♫ Jazzapedia

carlos del junco

Biography

Carlos del Junco was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to North America with his family at the age of one. He first picked up a harmonica at age 14, beginning what would become a distinguished career as a blues musician and harmonica virtuoso. His life changed significantly in the late 1980s when he enrolled in a music camp at Elkins, West Virginia, where he studied under the renowned harmonica master Howard Levy, a pivotal moment that shaped his musical development and technical approach.

Del Junco has become recognized as a pioneer of the 10-hole diatonic harmonica, developing a unique ability to play chromatically through an advanced overblow technique. This innovation has allowed him to expand the expressive capabilities of the instrument beyond its traditional limitations. Throughout his career, he has performed extensively with his four-piece band, The Blues Mongrels, touring across Canada, the United States, and Europe, establishing himself as a respected figure in the contemporary blues scene.

With over 30 years of experience in music education, del Junco has dedicated significant time to teaching both private and group lessons, conducting workshops and master classes throughout Canada, Europe, and the United States. His contributions to blues harmonica performance and education have solidified his reputation as a harmonica maestro, combining technical innovation with a deep commitment to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of musicians.

Fun Facts

  • Del Junco's surname is loosely translated from Spanish as 'of the reeds,' a fitting name for a harmonica virtuoso given the reed-based nature of the instrument
  • He developed an advanced overblow technique on the 10-hole diatonic harmonica, allowing him to play chromatically on an instrument traditionally designed for diatonic playing
  • Del Junco has conducted extensive teaching activities across three continents (North America and Europe) with over 30 years of music education experience

Associated Acts

  • Four80East
  • The Blues Mongrels

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Howard Levy - Primary harmonica instructor and major influence on del Junco's technical development (Harmonica technique and chromatic playing methods) [Late 1980s onwards]

Key Collaborators

  • The Blues Mongrels - Del Junco's primary performing ensemble, a four-piece band (Concert and festival performances, 14-stop tour of B.C. and Western Canada) [Active during concert and touring period]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
Has Page
No Page

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Blues Etc... 2017-10-03 Album
Big Boy 1998-01-01 Album
Hang On 2018-03-15 Album
Mongrel Mash 2011-01-01 Album
Up and at 'em 2001-01-01 Album
Blues 1993-01-01 Album
Just Your Fool 2009-01-01 Album
Steady Movin' 2008-09-02 Album
Big Boy 2008-01-01 Album
Blues Mongrel 2005-01-01 Album
Big Road Blues 1995-01-01 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Blue Drag (Blue Drag)
  2. Diddle It (The Future of the Blues Vol. 3)
  3. Heaven's Where You'll Dwell (Big Boy)
  4. Little Wing (Hang On)
  5. Blues del Junco (Mariano Massolo)
  6. Beale St. Toodle-Oo (Blues Etc...)
  7. Mess Around (Big Boy)
  8. Roll Away the Stone (Blues Etc...)
  9. Can't Lose (Blues Etc...)
  10. The Blues Don't Like Nobody (Blues Etc...)

Tags: #jazz

Heard on WWOZ

carlos del junco has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 28, 202521:31mashed potatoes canadaMusic of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold