Blowin' In The Past - Harmonica Anthology Le Chant

In this review of Blowin' In The Past, the double album by Jean-Jacques Milteau is presented for listeners who value historical context and intimate harmonica work. The bottom line: this compilation collects Milteau's early recordings for Le Chant du Monde and maps the development of a player who became a global ambassador for the blues harmonica. It is best for fans of acoustic blues and collectors seeking a focused portrait of an artist's formative years rather than a modern, polished studio reissue.

Key Features

• Early career compilation: Brings together Milteau's first recordings for Le Chant du Monde, offering a clear view of his musical origins and evolution.
• Geographically diverse influences: Tracks reflect the travels and cultural encounters that shaped his style, from Nashville and New Orleans to Ireland and Mexico.
• Double album format: The two-disc set provides extended listening time to follow stylistic shifts and recurring motifs across sessions.
• Label legacy: Released by Le Chant du Monde, the compilation connects to the label's Special Instrumental collection and early Blues Harp and Just Kiddin' releases.
• Historical significance: Acts as a document of Milteau's rise from a regional player to an international blues harmonica figure, useful for enthusiasts and researchers.

Who It's For

This release is ideal for dedicated blues listeners, harmonica students, and collectors who want to trace Jean-Jacques Milteau's artistic development from the 1970s and 1980s. The historical framing makes it particularly valuable to those who appreciate context and prefer original recordings over contemporary remixes.

Listeners seeking a modern production sheen, extensive liner notes in multiple languages, or a greatest-hits style compilation might look elsewhere. Casual pop or rock fans unfamiliar with acoustic blues may find the material specialized rather than immediately accessible.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consolidates rare early recordings into one accessible double album, preserving the arc of Milteau's early career.
• Shows a wide range of influences, reflecting the artist's travels and musical curiosity.
• Released by the original label, it retains authentic period sound and context from Le Chant du Monde.

Cons

• As a historical compilation, it may lack modern remastering or bonus materials that some collectors expect.

Specifications

Artist	Jean-Jacques Milteau
Title	Blowin' In The Past
Format	Double album (CD / Vinyl implied)
Label	Le Chant du Monde
Period covered	Early recordings from 1973 through the early 1980s
Genre	Blues, harmonica-focused

Our Verdict

Blowin' In The Past is a thoughtful compilation that will satisfy blues purists and harmonica aficionados who want to follow Jean-Jacques Milteau's formative years. While it is not aimed at mainstream listeners, its archival value and authentic performances make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone interested in the roots and travels that shaped a notable blues harmonica voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this set include Milteau's earliest recordings?
The compilation retraces his first recordings for Le Chant du Monde, including material from 1973 and subsequent early releases.

Is the music modernly remastered?
The release preserves the original period sound; it emphasizes authenticity over contemporary remastering.

Who released this album?
The double album was released by the French label Le Chant du Monde as part of its archival instrumental catalog.