Canned Heat/Alan Wilson...Harmonica review Part 2 .030

[joosman123]

Cool vid, Jason. The best thing about you is your genuine love and enthusiasm for the music - It's contagious.

[quicktothe4]

Wow knocked out by your playing - hardly a day has passed since 68 without me listening to On the Road Again (in my head a lot of the time!!) and hearing a little bit more every time. The guy was indeed a genius. Have never heard this song before. Have you heard the alternate take for OTRAA? where he plays the riff in the higher position? Nine Below Zero were belting out a heavier version in the late nineties - check them out. !!

[MrLucyindeSky]

what harmonica key is it ?

[Urbanomad22]

Do a Rollin and tumbling lesson, good stuff.

[spikew10]

I don't get it! How do you play the harmonica so good without covering up the holes (with your fingers) to get the indivisual notes. How do you cover up the other holes, with your toung? Cause if its the toung then how to you filck your toung on the top of your mouth at the same time? I'm a beginner, and I'm 13 with only some experience. I can play the notes, but only by covering up the holes. And I can't get that loud flange-ie harmonica sound. So how do you cover up the other holes? Adcise? :)

[spikew10]

@spikew10 sorry I ment to say "Advice? :)"

[juniorfats]

Jason can you go over Drifter from the same album ?

[JLShafferArt]

Great vidoe J i been long time fan of the Blid Owl and you helped me with my learning,dude you outa to do the Playboy afterhours On the road again which i think is Alans heaviest harp blowing,flat fuckin scary more like it! Jason

[Tsull123]

Fuck yeah. This shit all about gives me wood. I don't really know how to play a lick of the harmonica but love the hell outta Canned Heat. Have you ever tackled their version of Walkin' by Myself? Thats prolly my favorite jam out harmonica solo.

[46converse]

id kill to play like you picking up on the vairiations of draw and the swaping of harps is amazing, have you ever played with the heat?

[bohovibe]

Hey Jason, Get vid, I think your one of the greatest harp players today! And so I can't seem to get my G harp to bend down the whole tone to the b3rd at 8:26 like you can, (the 2nd hole draw) Any tips on technique for this? Keep Grooving man, you got Soul!

[aequorin]

Alan Wilson was/ is by far one of the greatest harmonica players to ever live. His mystery is his Soul.

[FahQposeurfag]

``it`s important to immitate before you innovate``...haha! very well said.

[shotgunartscene]

Nice work...right on the money, Jason.. how about a follow up part 3, 4 whatever.? Al played with succinctness and such deep blues style on this record [a true respectful tribute to John Lee] .if you've got the boogie in you and experienced skills, anything is possible once 'ego steps out of the picture'. I've always had 'some of these licks' and used them in boogies but i usually veered off a real cover. You however are right in there , following the play with 'gusto' amigo...Bravo..More..?

[jcboy147]

Greetings Jason, "let's work together" on this one dude!

Have ya heard Bishop Two Toots play any radical harmonica yet?

[g5uk]

OK Jason

When are you going to do "Al Wilson play in a day" cd or vid...you're great man......I'm collecting Hooker and Heat albums to send to you as you are scratching yours to death.

[DannyGrease]

i loved Alan wilson soo much...he was such an outstanding talent, with his young age.....

Danny

[madmexart]

hey jason i've been meaning to ask u if u ever heard of aq guy named jimmy becker. he was a chicago blues harp player who moved to kingston jamaica in the 70's. he really stands out on big youths dreadlocks dread album. cheers

[jasonricci]

Nah I'll look him up though thanks!

[bjohnstaphone]

Thanks. Really like the videos, and the subject in general. I revisit every so often for another run through. If you ever get time, I'd like to hear your interpretion on some of Alan's other contributions. He has so many good ones. Lately I've been trying to soak up some of what he left behind on "Bring it on home" ('70 Convert - Live in Europe). As you say "the phrasing!"..

[madmexart]

Is'nt alan playing a chromatic harp

[jasonricci]

No, if memory serves me correctly Alan only played chromatic on one song ever with Canned Heat which was Parthanogenisis, I may be wrong of course but this song is certainly a d diatonic played in cross followed by a few licks on a G harp played in third position returning to the D at the end.

[madmexart]

yeah your probably right but that tone is so damn clear alan perfected it just right. I remember seeing CH as a kid in high school around 1970 and Bob Hite came out ridind a baby elephant, he was almost as big as the elephnt it was hilarious. Thanks for the reply

[SavantSvant]

Just amazing, have listened to the heat album with hooker n' canned heat for a long time. And has the best version of boggie chillun i've ever heard recorded with hooker. Crazy that u've been able to pick it apart so good! YOU ARE ACE and a GOD! hahaha xD

[EnterSkywalker]

Ricci hasn't anyone kindly sent you a new camera yet ?

[123jlp]

RIP indeed, my good man, you did a great job on this, much appreciated brother.

blind owl wilson was brilliant.

[lozio9980]

hi, Jason,

First, thank you for the lesson and for the tribute to this great harmonica master. I think too that A.W. deserves a wider attention. I have a question for you, is it possible that A.W. performes overblows on the song "on the road again" during his 1st solo? I'm actually trying to figure out a note that's a G on an A harp. Cuold he already been aware of overblows in the late sixties? Thanks in advance, you rock, Jason! Michele.

[jasonricci]

The note Alan hits in that song is a b3rd in the second octave and yes the same note as the six overblow, but it was not an over blow...He had tuned his 6 draw up a half step to get that note...Cool huh? The Owl rocks and this was a great question!

[lozio9980]

Thank you so much for the quick answer! Infact it looked like a bent overblow! However, that's a pretty cool trick. I am "woodshedding" in this moment trying to figure out what this great man could do. Thank you again, all the best,

Michele.

[DiamondSoul]

What kind of harp are you using there? Sounds great man!

[jasonricci]

D marine band customized by Joe Spiers

[ninjagaban]

i love it,

[johnphilipes]

BRAVO JASON!! OTTIMO LAVORO!!!

[dolina64]

Thank you again!

[JollyMcStanson]

your bigger then the blind owl. You belong in Hollywood.

[neuropatico]

Thanks for explaining the dragon move! Yeah.

[Uggybow]

It's great to see that some people really dig Alan. He was pure jenious, such a pity that the majority of people don't recognise that. He get's to your soul. I would really like to thank you Jason for giving us a glimpse in Alan's world. I never knew those songs were so har to play though I knew it was something really special and unique, never to be heard before.

More blind owl analysis would be really appreciated and thank you for this one!

[harmonikan]

Have you heard Al's stuff with Fred Neil?

[robertdeuce]

thanks...just 1 more question, if i was to buy a harmonica what key sounds the best?

thanks btw your crazy with that harp

[robertdeuce]

what key is that harp in? click on reply if you know thanks

[jasonricci]

key of d band is in A

[nukerwarhead]

Hello Jason, I am a semi pro drummer. Every weekend with a rockin' tight band. I have thoroughly enjoyed your "music lesson" on Alan Wilson's harp playing. Alan deserves to be in the rock&roll hall of fame. His guitar work is equaly amazing. Thanks for getting the word out about Alan's genuis. More people gotta know about this guy!!! You are the real deal man!!!!

[codnchips]

Thanks Jason. I've always loved Canned Heat and Blind Owl in particular. I'm not really a musician myself, and can't do the harmonica, so didn't understand all your technical points. But you love this stuff, and I have made it a priority to get this album. Boogy on.

[jazmaan]

My request for analysis would be "My Crime" from the "Boogie with Canned Heat" lp.

[burntpigg]

hey jason, cool to see how much you dig this song, know how ya feel.

i always thought he was playing first position on an A harp when he makes the switch but never sounded quite right. youve opened doors for me.

another song that really blows me away on this album is "burnin hell". the whole song is awesome but probably the last 45 secs or so is just incredible, how does he get that sound? i cant get my head around it

[jazmaan]

Jason that was thrilling, fascinating, moving and wonderful. Please do more Blind Owl analyses! Frankly you're own playing is sometimes difficult for me to get into with all the lightning runs you play. My mind just doesn't work that fast. But here you demonstrate that it doesn't take 1000 notes for you to sound truly amazing. More like this please! (See you at SPAH!)

[farbfuk]

Hey, Jason...I dig your chops....and I had seen The Heat at the Fillmore East many times back in the day....it warms the heart...to see a young dude like you into the roots...keep on wailin'

[harpmonkey]

These guys (Wilson, Hendrix, SRV and on and on...) poured their souls out through their instruments, their voices.

Powerful.

Poured out.

Used up.

Gone.

Like a storm.

and then, just a whisper...

Thanks Jason.

Peace.

[suharow78]

Nice job, Jason..very nice.. I like Owl's harmonicas. Maybe demonstrate something else- ,,Wish you would" please. I am depend on it. Thanks.

Sorry behind from my english speak.

[1994g0]

GreatHard job Jason.I really enjoyed it.......Hard to keep from getting misty eyed at the end-where you say that you love Alan......You and so many other people....Alan-with his love of nature,his disdain for money, his deep sensitivity, his phenomenal music talent, his tragic end.Alan Wilson was more than a human being.......Alan was a Saint.

Glen Lenhoff

[jasonricci]

Agreed Glen and it's so great that you can feel that! Alan was the man and you are too for getting his music and understanding it!

Jason

[1994g0]

Thanks for the reply.You`re quite a harp player yourself.

Alan was so sensitive.Take the "London Blues" incident. A harmless act by a carefree girl.But Alan was so fragile-he was deeply hurt.

"On The Road Again".The tembura, harmonica,Alan`s riveting voice.Masterpiece.

I was listening to "Spoonful" by Howlin` Wolfand Cream today.Wonder what Alan could have done with "Spoonful".More harmonica, guitar solo by "Sunflower" and much more.

Sad that Alan left at such a young age.

Glen

[thewho12344]

how old are you kids marzaf and jasonricci i saw canned heat in concert 1968 sorry i made a mistake bout alan wilson sure he is a great harmonica player and so is the bear

[xldh44]

Jason you are too cool man; that video was awesome!!! Not hard to understand why you are such an incredible player; you translate everything through your soul and transmit it through your harp. It's as big a treat seeing your reaction to these other great players as it is listening and learning from you! And I am learning a lot, thank you Jason. If you ever make it back to Maine to play, I'll be bringing all my buds. Be safe.

[thewho12344]

dude alan wilson didnt do this he was dead before this album came out jesus the bear also played harp and he did the all the harp on the hooker and heat album

[Mazraf]

Jesus. You could not be more wrong. This was Alan Wilson´s last recording. Get your facts straight. Bob Hite played the harp after Alans death, never when he was still alive. On this song you actually hear John Lee Hooker say: "All right, Alan!"-two times. On another track you here him say that Alan´s the best harmonica player he has ever heard.

[jasonricci]

Thanks for having my back Mazraf... Amazing how people will so passionately attack something without/before ever really listening to the songs, reading the liner notes (or other articles), or even looking at the photos inside the record! Alot of people give the bear harmonica credit for trcks he didn't blow on they just need to read or listen so they can hear the differant styles!

[sysmch]

Well just listen to it and you know it is the owl - break down SCAT next time - you rock!

[jasonricci]

Thats a deal...I was looking for the next tune...Thats it!

J

[jasonricci]

Read the liner notes and listen to John Lee Hooker in this song CALL out "Alan! Blow...Blow"" Also, Hooker repeatedly verbally talks in between songs about "ALAN'S harmonica playing" as well as one where the producer says were going to bring Alan out (Burning Hell) which is just Vocals (hooker and Harp ALAN! Maybe. Alan died the night this record was finished. Thats why they all where black on the cover and his picture was on the wall of the cover.If u wont take my word: Buy/listen/read!

