Adam Gussow, "Crossroads Blues" (2010)

Here's a FREE lesson on how to play the first 12 bars of this song: • how to play "Crossroad...
Here are two beginner's packages that will help you start your journey towards the music I'm making in this video:
Modern Blues Harmonica beginner's special:
www.tradebit.com/filedetail.p...
Modern Blues Harmonica beginner's deluxe:
www.tradebit.com/filedetail.p...
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
This is the debut music video from Adam Gussow, one-man band from Oxford, Mississippi. Filmed at a crossroads somewhere near Clarksdale, MS.
All instruments played live in real time by Gussow. No overdubs or other musicians.
Purchase this song or iTunes and Amazon as part of an album called KICK AND STOMP, a one-man project.
itunes.apple.com/us/album/kic...
www.amazon.com/Kick-Stomp-Ada...
Bryan W. Ward of the Tone Room co-produced this song; he also filmed and produced this video. Big thanks to David, Bryan, and The Tone Room!
Note: all necessary licenses have been obtained from rightsholders. No dangerous or illegal acts were engaged in during the production of this video. (The railroad tracks are no longer in use and the public road was closed for the duration of filming.)
Note: Sterling Magee, referenced in this version of the song, is the legendary "Mister Satan" of Harlem, Gussow's longtime musical partner in the duo Satan and Adam.
Please follow me on Twitter (@AdamGussow) and Medium.
/ adamgussow
/ asgussow_69031

[@codybuffoord3172]

This changed every single thing I've ever thought about harmonica, an I been playing the blues over 20 yeara

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

I'm intrigued by your comment. How do you mean?

[@codybuffoord3172]

@@Modernbluesharmonica for starters, the fact that this song, from the original to hundreds of versions, from dead on note for note copies, to basically just concepts that borrow only the lyrics or the idea of what they are supposed to mean, it has always invoked but one emotion in me, to some extent the same emotion that most blues songs in general do; a sense of being indentured. To the "devil" ( real or metaphorically) to a person, or to a time clock. This version, your version, invokes the opposite, a sense of freedom from being indentured. I've enjoyed harmonica as a stand alone or accompanying instrument plenty but seldom has it moved me quite as much as say, a guitar, yours and Jason Ricci have sure, sonny terry, little Walter etc, but this more than invoke an emotion, this version, stripped down and raw as it is, challenged my concept of an entire genre of music. So that said, it made me view the harmonica as a symbol of freedom, not just a tool of the oppressed, and for whatever it's worth, I thank you.

[@gussowsclassicbluesharmoni2726]

@@codybuffoord3172 : That's an exceptionally nice comment. I couldn't have put it better: "a sense of freedom from being indentured." That's absolutely right, and I'm so glad that came through. When I recorded this album, I was one year into my one-man-band odyssey, and I was galvanized by what felt like a creative rebirth, and kind of energetic explosion. My model, of course, was Mr. Satan (Sterling Magee), the musician I'd played with for many years. I'd been right by his side when he added a second hi-hat cymbal in 1987; I watched him transform himself from a brilliant guitarist/singer into somebody who was also a brilliant percussionist. My version of this song was powered by my sense that the "crossroads" I was at was a creative crossroads: it wasn't about selling my soul, but about accessing the explosive energies buried within my soul and letting them transform me. That's the spirit in which I invoke Magee in this song: "I'm standing at the crossroads...I hope he waves to [or stops for] me." I'm basically invoking him as a helper; as my muse. The energy you so aptly named, in other words, is NOT the doom-laden sense of being haunted that many people connect with Johnson's version of the song, but a sense of explosive creative transformation: a hope of being sanctified or annointed in that way. All of this came together in the studio; it's palpable in the recording. You got it exactly right.

[@jerrycohencohen8901]

Your the reason I keep trying to play.

[@thomasbrown8468]

The only instrument with the full range of human emotions 👁

[@blackhorse11thACR]

Who would put a dislike on this amazing blues harmonica musician. Must be awfully jealous. Adam is a brilliant artist. He also gives much of himself in free lessons for the rest of us. In these times someone like Adam is a blessing and appreciated.

[@blackhorse11thACR]

@@paulcook68 again you can't play and are jealous bonzo.

[@blackhorse11thACR]

@@paulcook68 sad mentality from a schnook

[@michaelschaefer9535]

I miss Adam from NYC. He tried to teach me but I was a terrible student. Kept it up tho and I took what he taught me to heart and eventually...Never be as good as him. But who is?

[@markieproductions22]

Blackhorse 11th ACR Indeed!

[@brya6894]

I get pumped up in four courners Farmington nm

[@1cip255]

if your a blues fan … this is “a thing of beauty” :-)

[@bsg75husker]

i think if you have any feeling for music at all, this has to get ya ;) He's amazing

[@marcuscicero9587]

oh yeah

[@BBQDad463]

At 70 years of age and having been steeped in the Blues and Dixieland Jazz since birth, I must say that this was truly outstanding. Thank You, Sir!

[@user-xh8vv6ko7n]

Wow

[@sylviogoguen3760]

I only have one problem with this video.He has a truck but he's trying to hitch a ride ????

[@BBQDad463]

@@sylviogoguen3760 You raise a good issue. I guess it is just a video made to entertain. If it had been promoted as a documentary... well,,,

[@jean-noelbailly6557]

Une voix éraillée juste ce qu'il faut, un jeu d'harmonica de folie, un rythme qui pousse terriblement l'auditeur à l'accompagner des pieds ou des mains, les battements du cœur qui grimpent, les presque 6mn de ce morceau passent à toute allure, on en redemande. Merci pour ce partage ... Yep !!!

[@geoffreypiltz271]

Blues harmonica doesn't get any better than this.

[@johnallison9174]

This stirs my old soul .... best ever music track I have heard in my 69 years ... I have no musical talent whatsoever, but it gets me stomping and head shaking every time I hear it.

[@curryblackwell1769]

Still one of the best harmonica….& pure music scores I’ve ever heard…genius

[@yannickramouillet3742]

I have just an horrible gastroenteritis and boom that fucking Adam gussow's song appears from nowhere . The blues healed me

[@LuckLampLicker]

After nearly 90 years, this tune still sounds freakin amazing

[@matthewpagan4644]

LuckLampLicker what r u talking about

[@lecturedelabible7217]

He's talking about something like that, I bet : kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5WZYaF_adiUb6M

[@rickymcguire6993]

Cross roads legend or is it ? So so many well known artist sing the song and so many of them say it's true legba

[@mns8732]

That's not the song; cream said they took words of crossroads and the time of another song and combined them. Nowhere ninety years but who cares, R Johnson might be proud.

[@mns8732]

We can only imagine the pain and try to enter the realm. Almost impossible. Only play with head bowed hat in hand.

[@SandroMassarani]

This man is a virtuoso. Amazing rendition of a timeless classic.

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

Thanks!

[@johnjacobs3300]

&hmm

[@captyoss]

d'accordissimo

[@flamethrowingnun6007]

Very cool...Woulda like to see you wearing a mississipi string tie!

[@paolospade8063]

Sandro Massarani

[@zebedeezimminy]

Adam I have listened to you for fifteen years and never knew you could sing like this! Wow!! This is really the whole deal. Beautifully done and a masterclass in blues.

[@chrisezelle]

👍🏼❤️

[@jquery2774]

Even all these these years later this is still a great song.

[@petergardner3963]

I never stop watching this video - I keep coming back for ages now … it is perfect !

[@johnfreitas3019]

Me too man, you said it all.

[@sdxn8117]

Best harp I've ever heard, including my heros Paul Butterfield and Charlie Musselwhite. I'm 69 how come I've never heard of you...just wrong. Great job!!

[@HoofHearted6]

Brought a tear to my eye. Beautifully done. Amazing!

[@leckertiabell7408]

Whew Robert Johnson, the father of Rock and roll and blues. A beautiful tribute

[@mic115849]

Having blastin harp for 55 years, this guy rocks the house! Keep going, guess I'll steal the show kid!

