Tuesday, October 8, 2013

What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 329 #373)

Shake Your Hips!!!

Well, at least one person in B1 was on her feet shakin' it to Kirk's version of Shake Your Hips last night. Who knew we had a dance floor?!

The Slim Harpo classic, Shake Your Hips (transcription), is irresistible that way, which may be reason enough for you to strongly consider adding this driving one-chord tune to your repertoire. Joe chose this song from Harpo as a way to transition from the straight eighth conversation into shuffles and he started with a review of some related tunes in the John Lee Hooker boogie groove - Boogie Chillun, Spirit In the Sky by Norman Greenbaum, and La Grange by ZZ Top (which does have a bridge). These songs all feature a one-chord form and are shuffles with a strong accent on the up beat. And in the case of Shake Your Hips, it is FAST!

See you on the dance floor!

Class Notes
  • Joe announced the prizes for his end of year contest. Get your CD in by end of December that shows what you are capable of and you could win! Third Prize, one high performance Marine Band Deluxe; Second Prize, two high performance Crossover harps; First Prize, three high performance Crossover harps!
  • Reminder that Joe will be away touring with Eric for a few weeks this fall. Private classes with him are cancelled but group classes will continue as usual. Level Three classes will be taught by Zoe and Grant; Level IV classes will be covered by Shoji and RickEy. Joe's gone October 21-November 11, but you shouldn't be! Get a fresh perspective on your playing from these other great teachers.
  • Register Now! The next session starts October 28.

Health Corner!!!

Hey, for those of you suffering dry mouth when playing harp, especially if it is a result of medications you're on, Joe has heard from other players that this stuff really works - check out Biotene over the counter at your local pharmacist and get back on the bandstand!

- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew