Dennis Gruenling

Dennis Gruenling is easily one of my favorite blues harmonica players in today’s music scene. Dennis mixes classic post war Chicago blues harmonica with 1940’s era jump and swing blues, all that packaged together with great traditional technique as well as modern technique, such as his tasteful integration of overbends into his blues playing.

Dennis has played with Snooky Prior and Pinetop Perkins to name but a few of the classic players he’s worked with. As one of today’s top players he regularly participates in harmonica blowouts, most notably with Mark Hummel’s touring show. Dennis’ first CD released in 1999, titled Dennis Gruenling & Jump Time. Up All Night and That’s Right releasing soon after that, with his most recent release being a Little Walter Tribute Album featuring Kim Wilson, Rick Estrin and Steve Guyger.

Along with a busy gigging and recording schedule, Dennis has a large private teaching load, including both in-person lessons and online lessons. Dennis regularly teaches at the major harmonica events around the world… in fact this interview was conducted the day after one of my large Harmonica Masterclass Workshops. It’s very rare to find such a high-level player that’s also a great educator… I’m proud to present him to you on bluesharmonica.com This interview was conducted June 16th, 2008 at School of the Blues in San Jose California. http://www.dennisgruenling.com