Tuesday, January 15, 2013

What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 295 #339)

Rapid Recall!!!

He may be a self-professed Luddite, but Joe is embracing the power of the computer for more efficient learning! Which is more shocking - his willingness to suggest a computer or the rapid change in your playing that is on the horizon? We'll see!

Joe and Al Taylor demonstrated the quick and easy method of something they're calling Rapid Recall - record or capture a short music loop and play it back with an equal length blank space afterwards. Listen to the loop then try to mimic it yourself. Do this over and over. Record it. Listen to your own progress. With the help of programs like Garage Band, Amazing Slowdowner and Audacity this type of instant playback and looping is simple now and the power of it on your learning is not to be underestimated. Practicing like this will use less of your time and you'll be progressing more rapidly, all while reinforcing ear training and timing.

This is a win-win and Joe and Al are here to help you sort out the tools and make it happen. Joe is willing to record loop tracks for you if you need to work on a specific lick and Al is willing to help you get up to speed with the software that you will use. This can be done easily on all computers, iPads and tablets so join Joe in embracing this powerful learning tool!

In the spirit of recording yourself and learning from it, Joe also announced a contest last night, open to all students, all levels. There are details to work out, but the essence of it is that anyone wanting to participate will need to be producing a CD of recordings of themselves over the next year. Joe will be looking for individual growth and use of recording as a way to showcase your best playing with a very motivating prize yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more details!

Greg Izor!!!


Don't forget, Greg Izor is in town from Austin and will be performing and talking in B1 next Monday, January 21. If you're reading this, love blues harp and live anywhere near Chicago, we recommend you come join us that evening - everyone's welcome! Come show our guest we're serious, supportive blues fans!

Filisko & Noden Show!!!

Here's an exciting lineup: Filisko & Noden and Devon Allman with the legendary Billy Branch sitting in plus, a dinner special featuring Devon's own recipes! Old Town students get discounted tickets online when they use the code "school". Saturday, January 26. Full details and tickets here: Reggie's.

Lyle Faught!!!

This sad news from Joe:

"Just wanted to pass the word that my friend and harmonica hero, Lyle Faught from Billings, MT, passed away last night, January 11, 2013."

Here's video of Lyle.

Class Notes
  • If you have upgraded, renovated or otherwise modified your goals as a harp player recently, be sure to let Joe know. The better he understands your goals, the better he can help you.
Harmonica Einstein Pizza Party!!!

Note that the date has changed and is shown correctly below. If you RSVP'd the first time, please do so again for this new date, Jan 20.

What will he think of next? Einstein also a chef? Of course! 

Homemade pizza with fresh ingredients. We sprinkle the flour. We roll the dough. We grease the pan. Is cornmeal the secret? Oregano? Wine? Brown sugar? Crushed tomato? Back in his early days young Einstein was referred to as 'Boy-Ar-Dee' by his restaurant boss. Do not miss this cooking show and taste delight!

Here he is in action!

Our own Ginny Morin is hosting the pizza party (with 'Boy-Ar-E' in the kitchen!) and all of Joe's current students are welcome to come and bring your dates/spouses and beverage of choice. Plan to pitch in on ingredient costs - donate to Einstein at the party.  Extra funds collected will go into the class fund.

There will be some jamming of course, so . . . bring your harps! 

Sunday, January 20, 2013
3pm
Please RSVP to Ginny

Ginny Morin
5812 N Fairfield
Chicago IL 60659

Linda Gordon Art Show!!!

Our own Linda Gordon has a new exhibit of her artwork opening this week!

Linda Robinson Gordon
Inward Out

Opening Reception:
John Almquist Gallery
North Shore Country Day School Art Center
310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL

January 18, 5-8pm

(exhibit closes March 1, 2013)

- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew