Tuesday, June 29, 2010

What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 180 #222)

Harmonica Einstein!!!

The first part of class this week Joe spent going over a few of the updated items on his "Insights" handout (pick one up directly from Joe in class). This led to good discussions on hand/microphone technique and playing with dynamics. Joe also encouraged everyone to work harder keeping their repertoire polished and ready to go. If Joe or a band offers you a chance to play, never say "no". Be ready with something at all times!

Joe then devoted class time to our own Rick Trankle, aka Highway RickEy, aka Harmonica Einstein. RickEy has developed and fabricated the fabulous new tuning tool he calls a Tuning Table and he spent time in class demonstrating how it works. This is a great way for people intimidated by tuning to get involved and learn to take responsibility for their instruments. It makes access to blow and draw reeds much easier without removing the reed plates from the comb. We ran a full description of the product in last week's newsletter, which you can read in our archives here: Tuning Table Archive.

Don't hesitate -- order one NOW!

Pocket Full of Soul on NPR!!!

Filmmaker Mark Lempert of Pocket Full of Soul, the harmonica documentary film, was featured on NPR over the weekend. Check out the interview here: PFoS.

And Mark, bring your film to Chicago for us soon!

Dennis Gruenling Launches Instructional Website!!!

If you're a fan of Dennis Gruenling's harmonica playing, now you can learn directly from him via his new instructional website, www.BadAssHarmonica.com.

Dennis is a thoughtful and skilled educator and his new site offers live lessons over the internet (for players at all skill levels), jam tracks, instructional videos, blues history and more, so be sure to check it out...and tell Dennis YouMissedMonday sent ya!

Class Notes
  • Hey Tall Paul, B1 misses you! Come see us sometime.
  • Joe has an updated "Insights" page. Be sure to get one from him.