What's New!

My latest installment of the harmonica microphone review series covers the Hohner Harp Blaster HB52 ($159). You can see my review here https://www.bluesharmonica.com/mic_reviews

In this Artist Study, we dig into James Harman's super-smooth shuffle, “Skeet-a-little Taste.” This study is for players that have completed Bending Study 3 (even better, Study 4) and Tongue Blocking Study 3 (even better, Study 4). You will need a Low-F harmonica for this study. Go to https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/artist_study_james_harman to get started with this lesson.

Audacity is a free recording program that works for both Mac and PC. In this lesson, taught by Professor John Shirley (sound recording instructor at University of Massachusetts Lowell) you'll learn how to record yourself to a jam track in order to submit a study song for review at BluesHarmonica.com. To watch this video, go to https://www.bluesharmonica.com/recording_audacity_0

In this Artist Study, we dig into Grant Dermody's minor shuffle, “My Dony.” This song will help you to dial in bluesy, minor playing (notes within the blues scale), as well as learn some cool backing riffs (behind the vocals and guitar). This study is for players that have completed Bending Study 3 (even better, Study 4) and Tongue Blocking Study 3. You will need a Bb Harmonica for this study. continue reading...

The first Global Blues Harmonica Summit (a full-day, recorded webinar) with Ronnie Shellist, Tomlin Leckie, Adam Gussow and myself is on sale for $45 at https://www.harmonica123.com/product/global-blues-harmonica-summit-1-sum... (This webinar is best viewed on Chrome or Internet explorer)

In this Artist Study, we dig into Joe Filisko's Cajun harmonica song (that uses the 12 Bar Blues form), “Louisiana Song,” from his release with Eric Noden titled Destination Unknown. Beginning players that have completed Tongue Blocking Study 1 are welcome to study this song, focusing on playing the melody (found in the. upper notation line). Intermediate players will have a good time playing the melody in octaves (students that have completed Tongue Blocking Study 4). continue reading...

In this Artist Study, we dig into Steve Guyger's minor slow blues instrumental, “Snake Oil.” This study is for players that have completed Bending Study 3 and Tongue Blocking Study 1 (though you could start working on this if you've finished Bending Study 2... the deep 2" will be a challenge though). You will need an A Harmonica for this study. Go to https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/artist_study_steve_guyger to get started.

My latest installment of the harmonica microphone review series covers the Dyna-Mic ($349). You can see the review here https://www.bluesharmonica.com/mic_reviews

You may remember the collaborative song Sharon, The Sheriffs of Schroedingham, and I wrote and recorded back in November of last year. We just released the "making of" video, and it can be seen here https://youtu.be/SK0Ppqyu7lA

Here's the info on the song... continue reading...

Jerry Portnoy was born in 1943 and grew up in the blues-rich atmosphere of Chicago's famous Maxwell Street Market during the golden age of Chicago Blues. He began his professional career in the late 60s and since that time has performed, live and on television, for millions of people around the world. continue reading...