Posted Wed, 01/25/2012 - 09:24 by David Barrett Admin
We're most familiar with Post War Chicago Blues... essentially the 1950 to 1955 time range (before Rock really took a foothold). Most players are unaware of the mastery our early country blues harmonica players possessed... and in a much different way than players of today. Our friend Joe Filisko really hits it out of the park in this History of the Blues Harmonica 2xCD.
Posted Tue, 01/24/2012 - 09:15 by David Barrett Admin
The 2 draw is overused. The 6 blow is underused. The 6 blow is the same note, one octave higher as the 2 draw. Improvise, focusing resolving your phrases on the 6 blow in place of the 2 draw.
Posted Thu, 01/19/2012 - 13:17 by David Barrett Admin
If you've been playing long enough to feel comfortable soloing, then go ahead and do some soloing to a jam track of your choosing. One change though, you can't play 2 draw. If you have a hard time knowing what hole you're on when jamming, then take your bottom cover plate off and place a piece of tape over the 2 draw reed (painters tape is good at not leaving residue). Give it a try... more tomorrow.
Posted Thu, 01/12/2012 - 09:19 by David Barrett Admin
In the lesson Blues Harmonica Fundamentals I show you three ways to commonly hold the harmonica: "The Pinch" (standard), "End Cap" and "Two Thumbs Up." Whichever way you choose, the goal is to hold the harmonica the same as when you play for yourself, into a vocal mic, or when holding a bullet mic. continue reading...
Posted Tue, 01/10/2012 - 09:29 by David Barrett Admin
"Jazz Insights" with Dr. Gordon Vernick has two new episodes worth listening to. Jazz Rock Fusion, Parts 1 and 2, cover the fusion of Blues, Jazz and Rock in the early 1960s. He even talks about early Skiffle bands. These podcasts are free and can be downloaded here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jazz-insights-dr.-gordon-vernick/id38...
Posted Tue, 12/13/2011 - 13:21 by David Barrett Admin
The final two videos are now on the site for Joe Filisko's "18 Harmonica Insights." These two are on Holding the Harmonica and Hands. As you watch these videos you'll notice Joe has a different approach to holding for acoustic harmonica players. You can use the way I show you, or the way Joe shows you... whichever feels and sounds best to you.
Posted Mon, 11/14/2011 - 14:57 by David Barrett Admin
Gary Smith and I cover the challenges of playing to the Tramp Groove. In this lesson we cover the history, rhythmic variations that can be used for improvising and we play a whole bunch. Gary also shares some stories, one having to do with Junior Wells' tongue in Gary's mouth!