Posts

David's Tip of the Day: Hermine Deurloo - HOHNER Masters of the Harmonica

Posted Thu, 12/20/2012 - 09:36 by David Barrett Admin

This just released today... she's a real fine player.
http://youtu.be/5oDCI1zeXtw

chromatic harp harmonica jazz blues improvising

David's Tip of the Day: Dynamics & Tone (Bullet Mic)

Posted Wed, 12/19/2012 - 10:20 by David Barrett Admin

Dynamics are generally thought of as just a change in volume. If you like to play amplified, you have a great volume PLUS tone tool right in your hands. Experiment with not only changing your volume, but your tone as well by experimenting with how tightly you cup the mic ("tight" is not so much how much muscle you use to grip the mic, but how well you make the harmonica disappear into your cup... minimizing leakage... the less leaky, the more bassy/muted). Experiment with the following combinations...

Overly Tight Cup (Very Muted & Bassy) + Normal Volume -or- Play Softly -or- Play Loudly continue reading...

blues harp harmonica mics bullet custom classic vintage hand cupping mte tone

David's Tip of the Day: Almost Essential Recordings: Junior Wells, Live At Theresa's 1975

Posted Tue, 12/18/2012 - 08:55 by David Barrett Admin

Though not thought of as an "Essential" representation of his work, I love the spirit of this live recorded set... playing, stage banter, slightly out-of-tune guitar... the whole package! Close your eyes and you're transported to Theresa's in 1975.

Junior Wells, Live At Theresa's 1975
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=12412

Essential Recordings: Harmonica Blues

David's Tip of the Day: Essential Recordings: Junior Wells, Hoodoo Man Blues

Posted Mon, 12/17/2012 - 09:48 by David Barrett Admin

As musicians, we look forward to the day that the culmination of all of our studies and efforts on the bandstand lead to a signature sound... one that's recognizable within seconds of playing. The 1965 release of "Hoodoo Man Blues" represents this for Junior Wells.

Wikipedia: Hoodoo Man Blues
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodoo_Man_Blues

Junior Wells, Chicago Blues Band "Hoodoo Man" EXPANDED EDITION
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=18985

Hoodoo Man T-Shirt!
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=17409

Essential Recordings: Harmonica Blues

David's Tip of the Day: Essential Recordings: Junior Wells, 1957-1963 Messin With the Kid

Posted Fri, 12/14/2012 - 10:16 by David Barrett Admin

The next phase of Junior's recording career... before the 1965 Hoodoo Man Blues release. Check out "Cha Cha Cha In Blues," soooo cool.

Junior Wells, 1957-1963 Messin With the Kid
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/junior-wells-1957-1963/id208120220

Essential Recordings: Harmonica Blues

David's Tip of the Day: Essential Recordings: Junior Wells, Blues Hit Big Town

Posted Thu, 12/13/2012 - 14:11 by David Barrett Admin

"Blues Hit Big Town" represents Junior's earliest works... prior to his more funky-sounding blues material that he's so well known for in the 1960's. Here's what Cub Koda says about this album, "Blues Hit Big Town album by Junior Wells was released Jun 16, 1998 on the Delmark label. This 1998 CD reissue of Wells' debut recordings for the States label adds four previously unheard tracks along with the original 13-track vinyl lineup. continue reading...

Essential Recordings: Harmonica Blues

David's Tip of the Day: Tactile Reference (Hole 4)

Posted Wed, 12/12/2012 - 10:42 by David Barrett Admin

We don't have many tactile references on the harmonica. One is while playing hole 4. Notice in the picture (http://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica) how the left edge of the harmonica's comb is aligned with the left edge of my mouth. If you keep this in mind you should reduce misses on the 4th hole.

tactile reference

David's Tip of the Day: Trouble with the 3' (3 Draw Half Step Bend)

Posted Tue, 12/11/2012 - 10:14 by David Barrett Admin

Many players think of the 3 draw bend as a deep bend... and it is if you're going for the bottom... but we're not commonly going for the bottom. 3''' is actually extremely rare in 2nd Position playing (its main use is in 3rd Position). 3" and 3' are used all of the time. continue reading...