- Lost folder! Someone left a blue folder full of "Sonny's Shuffle" transcriptions in B1 last week. Please contact youmissedmonday to claim it.
- Get your tickets now for the next Harmonica Convergence show featuring Joe Filisko, Howard Levy, Corky Siegel and Peter Madcat Ruth at the Old Town School, March 21, 2010. The show will be a tribute to the great harmonica legend, and longtime Steve Miller Band member, Norton Buffalo. Rumor has it there may be other harp players you know in the lineup, so don't miss it!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 153 #197)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 152 #196)
- Lost folder! Someone left a blue folder full of "Sonny's Shuffle" transcriptions in B1 last night. Please contact youmissedmonday to claim it.
- No class next week! Old Town School is closed for the holidays. See you in January!
- Get your tickets now for the next Harmonica Convergence show featuring Joe Filisko, Howard Levy, Corky Siegel and Peter Madcat Ruth at the Old Town School, March 21, 2010. The show will be a tribute to the great harmonica legend, and longtime Steve Miller Band member, Norton Buffalo. Rumor has it there may be other harp players you know in the lineup, so don't miss it!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 151 #195)
- A Stranger Here - Ramblin' Jack Elliott
- Blue Again - The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band Featuring Rick Vito
- Rough & Tough - John Hammond (harmonica, guitar, vocals)
- Stomp! The Blues Tonight - Duke Robillard
- Chicago Blues: A Living History (Various Artists) - Larry Skoller, producer - Features harmonica players Billy Boy Arnold, Billy Branch, and Matthew Skoller; plus, Billy Flynn (guitar), Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith (drums), and other Chicago legends; visit www.chicagobluesalivinghistory.com.
- Cadillac Records (Various Artists) - Features Kim Wilson (harmonica) and Billy Flynn (guitar)
- Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds (Various Artists)
- Slumdog Millionaire (Various Artists)
- True Blood (Various Artists)
- Twilight (Various Artists)
- The Complete Chess Masters (1950ñ1967) Andy McKaie, compilation producer; Erick Labson, mastering engineer (Little Walter) [Hip-O Select/Geffen Records]
- My Dusty Road Scott Billington, Michael Creamer & Bill Nowlin, compilation producers; Doug Pomeroy, mastering engineer (Woody Guthrie) [Rounder]
- Origins Of The Red Hot Mama, 1910ñ1922 Meagan Hennessey & Richard Martin, compilation producers; Richard Martin, mastering engineer (Sophie Tucker) [Archeophone Records]
- Take Me To The Water: Immersion Baptism In Vintage Music And Photography 1890ñ1950 Steven Lance Ledbetter & Jim Linderman, compilation producers; Robert Vosgien, mastering engineer (Various Artists) [Dust-To-Digital]
- Woodstock ó 40 Years On: Back To Yasgur's Farm Cheryl Pawelski, Mason Williams & Andy Zax, compilation producers; Dave Schultz, mastering engineer (Various Artists) [Rhino]
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 150 #194)
- Get your tickets now for the next Harmonica Convergence show featuring Joe Filisko, Howard Levy, Corky Siegel and Peter Madcat Ruth at the Old Town School, March 21, 2010. The show will be a tribute to the great harmonica legend, and longtime Steve Miller Band member, Norton Buffalo. Rumor has it there may be other harp players you know in the lineup, so don't miss it!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 149 #193)
- RECITAL SIGN-UP SHEETS WERE TURNED IN LAST NIGHT! Joe will have a schedule ready next Monday. Rehearse your songs with the band the next two Mondays.
