General Discussion

Multi-part question to all. I have completed L3 in the LOA progression. I am looking forward to spending more time playing, as I really enjoy it!

When it comes to improvising, do you:

* Feel comfortable making up riffs to backing tracks?

* Have you played out at Blues Jams?

* If yes, at what level did you start to feel comfortable doing so?

* Is your improvising consisting of mostly "memorized riffs," or more spontaneous, based on principles you've learned?

I appreciate hearing any of your feedback here! Thank you.

Dear All,

I play in a small group where we have 4 people who sing vocalas, a pianist (primary instrument) and myself on harmonica (secondary). When we have to perform, I walk up to the pianist and ask for the key of the song each time. I have been looking for ways to avoid asking the key of the song. Can anyone advise me how you all go about identifying the key of the song in a band or a set. 

Greetings!

I am helping RJ Mischo organize a harp workshop while he is in Northern California. This event would be geared towards RJ's specialties like groove, tone and dynamics. It would be held on the afternoon of Saturday, May 25 at The Monkey House Theatre near downtown Berkeley. It would be open to beginner through advanced players.

We are considering a roughly 2.5-hour workshop (two hours with one break). We will likely offer a package deal for the workshop and gig happening later that night in the theatre. continue reading...

Hi harmonica fellows!I wanted to know the harmonic and rhythmic differences between Chicago blues and Texas blues. I find that Chicago blues is more simmilar to the jazz swing feel and the Texas variation I think is more rock with the shuffle feel Any thoughts? 

Im working on one of my weaknesses and that is accompaniment and fills. So I want to start actively listening to harmonica accompaniments. Any suggestions for songs with some good easy to hear harmonica comping?

Also if you have any advice or suggestions on comping that would also be appreciated

Dear All,

Has anyone created or know of any Spotify playlist which inclues harmonica songs or practice songs I can listen to train my ear for blues playing. I would soon create one as and when I come across songs and harmonica solos on spotify and would love to share it across when its ready.

Maeanwhile, let me know if we already have any playlist created by Blues harp players.

For any harp players based in the UK, I recommend joining Harmonica UK. I paid £20 for 12 months membership and for that you get regular online 'coffee mornings' with other players, some who are big names in the harp world. Rob Paparozzi was at the Christmas event.

There are also regular workshops led by big names in the harmonica world. Joe Filisko is doing one in February - free to attend if you have membership! continue reading...

Anyone making any harmonica-related New Year's Resolutions? Like, "I'll brush my teeth before playing one of my chromatics," or "I'll get a small practice amp and stop waking up the neighbors in the middle of the night with my Harp KIng."

For myself, I resolve to lose ten pounds ... by giving to a charity a whole box of harps that I've collected over the years, but don't play these days.

Here's to a great 2024. You might start out with Roy Milton's resolution, from 1947: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPIEhuuca-E

Would like suggestions for warm-up routines, 5-10 minutes, before a practice session. I have some things I routinely do, but would be interested in what others do.

Thanks.

Phil Pennington

Great article by Bruce Weinstein in the latest Harmonica Happenings quarterly (Fall 2023). Bruce is one of David's students, and an eithics consultant regularly published in financial and business news, including Forbes. He uses a conversation with Jason Ricci to talk about eight life lessons "learned the hard way." Thought-provoking stuff not only re music, but about life in general. continue reading...