[joycejnn]

@thewho12344 Whoa have you never heard Alan play harp before ? The bear wasn't capable of playing harp like this.He couldn't come anywhere near Alan. Alan was a genius.

[ollyhock]

hi jason you finish off that bugle sound with a little tootle, is it just 4 draw 3 draw 2 draw ?

[JJ4POPE]

"sounds like a motorcycle"...LMAO..glad to see i'm not the only one who really gets off on dirty-ass harp blowin'..thx for posting this one..-JJ

[gullpenis]

This was great. Jason you rock! Als harmonica playing has always dazzled me since the first time I heard him. If you could find the time and like the idea I hope you could do somewhat the same thing as you did here with the rifs of "On the road again"..those rifs are BAD man..!

Cheers

[rockface2004]

thanks Jason,i just love the way you unwrap this music for us,pure inspiration and its got me going again after a harp free Christmas,iam now jamming along to this track and loving it.Sometimes us intermediates need someone to hold our hand and pull us forward again...many thanks...harp forever...x x x

[Camnpac]

Thanks for putting the spotlight on the Blind Owl. It's tragic that most people dismiss Canned Heat as one-hit wonders for Goin' Up The Country. They were terrific innovators, with Alan Wilson at the core. I wore out the Halleluja LP when I was teaching myself throat vibrato 20 years ago. No one ever had a deeper pulse. I rank Alan Wilson, Pat Ramsey, and James Harman as my trinity of harmonica gods. Here's to the innovators!

[blopper68]

Superb.thanks Jason

[mcfctid2]

your joy is immense and your spirit is so true.

Cheers

[DistantSoul13]

great stuff this album finally got me to keep a steady beat on the bars

[JohnDMcClane]

Do you do any Muddy Waters? He's awesome. I love that "The Blues had a baby, and they named the baby rock'n'roll" (long title)

[boufgreg]

Check out the Sonny Terry/Browney McGee version of this song. I think they did if before Muddy.

[jasonricci]

Hi: Is this a joke? If so...sorry, If not...Did you watch/listen to this or read the description?

[boufgreg]

Sorry don't know how this got off on a tangent. Was commenting on the previous comment about the "Blues had a baby" song.

[JohnDMcClane]

Sorry, if it appered as a joke. I did watch the video and read the descreption, but it doen't say anything about Muddy Waters, so I don't see why you would expect it to be a joke.

Why would I joke with you, you're one of my favorite harmonica players in the world?

[bobblunn]

Jason,

Awesome solo decomposition! Alan was amazing. The Bear did okay too, but I think Alan was great.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!

-BB

The green five!? I love it!

[kokoro86]

Awesome!

With all the great talent teaching on the YouTube nowadays, it's like "Blues Harp Gone Wild" minus the nudity and busty blondes...

[boufgreg]

Great stuff! Blind owl & John Lee together incrdable. I have recently been playing along with my Hooker records and keep wainting for the changes that don't come. It's not your I IV V blues. Keep it going don't stop.

[Fineladydog]

Merci, as the previous harper says 'between you and Adam' the quality of harpin in the world has gone up.

Jason this is the best harp lesson aka enthusiam/sharing vid yet, pls keep it up bro

[harpindablues]

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU, I know u tube isn`t organic, but your videos is as close as it gets for me. Been learning for 17 months now, and without your vids and Adams` I probably would have given up.  Truly in your debt, Dave

[nambugoto]

I have to agree, this may not be way to learn harmonica, but its the only way some of us have. Around here where i live, people at most play blowing chords in and out rhythmically, so this is the best way to get some sophistication around here. Thank you so much Jason!

[12gagedan]

I wish I could be in the room when you do these. I'd be nodding my head saying, "yes, yes yes". Now that'd be cool