Filisko interview
The piece Joe Filisko plays in the 'Closing' section of his interview is amazing, and rich with all kinds of technique. I've been trying to figure out the opening part - not that I can play it, but it's cool to try. I think he's doing this: the opening drone is one draw and three draw at the same time, but with only the three draw bent (how?). Next I think he's playing three blow and then shimmering between one blow and three blow. Does anyone know a) if I'm on the right lines here and b) how you do the split with only one note bent?
I Think He Sold His Soul!
He does hang around at the Crossroads a lot!! - hmmmmmm................
Isn't he starting with 1-4 draw (a little bent) on a G harp?
Jodanchudan has it exactly right. Joe is starting with 1 and 3 Draw on a G harp, with Draw 3 bent down 2 semitones. I've heard him do it before in other contexts.
How does he do it? Maybe he'll teach you at a Harmonica Masterclass some time. I can do other bent splits (like 2 Draw and 5 draw, bending the 2) but this one eludes me.
He plays around with releasing and re-bending Draw 3 (while still sounding Draw 1) then switches to a split of Blow 1 and 3, and yes, he does shimmer it (alternates between the two notes on either side of his tongue by using a slightly side-to-side tongue motion).
Winslow - thanks for your comments. It's great to have experts on hand to answer questions like this.
If it weren't for the fact that Joe is such a straight shooter, I'd suspect him of playing with a "forked tongue" ;-)
He is such an amazing player that he does stuff that mere mortals only dream about. Sorry I can't help but couldn't resist the shot!!