[@carlgrimsley7019]

It is hard to believe that this beautiful music is created on such a small instrument. This guy is truly a genius u

[@christopherlackey4953]

Those harps are crazy addictive.

[@johnpatterson2061]

for sure

[@jpmosnier5937]

Adam's singing is surely part of it too

[@user-xh8vv6ko7n]

Wow what an amazing artist.

[@eddyengland5398]

10 years on, and he is still going strong. Great stuff

[@nerenahd]

I can watch Adam playing all day long and forget about everything😆

[@soufianbrom1049]

Nothing to say......just a pure art ❤⚡⚡🧢🧢💥

[@tomatoes3]

Don't know how many times I've heard this now, but it's always fresh . Probably the best version there has been .

[@deltabluez3830]

Holy F**k, thats is the best blues harp i have ever heard. WOW!

[@sveca9950]

The sound of a harp is amazing.

[@patrickkoh1056]

this is a man who lives for and by music, he rocks!

[@MrWomax]

patrick Koh he mostly bluses muaha... ok I'm outta here.

[@jasondavis3824]

I would to drive to Mississippi to meet and play a little

[@jasondavis3824]

Adam your my favorite harp player

[@robertmarshall7938]

A blues masterpiece played brilliantly love it

[@doubled3983]

I didn't know Willie from Swamp People could get down like this! This dude is good! Love it! ❤

[@hoshi7942]

Everything in this video is so cool. I love his whole vibe from the retro truck to the raw skill on the harp!

[@mic115849]

The retro truck is probably all he could afford. And anyone critiquing this man is a idiot! Keep your mouth shut!

[@stevensandness6555]

I also love the background. It's not my home state, but it really brings a feeling of home to a person.

[@Penandroll]

sir..that was a kick ass performance!.

[@MARKIEBANUNCE]

FUCKING A!!!!!

[@TheKhaine101]

I really love this version of this song and loved the harmonica playing. Give a whole new style and feel.

[@victorsia1434]

Never much of a harmonica blues fan,but Adam Gussow rocks it!

[@prairiestrong1106]

Dec 26. 2022. Can’t get enough of this tune. It’s soooo damn good!!

[@piercedarrow57]

This just Blew Me Away!!!!! BRILLIANT!!!! Damn...you can PLAY that harp!!!! Well done!!!

[@charlesklein2228]

This is damned brilliant! Fantastic performance and video. Loved every second of it!

[@allenclark338]

Gets better every time I hear it.

[@frankanalla55]

This is great piece of blues. I hear you Robert Johnson!!

[@erussmit4868]

This song took me far from reality , but back now 😂... beautiful. listening for 2nd time now

[@rickeydenler4272]

One of the best if not the best blues harmonica players on the planet I love it

[@greggmarkowski5203]

Every time I watch this video I'm blown away how in the hands of a master like Adam and his many peers, past and present, they can turn such a silly little instrument into such a powerful voice. It is beyond cool.

[@reedbender1179]

And you are beyond stupid...it's a Harp...you can't play it, you don't comprehend it ...and you can farkoff,you silly little instrument ! 😱...🥱

[@reedbender1179]

But yes...beyond cool ! 😎

[@yodawok]

Just watched "Satan and Adam" on Netflix (must watch for blues lovers)... Wow... blown away... Thank you for getting it done!!

[@ralphturnbull916]

Man i is totaly blown tankflyralph @outlook.com. watford england

[@ralphturnbull916]

Great sound

[@michaelschaefer9535]

Met them in NYC back in the late 80s early 90s. Best street buskers I ever saw.

[@chriskurz6982]

Can't keep my feet still!!! Best Jam ever!!! That's a one of a billion!!! Thank you so much!!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@javiersanchez2874]

Just this video alone has improved my playing a lot. I share your channel and this video specifically to any one that’s asks about harmonica. You told me to go and find a master in real life and that your not it but you feel like it to me. Thank you Adam I really appreciate it.

[@toddboswell9397]

Tonight was 400th time watching from the woodshed . Thanks Adam and Mr. Satan.

[@jonathanpalmer3587]

Just caught this older number now in August’22. May be my favorite A. Gussow video ever. That was so much fun and you were playing great. Really glad I found this. You have helped my playing tremendously. Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent. You’re the best.

