Like a '57 Chevy or a steam locomotive, the blues harp is an American icon. The simple instrument is a piece of magic brought to perfection in post-WWII Chicago by Little Walter Jacobs. And two of his disciples, Charlie Musselwhite and Kim Wilson, reach high points on their latest albums.

In My Time, issued on Musselwhite's 50th birthday, showcases his diverse talents as a harp player and singer. The four sessions that make up the album are organized like a live performance. Musselwhite starts off on a contemplative note, singing Delta blues and accompanying himself on guitar. His own "Stingaree," driven by evocative slide playing, is followed by a solemn performance of Sleepy John Estes' "Brownsville Blues." Musselwhite shows his love for gospel music on the compelling original "Ain't It Time," sung with the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Musselwhite's harp dominates the main session, a seven-song Chicago-blues tribute backed by guitarist Junior Watson, bassist Larry Taylor, pianist Gene Taylor and drummer Steven Hodges. Musselwhite moves effortlessly through Sonny Boy Williamson and Walter Horton, as well as Little Walter references, all the while staying firmly within his own voice. After a five-song turn with his touring band, Musselwhite brings back the Blind Boys for the chilling finale, "Bedside of a Neighbor."

As frontman for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson worked out an effective blues-rock formula, but on his first solo album, Tigerman, Wilson shows that his heart was always more on the blues side of the equation. Though Musselwhite epitomizes Chicago blues, and Wilson comes out of the Austin, Texas, blues scene, their similarities overwhelm the differences. It's hardly surprising to find Junior Watson and Gene Taylor also taking standout turns on Tigerman, while Wilson pays his own homage to Williamson with the swooping harp dynamics on "Trust My Baby."

Wilson's deft, hornlike harp technique and relaxed vocals set the tone for a crackling session anchored by drummers George Rains and Fran Christina and fleshed out by Antone's Horns, featuring Texas tenor legends Rocky Morales and Mark Kazanoff. The material ranges from the Texas R&B of Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Don't Touch Me" and "She Moves Me" to the roadhouse instrumental blowouts "Hunch Rhythm" and "Reel Eleven, Take One," which match high-intensity lead harp with nasty two-guitar accompaniment.

The blues harp has come a long way from the days when its primary function was to mimic train sounds. With players like Musselwhite and Wilson carrying on the tradition, its influence seems destined to flourish.

Tigerman is available from Antone's Records, 500 San Marcos St., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78702, or by calling (512) 322-0617. (RS 689)

JOHN SWENSON