- Get your tickets now for the next Harmonica Convergence show featuring Joe Filisko, Howard Levy, Corky Siegel and Peter Madcat Ruth at the Old Town School, March 21, 2010. The show will be a tribute to the great harmonica legend, and longtime Steve Miller Band member, Norton Buffalo.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 148 #192)
- Least expensive
- Multiple drum/metronome choices
- Aux input so you can plug an mp3 player into it
- Most expensive
- Metronome; but fewer drum patterns than the RC2
- Aux input so you can plug an mp3 player into it
- Ability to change tempo without changing pitch
- Shoji has this one
- No metronome and no drum tracks
- Aux input so you can plug an mp3 player into it
- Ability to clear all tracks except the first one recorded
- Son of Dave uses this one because of this last feature -- it lets him drop back to his original bass line with one button push
- RECITAL SIGN-UP SHEETS DUE NEXT WEEK! Joe passed out Recital Sign-up Sheets last night and they are due back next week. Put together your song list for the December 11 recital and turn it in so Joe can create a schedule. If you can't make the recital, it's important to let Joe know that. If you are going to miss class next week, please send your sign up sheet with a friend or email us at info@youmissedmonday.com. Remember, Joe highly recommends that you do your talking blues song at the recital.
- Here is an interesting site that shows a visual depiction of note bending. Please note that Joe cautions against exerting excess pressure or using force to bend notes.
- Get your tickets now for the next Harmonica Convergence show featuring Joe Filisko, Howard Levy, Corky Siegel and Peter Madcat Ruth at the Old Town School, March 21, 2010. The show will be a tribute to the great harmonica legend, and longtime Steve Miller Band member, Norton Buffalo.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 147 #191)
- Joe will pass out Recital sign-up sheets next week and they will be due back the following week. Be putting together your song list for tunes you plan to play at the Recital on December 11 -- your talking blues song is highly encouraged at the Recital.
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
- Harmonica Einstein is looking for an agent.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 146 #190)
- Joe will be back in class next Monday, November 9.
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 145 #189)
- Joe is out of town next Monday, November 2, but group classes proceed as usual with Shoji Naito at the helm.
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
- Big Alex captured great footage of Jim Liban and Joe Filisko doing Walter's Boogie together at the Chicago Blues Harp Bash. Check it out at the top of the video list on youmissedmonday.com - complete with great harp playing by Billy Flynn and Gerry Hundt, too!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 144 #188)
- Joe is out of town next Monday, October 26, but group classes proceed as usual with Shoji Naito at the helm.
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
- Joe highly recommends the new David Barrett book, Blues Harmonica Accompaniment Playing.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 143 #187)
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
- Joe highly recommends the new David Barrett book, Blues Harmonica Accompaniment Playing.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 142 #186)
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
- Joe highly recommends the new David Barrett book, Blues Harmonica Accompaniment Playing.
- Merry Christmas! Shoji has created another fabulous multi-harp arrangement for the winter recital. Go to this link to learn all about it and practice a part that's appropriate for you: Silver Bells.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 141 #185)
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
- Joe highly recommends the new David Barrett book, Blues Harmonica Accompaniment Playing.
- Merry Christmas! Shoji has created another fabulous multi-harp arrangement for the winter recital. Go to this link to learn all about it and practice a part that's appropriate for you: Silver Bells.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 139 #183)
- Jim Liban playing Won't Be Coming Back (with a Shoji Naito guitar solo!)
- Jim Liban and Joe Filisko playing Walter's Boogie
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
- Tickets are selling out fast for this great show, so shop now! Seats may not be available if you buy at the door, so be sure to pre-order them at the Bash website. Patron and Platinum reserved seating are still available.
- September 28 -- Shoji will not be in class, so plan your songs accordingly.
- October 5, 26 and November 2 -- Joe will be away but group classes will continue as usual with Shoji Naito teaching.
- The next Old Town School Harmonica Recital is scheduled for December 11 at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
- Joe highly recommends the new David Barrett book, Blues Harmonica Accompaniment Playing.
- Shoji has posted a play-along track for "Blue Midnight" on the youmissedmonday page.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 138 #182)
- Jim Liban playing Won't Be Coming Back (with a Shoji Naito guitar solo!)