[@thatphotodude]

Adam, thank you, just flipping thank you. I am stuck in a rut on my harp and this just makes me get off my ass and keep learning!

[@prairiestrong1106]

I think I have a tear in my eye, this is outstanding. I’ve got happy feet now.

[@poszukiwacz4491]

Man, you make me come alive every day, even though I feel like crying.

[@gasjebasje99]

I've listened to 3 versions of this song, and this one personally is my favorite. The original version has a classic charm to it that you can only hear in songs of that era, and the version by Clapton is very well performed and easy to get into, but I like how this version does a great job at being a modern tune and still have that 'rocking chair on porch' kind of sound to it.

[@marciobm7810]

Very good video and performance! Hugs from Brazil! 🇧🇷👊

[@Len_Carson]

Love coming back to this rendition. Hats off to you Mr.Gussow..

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

Thanks!

[@markwakephord3049]

Adam oozes blues rhythm from every pore. Brilliant 👏

[@falco566]

This reminded me of what made me fall in love with blues harp 40 years ago... great beat, the sheer skills, the lyrics and story with it (great vid btw, co-prod had added value here) thanks bro.

[@ristorajala7756]

Thank you for giving us this piece blues art. I felt so good after hearing this. Breath taking skill and talent. I also dig your taeching clips.

[@mini-bandbycunningham482]

Nice riffing man! Got my blues fix for the day. Thank you...

[@Barock-mt8bc]

I am 50 and started playing harmonica at age 14. This song is an absolutely fantastic blues vibration I love it so much I am speachless ✌👍

[@jaycollins1034]

I can relate. I been playing the hell out of a saxophone since I've been 12, but didn't start singing till I turned 30. I'm 46 now and people say I sing pretty well. Anybody who hates on your voice should realize something: Any musician who can learn to play an instrument well, will also eventually be able to sing well, it's only a matter of time and work. It's already in your body and your ear. Thanks for the harmonica lesson!

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

Jay Collins : Thanks for getting it, and where I'm at.

[@alphaO27]

+Adam Gussow I wish I could be in USA to meet you, or come to be in one of your shows, you have a very good technique and I learned a lot from you

[@dantebondin4385]

Forever young!

[@seejayjames]

@cannab al -- Marine Bands sound good but IMO are uncomfortable to play, there are metal edges that rub against the lips. Also they still use nails to hold it together......why....... PITA to take apart if you need to adjust the reeds. Special 20s are pretty much all I play now., though I have some Lee Oskar and Seydels that are nice too (they make some lower ones that Hohner doesn't). Got a ton of Special 20s and they have never disappointed. If you're serious, don't get the cheaper ones.

[@spencerkunikiwass4660]

This man has his own sound & style and I'll be diggin' this for more than just awhile. I am a believer...

[@JooJooShrimp]

@CosmicStorm Ripping off? Blues is about passing on the tradition and keeping the legacy of those that came before you and inspired you alive.

[@neilbillington8684]

@CosmicStorm You're wrong. He is covering what has become a blues standard - and chiefly on guitar - but while he's digging into the blues tradition he is giving it his own flavour, and playing the harp completely in his own style. None of the traditional guys played like that - or could play like that.

[@TWhat-wq7to]

Ive been learning to play from his lessons then I stumble across this. He has great character and seeing him ripping that beautiful truck and I like him even more!

[@JoachimHeistinger]

How do I stop shaking my head now???

[@ZDEVIL74]

Oh yessss!!! :) And i want to take my guitar to join them too. :)

[@60viking]

Ha I know!

[@lightninglj]

Boy don chu stop Shakin ya head nah. These boys is American Heroes I'll tell you h'wat *Spits tobacco* *Downs moonshine* *Continues rocking in rocking chair*

[@lisabiddle80]

I-

[@oliverpetter1929]

Do d do

[@h.farhad6176]

Simply an awesome track. Thank you kindly for uploading the track. Be Blessed. Amen.

