A Conversation with Lee Oskar: Ahead of His Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series Performance
September 19, 2025 - by Brittnie Eakle
We sat down with legendary harmonica player Lee Oskar ahead of his upcoming performance at the Bellevue Downtown Association’s Jazz & Blues Music Series on October 10. Known worldwide as a founding member of the band War and for his iconic harmonica sound, Lee shared his journey into music, the inspiration behind his work, and what audiences can expect when Lee Oskar & Friends take the stage in Bellevue.
Here’s a look at the highlights of our conversation, paraphrased from our interview.
What first sparked your passion for music?
I was six years old, growing up in Copenhagen, Denmark, when an American visitor came to my family’s home. He knew harmonicas were popular and brought me one as a gift. From the moment I got it, I was hooked. I started imagining myself playing in symphonies, performing for people.
Unfortunately, I no longer have that original harmonica, but it was a powerful, symbolic moment for me and today, I surround myself with harmonicas and tools so I can keep creating.
What drew you to the harmonica as your main instrument?
Well, it was the only instrument available to me at the time and since being introduced to it, I haven’t stopped. I’ve often said the harmonica is for the “musically hopeless,” because you don’t have to be trained to express yourself through it. Music isn’t just about technique. Instruments don’t play music – people do.
I also think of it like storytelling: you can know every word, but if you don’t know how to string them together in a sentence, it won’t mean much. Music is the same. The harmonica became my voice and that’s how I play it.
Who or what has influenced your musical style the most?
My time with War was hugely influential, especially our saxophonist, Charles Miller. We jammed every single day, and that experience taught me to trust my instincts and play from my gut rather than overthinking. Ray Charles is also one of my biggest influences.
How did you connect with the group you’re performing with now?
When I moved from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest, I started going to local venues and was blown away by the talent here. Chemistry within musicians is so important and I wanted to find musicians who would fit organically with my music.
The band I play with now, Lee Oskar & Friends, has this beautiful chemistry that just clicks. Dean Schmidt is on bass, Darian Asplund on saxophone, Mack Grout on keyboards, Alex Mortland on guitar, Andrew Cloutier on drums, and Denali Williams on percussion. Andrew has been with me almost since the beginning, and the others joined in gradually until we found the perfect combination.
Is there a past performance or venue that stands out as especially memorable?
There are so many memorable performances, but one that stands out is when War played at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London — one of the most iconic jazz clubs in the world. We were considered a rock band at the time, and we were the first rock group to ever play there.
We performed for three nights, and Melody Maker magazine called us “the best live band ever heard.” Jimi Hendrix was in London that weekend and even sat with us the second night.
Are there any current projects or upcoming releases you’d like to share?
I’m always composing and collaborating. There’s a lot of new music coming for Lee Oskar & Friends, and I share updates regularly on Patreon. We will be releasing our Hawaiian Harmonicas in the near future, and this project will be tied into collaborations with Henry Kapono and his Foundation. We have appreciated each other’s work for a long time, and happily, we connected recently, and I had the honor and pleasure to collaborate with him on his Summertime tour, including recording with him on two of his songs, Lahaina and Island Love.
I am also collaborating with Kenny Neal out of Baton Rouge. Interestingly, during Kenny’s formative years as an artist, his father played my music regularly. Kenny shared his father’s great appreciation for my riffs and melodies. They particularly loved my composition “Before the Rain,” along with others.
Another big part of my work is sharing the harmonica with other musicians. Lee Oskar Harmonicas, which I founded back in 1983 is always evolving. For me, harmonica innovation is just as exciting as performing. It’s all about giving people the tools to make their own music.
What are you most looking forward to about performing in Bellevue?
Audiences in Bellevue are in for something special. I don’t think you’ll experience anything quite like this anywhere else. For me, it’s all about being fully present and sharing that energy with the audience. When I’m in the zone, that’s when the magic happens — it’s not about the size of the crowd, it’s about the connection we create together.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Lee Oskar & Friends live in Bellevue on October 10 — we promise it’s a show like no other!
Get ready for the return of the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series, a five-day celebration of incredible live performances in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Join us as we showcase an exciting lineup of local and national talent, bringing the community together through the power of jazz and blues.
