Tuesday, July 27, 2010

What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 184 #227)

Minor Blues!!!

Joe reintroduced his Blues Harp Players Guide To Surviving Minor Keys this week. These two pages will empower you to play in minor songs at jams. Joe encouraged more advanced players to take this as an opportunity to begin playing other positions too, because it will only strengthen your second position playing. Use Shoji's fantastic play-along tracks to work on your minor blues playing!

Deak Harp In The House!!!

B1 welcomed special guest Deak Harp to class Monday! Deak teaches, customizes harps and has a long history of solo playing. He is currently touring with the Kilborn Alley Blues Band. He spoke a little about his background - following James Cotton up and down the east coast - and played and sang for us. Deak has a deep tongue-blocking tone and a great singing voice! He's clearly a passionate blues player! Check him out here: Deak Harp.

Where’s That Jam???

Yesterday, someone was talking about going to a blues jam in the city. It’s the one at Woodlawn Tap that happens on (most) Sunday afternoons.

I found the conversation interesting in two ways. First of all, the jam got high praise for having a harp-friendly atmosphere and a cool band (what more do you need?).

Second, someone asked where the jam is located. Easy answer… you already have the address, and more! There is all kinds of cool blues harp info at your finger tips every month in the YMM newsletter but you won’t get it if you just read it as an email. Instead…

(If you are not already doing so) when you get your YMM newsletter by email, open it and scroll all the way down to the bottom. Click on the orange link that reads “You Missed Monday!!!” to get you to the website.

Now you are able to access all the cool info that YMM has to offer. For instance, the Woodlawn Tap location and other details are under the “Find a Jam” tab.

While you are there, check out the “Hear Live Harp”, “B1 Buddies” tabs… or browse the “YOUMISSEDMONDAY.COM Topics”.

As always if there is something you think is in error or missing, or if you would like to contribute to the newsletter, let us know. We would love to hear from you. Enjoy.

- Al Taylor, B1 Blues Crew


Class Notes
  • Joe is out of town next week, but Shoji will be leading all three of Joe's group classes.
  • All of Shoji's private lessons will take place in B1 next week.
World's Largest Harmonica Ensemble!!!

- more from the filmmakers at Pocket Full of Soul

Head to Houston, Texas on September 10, 2010, as we attempt to break the World Record for largest harmonica ensemble. 10,000 fans will receive harmonicas and following the Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game an attempt at the record will commence.

How often will you get the chance to try to break a World Record?

With special guests, fireworks, baseball and a whole lotta harmonicas, the night promises to be unforgettable. Historical! A stadium full of soul.

Visit pocketfullofsoulmovie.com for more details.

- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew