Tuesday, September 1, 2009

What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 137 #181)

Blue Midnight!
Joe taught the first two choruses of the classic Little Walter instrumental, "Blue Midnight". This is a killer slow blues tune that makes extreme use of inhale notes. Joe's transcription also shows the bass line tabbed for harmonica so you can learn it and "teach" it to your bass player when necessary.

Joe also spent some time talking about proper hand position and posture when playing. If you missed this and want the review, grab Joe next time you see him.

NO CLASS NEXT MONDAY -- LABOR DAY!

Don't Miss the Filisko & Noden CD Release Party!
Joe and Eric release their new CD, "I.C. Special", on September 12th at Martyrs, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL. The show starts at 7:00pm.

Catch Joe and Eric for a live, in-studio performance on the College of DuPage radio 90.9FM, this Thursday, September 3 at 10:00pm.

Blues Band Looking For Harmonica Player!
Hey, this doesn't happen often enough, so check out this opportunity! Mike Carano contacted You Missed Monday because he is looking for a harp player/singer to front a band. Here are a few of his comments:

"We'd like a singing harp player to front a combo with guitar, bass, keys and drums. We're looking for a good, dynamic singer, since he or she would be the front person. We need someone who already knows the standards cold, can improvise freely, and can lead the band on stage right now. Our plan is to pick 30 songs, run through them once, maybe twice, and start gigging."

If you're interested, contact Mike Carano: mcchgo@aol.com

Swing Dance Lessons and Horns!
Hey, I caught Morry Sochat and the Special 20s at Martini Park recently and it was a great show. I loved the horn section and swinging blues they were playing. Tuesday, September 1 they are back doing that same great stuff, with a very special guest on bass, Jimmy Sutton. Head down to Martini Park for free swing dance lessons and some great jumpin' and swingin' blues!

Talking Blues Contest News -- Date Change!
Turns out Joe will be spreading the big-tone, tongue-blocking, blues-scale gospel in Brazil October 5th, so the talking blues contest is going to be rescheduled and a new date will be announced soon. Joe has the "winner" and "honorable mention" prizes ready so keep working up your tune:
  • 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
  • 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!
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