Harmonica Virtuoso, Composer, Producer
Lee Oskar is renowned for his iconic role as a founding member and lead harmonica player of the pioneering funk/jazz band that composed and recorded such hits as “Low Rider,” “Spill the Wine,” “Cisco Kid,” “The World is a Ghetto,” “Slippin’ into Darkness,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” and many more chart-topping songs from 1969-1993. Since then, Oskar and his original band mates from that era perform as the LowRider Band. Oskar also performs around the world with outstanding musicians from the Pacific Northwest, known as Lee Oskar and Friends, featuring his own new arrangements, innovative compositions and well-loved hit songs.
Over the years, several Lee Oskar compositions have been featured on movie sound tracks and television commercials. Oskar has contributed to many Gold and Platinum recordings, and has been honored with multiple ASCAP Writing Awards. His hooklines and melodies have been widely sampled, including the recent megahit song, “Timber” by Pitbull, and award-winning songs, “Strip That Down” by Liam Payne and “GDFR” by Flo Rida.
Lee recently picked up a Vanguard V13 for tracking harmonica at his studio.
As an artist, and recording a lot, I’ve found this a beautiful addition to my sound. For the harmonica, my signature instrument, I like the combination of the microphone I hand hold, and then the V13 is picking up the acoustics, and it’s just a nice balanced combination between what I normally use and this. The V13 gives some other presence. I use an M-160 Beyer double ribbon as my handheld.
The V13 really embellishes in a way I like sound to be.