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David's Tip of the Day: Big Walter Horton's Backing Work

Posted Thu, 12/06/2012 - 09:39 by David Barrett Admin
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Both Little Walter and Big Walter Horton were prolific in regards to how many players they backed on recording. On the Jimmy Rogers two-CD set, "Complete Chess Recordings" you'll find "If It Ain't Me (Who Are You Thinking Of)" and "Walking by Myself" with Big Walter... two of the most celebrated tracks in the blues harmonica world. "Chicago Bound" with Little Walter is also on that recording and is one of my personal favorites. The backing hook he played on this is also the hook I use for my instrumental "Matchstick" on the History of the Blues Harmonica Concert two-CD set. continue reading...

Tip of the Day: Accompaniment: Little Walter, The Blues World Of Little Walter

Posted Wed, 12/05/2012 - 09:23 by David Barrett Admin
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The songs of the artists that we study tend to be from THEIR albums. In other words, albums that focus on their vocal tunes (where they play fills and solos) and instrumentals. This means that we're only studying how to solo and most players (I sure was this way) don't really know how to play accompaniment (playing at the same time, in a supportive roll, under the vocalist or soloist) due to the fact that they've never copied someone doing it. continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Essential Recordings: Little Walter, Rock Bottom

Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 09:31 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

It's hard to say "essential" when it comes to Little Walter... all of his material is essential for the studying blues harmonica player. If you weren't lucky enough to pick up the box set when it released a number of years back, you're relegated to picking up collections where you'll have duplicates of tracks. If you're new to the harmonica, "Rock Bottom" is a great deal at $12 for the two-CD set

Little Walter - Rock Bottom
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=19476

CD1
1. My Babe
2. Juke
3. Teenage Beat
4. You’re So Fine
5. Tell Me Mama
6. Too Late continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Tips to Increase your Progress "The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills"

Posted Mon, 12/03/2012 - 09:38 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

"The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills" has just been released by Daniel Coyle and is a fine little reference book... packed full of to-the-point helpful advice for the studying musician. It's available in hardcover, for the Kindle and as an audio book. If you've already read his popular book "The Talent Code," then you don't need this one... it's essentially the same material condensed into quick tips.

David's Tip of the Day: Frustration in your Progress?

Posted Mon, 12/03/2012 - 09:29 by David Barrett Admin
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Do you ever feel frustrated with the lack of progress in your playing... even when you feel like you're practicing hard? I recommend you pickup the book The Practicing Mind by Thomas M. Sterner. It's short and very basic in nature, but keeps you on track in regards to being process, not product focused.

It's available in multiple formats. Thanks to Jon Harl for the recommendation.

What's New: Ryan Walker Lesson #13 (Intermediate Student)

Posted Sun, 12/02/2012 - 10:38 by David Barrett Admin
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Join me for my latest lesson with Intermediate Student Ryan Walker. I also announce the intention to do a 20th Anniversary Harmonica Masterclass Workshop in San Jose, CA April 10-13.

Videos Include:
Lesson 13 - Intro, Trip to Germany & 2014 20th Anniversary Workshop
Lesson 13 - Chromatic: No Sweat Ending
Lesson 13 - Chromatic: Cool Blue, CH1
Lesson 13 - Chromatic: Cool Blue, CH2-3
Lesson 13 - Chromatic: Cool Blue, CH4 to End
Lesson 13 - Improvising: Instrumental Charting
Lesson 13 - Improvising: Instrumental Played in Order
Lesson 13 - Improvising: Critique of Choruses, Part 1 continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Essential Recordings: Big Walter Horton, Can't Keep Lovin' You & Fine Cuts

Posted Thu, 11/29/2012 - 09:43 by David Barrett Admin
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There are so many fine recordings of Horton as a bandleader and sideman (Johnny Shines cuts are amazing... no wait, him with Jimmy Rogers!... oh, here we go!). I hope you don't ready this as "Dave only recommends these, what a fool! ;-)"... it's just to recommend the ones I and my students come back to often to mine the gems. These two albums, recorded in 1978/79, showcase Horton at his finest and with a very attentive band.

Big Walter Horton, Can't Keep Lovin' You
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=7754

Big Walter Horton, Fine Cuts continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Little Walter Songs Overview (by Scott Dirks & Billy Blue)

Posted Wed, 11/28/2012 - 09:39 by David Barrett Admin
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In my "You Missed Monday!" email from the B1 Blues Room yesterday (Joe Filisko's weekly classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music) was a very interesting chart titled "Little Walter Songs Overview"... a fascinating graphic overview of Little Walter songs assembled by Scott Dirks and Billy Blue. Take a look at it here, it's pretty cool: http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1411546531

Found It! - Big Walter's Early 1950's Recordings

Posted Tue, 11/27/2012 - 09:29 by David Barrett Admin
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If you already have "Big Walter Horton, Memphis Recordings 1951," then you don't need this, but I knew there was another release still in print out there that had his early material, it's "Horton Big Walter, Mouth Harp Maestro" http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=7760

1. Jumpin' Blues
2. Black Gal
3. Hard Hearted Woman
4. Go Long Woman
5. What's The Matter With You (Take 2)
6. Cotton Patch Hot Foot
7. Little Boy Blue
8. Walter's Blues (Aka I'm In Love With You Baby)
9. Blues In The Morning
10. Now Tell Me Baby continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: "Blue Midnight" Upcoming Film Biography of Little Walter

Posted Sun, 11/25/2012 - 21:33 by David Barrett Admin
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This is a trailer from the Blue Midnight, the upcoming film biography of Little Walter (thanks to my buddy Pete for telling us about this). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtZDbiCEfnM&feature=player_embedded