[@candelerotito]

Since yesterday I do notstop to reproduce this song... I am horse guide... I play harp a little bit, but sir gossow is absolutely the number one!!!!!!!!! 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎💯💯💯😜

[@davefajer2127]

True Down-home Americana right here! The sound of the “Soul of America”

[@herivas7618]

Simplesmente fantástico. Maravilhoso A tempo não escutava uma harmônica tão vigorosa, pulsante e cheia de personalidade pra dizer pouco, como essa. Parabéns.

[@tomas11155]

I listen to this almost everyday... amazing skills, beautiful sound and nice feelings... I just love it

[@DSKim-ej5uf]

Your video really touched my heart. This is a video I want to see again and again. I want to praise and support you with all my heart. You have a wonderful talent full of strange charm that looks at your video like a dream. I respect and support the excellence of your sensibility. Thank you for watching your video, which was made with passion and great effort. Your video, which passed through a mysterious algorithm, caught my eye, and it filled my heart with beautiful and good energy. Your video really touched my heart. I was impressed. This is a video I want to see again and again. I want to praise and support you with all my heart.

[@Len_Carson]

Wishing you a very happy birthday Adam.. Thankyou for your tireless energy and keeping the music alive 🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@3deltadave]

it's a masterpiece Adam. You totally psyched me to to go jam for a few hrs!!! Love the octaves in there too!

[@HOMERTINKLE]

Can’t just play this kind of music, it must come from deep within your soul, and brother, you’ve got it !!!!! Fantastic music !!!!!!!!!!

[@kenmcewen7177]

I'VE BEEN PLAYIN HARP FOR 40 YEARS AND BEEN HAVIN A GREAT TIME PLAYIN MUSIC WITH SOME AWESOME TALENT AROUND THE COUNTRY! WHEN IT COMES TO HARMONICA ( SEASONED PLAYERS ) WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN STYLE. WHEN IT COMES TO "GUSSOW" THIS CAT KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK! THERE IS NO "MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB" SHIT GOING ON HERE! "ADAM" YOU ARE A LEGEND!...LIKE TO MEET UP WITH YA IN "CLARKSDALE" AT "GROUND ZERO AND SLAM A SHOT OF "CROWN" AND B.S. BEFORE I DIE. THANKS FOR YOUR RENDITION OF "CROSSROADS!"....THIS COMES FROM THE HEART1

[@charleslucianomorgan1385]

Adam..I listen almost daily to your cross road...gets me off my feet.

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

I'm playing a Hohner Marine Band, key of D. I'm playing it cross harp (second position) in the key of A.

[@danielfaller5617]

Except that actualy youre really killin' it.

[@hetjamesfield4473]

Adam... I know that Crossroads.. I know that two spooky trees very very well. Trust me. They are there for a reason. I have to go back there asap.. I will just say to you that, this is THE REAL Crossroads. It happend here... I have one question Adam. I know who told and showed me, but please, how did you find out about it? And have you tryed it? If not, well, then DONT! Please trust me, it is not good.

[@hetjamesfield4473]

Was back there... Nothing happent. Yet. But it Will. Btw, i Will tell just that ... This Is not the only place, there are 4 or 5 more.... I Will get back Here when..... 👋👋

[@ArtofDreaming1]

many thanks but more so you knock this song out of the park. Second I hear it thats where I go. never get tired of it.

[@drdave5150]

This is fantastic

[@jackhyde5457]

Man I'm loving it!!!!! Greatest music I heard in a long time. This man is heart and soul!!!

[@michaelmorgan8812]

G'day Adam, Michael from Australia, even though I was born down under, this sure sounds like home to me, I'm a drummer and I just love playing the drums along to your tunes, keep up the great work brother. Peace, Love and Blessings.

[@johnemerson5428]

Wow! Amazing rendition of Crossroads Blues.

[@terrygunderson5681]

hey boss... in 1986 there was a movie called "crossroads"... this here be classified as "Mississippi Delta Blues" and oh you do a mighty fine job of it.

[@RomVlad]

I forgot about that movie until you mentioned it. Ralph Machio if I remember right..

[@gregdavid853]

Terry Gunderson my favorite movie.

[@acrosticox]

The original music of the film is curated by Ry Cooder, who composes the song Feelin 'Bad Blues, arranges and performs Cross roads by Robert Johnson, writes and performs with Joe Seneca the song Willie Brown Blues, and with Steve Vai the songs Butler's Bag and Head Cuttin 'Duel (representing the final challenge in the film).

[@llavallscrogg8653]

That movie was Crossroads, the story about Robert Johnson and it's a great movie

[@clovis4891]

one of my favorite movies because of the music. love it. that's why I started playing harmonica.

[@Durin_Son]

Its the year 2059 and I'm still playing this on a loop.

[@dianedoncheski2302]

You've rocked my Tuesday morning before a first cup of coffee! You're very good son!

[@user-ci4hu9bu3p]

Браво, Адам!!!! SUPER!!! Fantastica!!!!

[@contrafax]

LOVELY, I really enjoyed this version.

[@BoutTime73]

All I can say is “played the shit out of this!!”

[@BuckrBill]

Adam thank you very much for the workshop you put on yesterday on the riffs for this song for Tomlin’s students a definite highlight day in my harmonica journey thank you take care stay safe peace

[@martharousse5707]

It is sooo good to hear this man again can't get enough of him blessings to you

[@moogybannahilstopaflingon6803]

Really, really wicked! Just blown away!It's so amazing to see someone who is so good at doing something!Thank you for sharing and please continue!

[@ShariHaley]

That was Totally AWESOME!! You can Rock that Harp my friend!!

[@paulmccarthy6081]

Simply beautiful. Much love

[@crazycoyote1738]

Wow!! What a beautiful play!! He is a humble genius!!

[@harleydavison4526]

dang this guy is good!

[@RussEastburn]

Harpist for 52 years myself Adam you are inspiring. And a nice guy--- thanks for this and all you do for this magnificent instrument. Would love a jam sometime

[@spacemanspiffy6596]

Oh man, I just found out who you are.

[@TrikeRoadPoet]

A run of notes and you take flight across a sea of the blues, the back beat marks time as the music sets your mind to wandering memories and possibilities. Awesome!

[@nerenahd]

I am gonna learn this version of yours on my harp, Adam. Great musicians for me are those who inspire people, and that Sir, you do.

[@jasonvarn368]

THIS IS TALENT at it's EPIC EXTREME AMAZING BEST DISPLAY I HAVE SEEN YET TO DATE!!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS THANK YOU SO MUCH ADAM GUSSOW LOVE YOU BRO and EVERYTHING YOUR DOING ON THIS PLANET IT'S INCREDIBLE AND YOUR AWESOME MAN!!!! I APPRECIATE YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!!

[@wayne9518]

I guess this has become my favorite. Every time it pops up I watch/listen again. Which probably makes it pop up more often. Lather, rinse, repeat.

[@ronmcgovern6581]

Good God Almighty!! The best harmonica I have ever heard. This man absolutely rocks!

[@halcyon1030]

You stir my blues loving soul my man. I'm a student and consumer of the blues and have studied under the guidance of Stephan Grossman. I 'm from the other side of the river my man , but one thing I know is that we rose and will be settled in the same soil that has grown cotton for generations past to the present. These live oaks carry the echoes of many a blues traveler and I ant to get good enough to do my covers. Yankees just seem to lack a certain authenticity to deliver the blues like a man raised on bisquits and gravy !!! great performance.

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

Henry Wilson : Thanks man. I'm trying.

[@halcyon1030]

I almost forgot to mention that truck. It really adds a dimension to the overall dirt road deal with the Devil meme. I too have a project 1969 stepside that is so much a thing that explains who I am. I love the old simpler things in life that endure time. I am going to seek you out and shake your hand some day . I of course will buy your tunes. maybe I can accompany you with our two old chevys in the background. We can call it the RC cola and Moon Pie breakdown !

[@thgorobets]

Thank you, Adam, that's so great and inspiring!

[@terrylusk9879]

That was one of the best harmonica players I've heard in a long long time good job

[@estheralveslatournerie3105]

I just LOVE this song