique texture provided by the Cigar Box Guitar and harmonica. These instruments, with their particular sonority, bring a touch of authenticity and warmth that envelops the lyrics in an atmosphere of intimacy and deep emotional depth.

After all these years, adding lyrics to this instrumental melody has been like reuniting not only with my music but also with all the stories it has seen pass by. "Reencontrándonos" is now not just a song, but a testament to the power of music to connect with our deepest memories and our most genuine emotions.

Reencontrándonos

After years of playing my beloved Cigar Box Guitar alongside the mournful wails of a harmonica, I finally breathed lyrical life into a tune that has long resonated deeply within me. This song, now titled "Solo el tiempo," has become a soulful expression of forgiveness and the elusive nature of time.

The instrumental version of this song had always been a raw and emotive experience, primarily structured around the gritty textures of the Cigar Box Guitar and the soul-piercing melodies of the harmonica. These elements combined to evoke a sense of yearning and unresolved tension that lingered long after the notes faded away.

The decision to add lyrics came after much contemplation. The words, crafted from a deeply personal space, aim to explore the complexities of human relationships—our propensity to complicate simple matters and the constant seeking of forgiveness for unintended hurts. The chorus, "Solo el tiempo puede responder y perdonar" (Only time can answer and forgive), serves as a catchy yet poignant reminder of life's relentless progression and the healing it can bring.

"Tiempo de Perdonar" is a reflective journey through verses that question our inability to move forward and the chorus that offers a resolute yet hopeful resolution. The bridge provides an intimate moment, admitting faults and the genuine plea for understanding, accentuated by a soulful harmonica solo that echoes the sentiments of remorse and reconciliation.

Now, with lyrics, "Solo el tiempo" not only maintains its original instrumental allure but also gains a narrative depth that invites listeners to contemplate their own stories of forgiveness and the passage of time. It's a song that has matured with me, and adding words felt like uncovering a deeper layer of its essence, one that had been waiting to be told.

Solo el tiempo

Enregistré le 12 juillet 2024 au Cryptoportique de Reims.
Par Sacha Dubois.
Mixé par Ivan Herceg.
Produit par RAD records.

Pennsylvania (Crypto'Night)

Enregistré le 12 juillet 2024 au Cryptoportique de Reims.
Par Sacha Dubois.
Mixé par Ivan Herceg.
Produit par RAD records.

Lyrics: B. Kimmel / Lucian E. Wood
Music: Lucian E. Wood.

Crossroad (Crypto'Night)

I've just released a new song titled "Nello y Patrach," inspired by the poignant story of Nello and his dog Patrasche from classic Flemish literature. The song is a Delta Blues piece that resonates with the raw, emotive essence of the genre, utilizing harmonica and a cigar box guitar (CBG) to deepen the atmosphere of the narrative.

The lyrics of the song capture Nello's struggle and his deep longing to find beauty and expression through art, despite the hardships and social indifference he faces. The verses convey a sense of intertwined hope and despair, while the chorus, "Under the cathedral skies," becomes a resonant call for a more just and compassionate world.

Including the harmonica and CBG is not just a stylistic choice; it echoes the souls of Nello and Patrasche, representing their journey together and their shared struggle. Each note of the harmonica carries the weight of their sorrow, while the vibrations of the CBG speak to their unbreakable resilience.

This song is more than a musical work; it's a tribute to those who face life bravely, despite the burdens they carry. With "Nello y Patrach," I hope not only to entertain but also to inspire listeners to look beyond surfaces and recognize the hidden battles that many brave souls face every day.

Nello y Patrash

Nello y Patrach

"Rollin' And A Tumblin" by D.R. Smith

"Destino de oportunidad" is a Delta Blues song I wrote and performed with raw emotion and stripped-down grit. I play it using a slide on my homemade cigar box guitar, backed by the steady thump of a stompbox and the jingle of a foot tambourine. It's just me, my voice, and the rhythm of survival.

This song tells the story of someone fighting through cold mornings and hard streets, chasing the smallest glimmers of hope under harsh skies. Every note is a cry, every slide a tear, every beat a heartbeat of someone who won’t give up. It’s about struggle, resilience, and the stubborn belief that even the darkest skies can bring light.

Destino de oportunidad

Whisper in the air

Sorry could this be my jacket? ... you run and run to get your jacket back

More music Lobo Loco

You got my Jacket (ID 2313)

A song played on a 3 string cigar box guitar. Encourages you the listener to think for yourself.

Rebel song

Federico Gerhardt is a versatile Argentine musician who moves effortlessly between blues, pop, and funk.

As a singer, harmonica player, and guitarist, he has made the cigar box guitar one of his trademarks, blending tradition with experimentation in every performance.

His music ranges from the raw authenticity of blues to the freshness of contemporary sounds, always carried by honest lyrics and deep emotional presence.

Beyond being a songwriter, Federico is also a luthier, crafting and playing his own instruments, which gives his work a unique and handcrafted identity.

Je fais une musique sombre et mélancolique.

Des morceaux calmes, souvent minimalistes, où l’atmosphère compte plus que la technique.

J’écris sans message précis, pour laisser une émotion ouverte.

Les ressentis sont bienvenus.

Any feedback on the mood is welcome.

Duduk, didgeridoo, srutibox, saxophone, cigarbox guitar and vocals...

Lobo Loco come from Göppingen Germany.
 <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GCQLRVURHHRDS" target="_blank">GIVE ME A TIP</a>
With ten learning for two years a little bit Piano,
but the teacher was a cholerical alcoholic.

With sixteen I started to learn Piano onesmore
without notes autodidactical.
With twenty also Acustic Guitar ... more and more
Instruments ... and so on.

- First Band 1989: "Satyr" (Metall)

- Up from 1990 started recording for myself
with SOFA SONG releases. Folk Songs, Singersongwriter Songs.

- First Solo Live Concert 1999: "Lobo Loco" (ON UNBRAUCHBAR)
- Up to 2011 diverse self Recordings (Folk, Electro, Jazz, Blues)

- Second Band 2012: "Hippie House Jam Band" (Funk & Soul)
- Third Band Project since 2014: "KieLobot" (Electro Jazz, Funk)
- Fourth Band Project since 2015: "Mushroom Funghi" (Krautrock, Spcacerock, Psychedelic Rock)

Guitar player born in San Juan Puerto Rico and Now residing in Little Rock AR.

Blues, Roots and Beyond at the Court House Open Mic. Captured on phones, so Lo-fi at times.
Cheers to Capt. Dave, Ozzy, and anyone who provides the material for us.

New tracks tagged #Cigarboxguitar