harp

In jam situations sometimes songs are called quickly and the person counting in looks to you to solo in the intro. You may not know where in the form the song is starting, nor the feel of the song (even if they call a "Shuffle," there are many types of shuffles). You could just start blowin' riffs, but an even better approach is to play a long-held note (with vibrato would be a good idea) for about two bars... and then continue playing. continue reading...

I'm now back from SPAH (spah.org) and it was another great trip. They'll be in Denver next year, so I hope you can make it... I enjoy spending time with everyone there.

Big Al Blake shared this article with me and I though you would enjoy it.

Why Nerdy White Guys Who Love the Blues Are Obsessed With a Wisconsin Chair Factory
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/why-nerdy-white-guys-who-love-t...

Mark Hefington has completed his shadowing process to completed is Levels of Achievement Advanced Instructor Status. Congratulations on your accomplishment Mark. http://www.bluesharmonica.com/teacher-accreditation

The 4 draw shake (alternating between 4 draw and 5 draw) is a sound that universally works anywhere in the blues. So, when in doubt of what to play, shake!

Last week I spoke of how the middle and back of your tongue is to be lowered to achieve good tone. If you've been reading the forum posts on BluesHarmonica.com you've probably noticed a theme... when students are having issues with notes sounding airy, flat, not at all or squealing... my answer to them is that their tongue is located in a place in their mouth that's offending that reed (commonly trying to bend the note). The fix is to make sure the middle and back of their tongue is lowered. continue reading...

Al Blake, born as Alan Blake Eliel, shot into the world January 16, 1945 on a marine corps base near Klamath Falls, Oregon. While later growing up during the early 50s in Oklahoma, the Blues began tugging at his heart under the influence of his black nanny Ruby Anderson. She used to pack him over to the other side of the tracks where her small house sat nestled near Oklahoma City. Down the street from Ruby's house was a small general store where a hi-fi, with a large outdoor speaker, loudly played the Deep Southern Blues while people listened and danced there on a daily basis. continue reading...

Thanks to Kathy Sherman for sharing this animated video.

How Playing an Instrument Benefits your Brain
http://youtu.be/R0JKCYZ8hng

Close your mouth and yawn. This will give you the sensation of what it feels like when a professional harmonica player with big tone plays the harmonica. The jaw is slightly lowered... middle and back of the tongue is lowered to the floor of the mouth... throat is slightly ballooned open... and soft palate is raised to close off the nasal cavity. continue reading...