- Jim Liban and Joe Filisko playing Walter's Boogie
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
- Get your Chicago Blues Harp Bash tickets before they sell out! Seats may not be available if you buy at the door, so be sure to pre-order them at the Bash website. Patron and Platinum reserved seating are also available. Get yours soon so you don't miss this great show!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 137 #181)
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
- Get your Chicago Blues Harp Bash tickets before they sell out! Seats may not be available if you buy at the door, so be sure to pre-order them at the Bash website. Patron and Platinum reserved seating are also available. Get yours soon so you don't miss this great show!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 136 #180)
Not One Note!
The Old Town School of Folk Music is closed again this week for summer break. It's a good time to be working on your talking blues tunes for Joe's upcoming contest scheduled for October 5. Contest rules are included in this newsletter.
Remember: harmonica classes resume August 31, so sign up today!
There's Always Live Music Out There!
When you're done practicing, catch some live harmonica shows in and around Chicago this week including Morry Sochat & The Special 20s, Shoji Naito with Eddy Clearwater, and two shows featuring our own Joe Filisko with Eric Noden! Check the YMM calendar at www.youmissedmonday.com for event details.
Talking Blues Contest News!
Here are things to keep in mind for the talking blues contest slated for October 5:
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- Joe is "highly considering" an honorable mention prize!
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
Class Notes
Do you have your Chicago Blues Harp Bash tickets yet? They're available at the Bash website. Patron and Platinum reserved seating are also available. Get yours soon so you don't miss this great show!
Newsletter News!
The newsletter and more is always online! Check it out for more details on newsletter items, a calendar of local gigs and birthdays, archives, links, videos and special features.
- Kirk Manley, B1 Blues Crew (in for Grant Kessler)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 135 #179)
- Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
- The song should be harmonica-driven.
- Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
- Produce an entertaining performance.
- Bonus for originality.
- Joe is "highly considering" an honorable mention prize!
- You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
- Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!
- Chicago Blues Harp Bash: tickets are available at the Bash website. Patron and Platinum reserved seating is now available. Get yours soon so you don't miss this great show!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 134 #178)
Messin' With The Kid!
This week Joe continued his study of playing the difficult F harp by transcribing the Junior Wells' classic, "Messin' With The Kid". The transcription (here) includes the Vanguard Records solo to challenge your F harp playing, the bass/horn line, and of course the hook, which he transcribed for both second and third position. Having this song in your repertoire is a must!
Southwest Liaison Of the Filisko Method Checks In!
Between teaching the Filisko Method and smoking cigars, our own Big Jim Themelis finds time to catch the important gigs in Phoenix. Here Jim is hobnobbing with Rick Estrin, Bob Corritore, and drummer/former Chicago resident, Frank Rossi (left).
Tad Robinson at Legends!
If you missed Tad Robinson the last time he was in town, get out and see his show this week at Buddy Guy's Legends, Thursday, August 13. Tad is a phenomenal vocalist, bandleader and harp player doing R&B, soul and blues. Great show not to be missed!
New Release From Doug Deming!
B1 Friend and guitar player Doug Deming has just released his second CD, Falling Through the Cracks. This disc features harp players Kim Wilson and Dennis Gruenling. You've seen Doug in town gigging with both of these harp players in the past -- now get your hands on his CD here.
Class Notes
- Chicago Blues Harp Bash: tickets are available at the Bash website. Patron and Platinum reserved seating is now available. Get yours soon so you don't miss this great show!
- NO CLASS THE NEXT TWO WEEKS! The Old Town School has summer break and the current class session is over. Be sure to register NOW for the next session so the school knows there are enough people for the classes. See you in the B1 Blues Room again on August 31. Use the free time to work on your talking blues song.
Newsletter News!
We welcome your input. If you're inspired to write a review of a live show, CD, DVD or book, please submit it to us for consideration.
- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew