Joe Filisko
Joe Filisko’s contributions to the blues harmonica world are so varied and wide-reaching that it’s hard for me to think of where to start this introduction…
Joe is first and foremost a great player… the greatest pre-war and country blues harmonica stylist to ever live. He’s studied this traditional, and mostly forgotten musical art form, with a deep passion for detail… historical accuracy… and simply a love for the music. Though not his goal… he has single-handedly revitalized this century-old blues harmonica art form… just ask any of my students how excited they were to attend his Country Blues Harmonica class at the last Harmonica Masterclass Workshop.
What I just stated may lead you to believe that pre-war blues harmonica is all that Joe plays… but the story has just begun. Joe’s also a great post-war Chicago blues player and I wouldn’t take anyone’s bet that they could play more campfire, TV show or general harmonica novelty songs than Joe! Joe’s passionate attention to detail, love for the history of the music and his deep heart-felt interest in seeing his students achieve the highest level of musicianship they can reach for… makes Joe the best blues harmonica teacher I’ve met… this is clearly evident in this interview.
Joe conducts workshops at all of the major harmonica events around the world and teaches weekly at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. He’s been featured in documentaries; one specifically was the 1998 German film "Imagination is Limitless - Harmonica's Journey Around the World." He’s won Harmonica Player of the Year by the SPAH organization and was given the honor of performing solo at the 2006 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony for the Induction of DeFord Bailey. Joe is currently performing with Eric Noden and recently released their first album together. You can find details of their appearances at joefilisko.com.
Though you’ve probably heard of Joe’s name relative to his mythic status as the father of harmonica customization… making harmonicas for the stars of the blues harmonica world… we’re not going to focus much on that side of his talents… we’re going to milk him for tips to help YOU become a better harmonica player. http://www.joefilisko.com
