Music To Listen To

I recently picked up this 5-CD set from Charlie at Bluebeat Music, upgrading from an earlier box set that didn't have as much as this one.

What an amazing amount of great blues harmonica! This is essential listening for anyone who likes or wants to play modern urban blues harmonica.

It's really interesting to hear the alternate takes to well-known classics.

For instance, you can hear the "other" Juke from the same recording session, which sounds very little like the issued take, and the 1967 version (in G!) from the "Super Blues" sessions with Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley. continue reading...

If you're on My Blues (bending lessons), check out:

- 'Up All Night' on Dennis Gruenling's album of the same name
- 'That's Right' off Steve Guyger's album Last Train to Dover
- 'Elevate Me Mama' and 'Gypsy Woman' off Gary Smith's album Blues For Mr B
- 'Brocton Straight' of Deak Harp's Gateway to the Blues
- 'You're Gonna Need My Help' off Gary Smith's Mountain Top West Coast Blues Session

I know there are loads more, but these are some of the ones I've been playing along to using licks from My Blues (and stealing more licks from). continue reading...

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4orCmvgijn8

Here's a video of some guys that might seem familiar. Three "generations"!
They could make a glass-eyed mule cry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyaYWDeeeK4&feature=related

Mark Hummel's latest: Mark Hummel Unplugged: Back Porch Music (Just came out after Retro-Active)

First of all, As a harmonica player, Mark Hummel, 'nuff said continue reading...

Worth checking out Mark Hummel's new CD - "Retro-Active". I'm enjoying it!!!!

Got any suggestions for blues songs (@ 60 to 120 bpm) for blues dance for New Years? Cool renditions of Auld Lang Syne? I'm playing the set right after the new year rings in.

Here's what I came up with so far.

Auld Lang Syne-Jeff Golub
Sad Hours-Gary Smith
Easy-David Barrett
Love Her with a Feeling-Tip of the Top
Down with It-Kim Wilson
Why Can't You Love Me-Paul deLay
Third Degree-Billy Branch
To Someone that I Love-B.B. King
Ready Steady Stroll-Mark Hummel
Moe's Blues-RJ Mischo
HooDoo Man Blues-Rod Piazza
She's My Heart's Desire-John Nemeth continue reading...

If I can ever play any vaguely approaching that I will have died & gone to harmonica heaven!

James Cotton's new CD "Giant"

I've only heard this one cut on XM radio, but it's a killer.

Discovered a truly wonderful CD with some melodic harmonica played during a set change at a CA music festival – Joe Weed and the Vultures. Ten instrumental guitar hits from the '50s and '60s played on acoustic instruments featuring Norton Buffalo, Rob Ickes, David Grisman, Joe Weed, Todd Phillips and others. Songs include: Pipeline, Apache, Sleepwalk, Walk Don’t Run, Wipeout, Rebel Rouser, Green Onions, Alley Cat, and Late Date. My personal favorite is Stranger on the Shore which brings a tear to my eyes as I miss Norton. continue reading...