Johnny Thompson

The Hi-Fimonics, a youthful group of melody masters, make their debut in the field of high fidelity a memorable one. The hi-fi enthusiast is due for a delightful musical treat in this recording. In these Hi-Fimonic tunes, especially arranged for high fidelity, each individual part stands out. There’s everything in this fine production. The music ranges from the mellow, sweet ballads to the fantastic hot rhythms. Even a hillbilly tune is included.
With leader Lee Jenner at the helm, the Hi-Fimonics are destined to make musical history. The group consists of a harmonica trio plus a bass fiddle and guitar. Unlike other harmonica bands, the guitar and the bass have been selected to blend with and augment the harmonica trio - not just to accompany the mouth instruments. The final effect stamps the Hi-Fimonics as an outstanding pioneer in this field, as the hi-fi fan will agree after hearing this sensational recording.
The Hi-Fimonics, consisting of aces of other harmonica acts, banded together for their all-star cast about a year and a half ago. The group consists of Lee Jenner, lead harmonica; John Thompson, bass harmonica; Earl (Red) Engel, chord harmonica; Casey Dudu, bass fiddle, and Billy Garbor, guitar.
The bass harmonica, actually two harmonicas on a hinge, has the same range as the bass fiddle. Its melodic, and sometimes weird sounds are present throughout the recording. The chord harmonica possesses all the basic chords for accompanying parts, but here Red Engel also breaks loose for solos, an extremely rare feat on the chord harmonica. The lead chromatic harmonica, as played by Jenner who is considered one of the best artists in the trade, has no limitations. This harmonica has a range of four octaves and by throat vibrations, different effects - much like a violin or clarinet - can be produced.
The other two instruments, the bass fiddle and guitar, are superbly handled by two musicians who give the Hi-Fimonics their distinctive touch. Both Casey Duda, on the bass fiddle, and Billy Garbor, on the guitar, are Hungarian gypsies. Their contributions to this great group are fantastic at times. Throughout this recording, you can feel the gypsy undertones, in the captivating style only a true gypsy could produce.
This recording, cut by REPLICA RECORDS’ enterprising engineers, is something new in the hi-fi field. Each arrangement was carefully made for high fidelity. The recording is full of delightful surprises. Sounds associated with the bongos, maracas, drums and clavas pop out in the music at delightful times. But it’s only the three harmonicas, guitar and bass fiddle doing a masterful job.
REPLICA RECORDS, one of the nation’s leaders in the high fidelity field, is proud to present the Hi-Fimonics in the following selections:

Chloe
Pavanne
Cuban Love Song
Deep Night
Orpheus
You Go To My Head
Steel Guitar Rag
Nagasaki
Prisoner Of The Sea
Cumanchero
Turkish March
Moonlight In Vermont
Chicque Cha

About the Artists:

A great future is in store for this young band of melody makers, whose ages range from 21 to 30, with Leader Lee Jenner the eldest. Jenner, with a duet partner, was grand final winner on the Horace Heidt show in 1950. He’s married and has three children. Jenner’s throat vibrations are considered the best in the harmonica field.

John Thompson, the standout on the bass harmonica, has been associated with many of the well known harmonica groups. John is a protege of Lou Zonka, former nationally known pianist.

Red Engel, the only single member of the group, started playing the harmonica while attending Lane Tech in Chicago. His unique style on the chord harmonica, which wasn’t built to play the melody, enables him to take off on sensationally different solos.

Casey Duda, the Cleveland born gypsy, has that haunting touch on the bass fiddle. A nationally recognized musician, Duda is the spark that fuses the Hi-Fimonics into a smooth musical machine.

Billy Garbor, of gypsy descent and also born in Cleveland, was inspired by the old-time guitar player, the late Django Reinhart, the old French gypsy. That famous Reinhart touch is very apparent in Garbor’s style.

- Notes by Ed Liska