Deak Harp and Quicksand are an energetic Delta blues duo featuring Deak Harp (harmonica and guitar) and Rickey "Quicksand" Martin (drums). Hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi, they are well-known for their raw, "juke joint" style of Hill Country and Chicago blues.Deak Harp has been playing harmonica since he was 12 years old. His biggest early inspiration came when his brother introduced him to the music of James Cotton.
Deak followed Cotton’s band along the east coast for close to five years before Cotton offered Deak a job driving his van. For the next six years, Deak toured with the James Cotton blues band, eventually opening acts and playing along with “Superharp” himself.
Deak has since played with multiple bands and has shown his flexibility as a musician in the varying styles of his performances. From the classic blues standards, to Chicago blues, all the way to Mississippi Hill Country blues, Deak’s repertoire continues to grow.
Deak has spent time with the Deak Harp Band in its various forms throughout the years, as well as the Kilborn Alley Blues Band (including a tour of London).
For about 8 years, he showcased his innovative one-man show at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR, as well as the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, MS. Combining diddley bow, snare drum, stomp box, amplified harmonica, and vocals, Deak’s one man band became a regular feature in the Delta. Deak’s one-man act took him to various venues in states across the country, including SPAH and the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.
Deak’s transition from diddley bow to electric guitar in 2014 eventually changed his one-man band into a Juke Joint duo. Channeling more drive than a locomotive, Deak drenches one-chord Hillcountry blues with Chicago harmonica. Deak gives 110% to deliver a high-energy show that you won’t want to miss.
In 2016, Deak made his Jazzfest debut in New Orleans, where he was given a standing ovation by his audience. Just a few months later, he delivered an entire week of knockout performances on his European tour in Fribourg, Switzerland.
When he’s not touring the world, Deak can be found in his truly unique brick-and-mortar harmonica shop. Deak’s Mississippi Saxophones & Blues Emporium can be found at 13 Third Street, Clarksdale, Mississippi, just down the street from Ground Zero. Deak makes custom harmonicas to order, and carries a selection of his wares in his shop. This one-of-a-kind shop also offers harmonica repairs, harmonica lessons, CD’s, and t-shirts. Deak is a promoter of Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine, and you can always find the latest issues in his store.
