Tuesday, October 6, 2009

What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 142 #186)

Shoji Naito!
Joe is spreading the tongue-blocking, inhale-only, Filisko blues gospel in Brazil this week so we had the honor of learning from Shoji Naito. Shoji helped people rehearse and refine their talking blues songs and reprised the harmonica chord and bassline playing lesson. Learning to play these parts on harp will strengthen your feel for the twelve-bar form and also lets you play without a band. To review this lesson, click here. Watch for harmonica-only groups at the next recital in December!

Chicago Blues Harp Bash #2 Photos, Take 1!
Here are a few photos from our recent Bash! More in upcoming newsletters. Special thanks to Rita Tongpituk for these photos.

Alex "Easy Baby" Randle, RIP!
Bassist, and YouMissedMonday friend, Karl Meyer checked in recently to report on the passing of Alex Randle on September 25, 2009 of pneumonia. Randle, known as Easy Baby, was a Chicago area harmonica legend. To learn more about Easy Baby and see photos, click here.

Talking Blues Contest News -- Date Change!
The talking blues contest is October 19:
  • 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!
Class Notes
  • 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.
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.

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