Lee Sankey slow blues harmonica solo

[ox4poluter]

insperational, iv never picked up a harmonica before but after hearing this i need to get one, i wish i had friends who like to jam my friends think im wierd because they are too cool for school, or is it too 'fool' i can never remember

[leesankeygroup]

@ox4poluter To hear that you've inspired someone to pick-up an instrument is about the most fulfilling thing a musician can hear back from a listener. Thank you. True friends would not mock you for playing a musical instrument. Friends would support and encourage you, even if you sound crap. My advice is to buy a harmonica if you want one. Chances are you will be able to find people to learn from or jam with near you if you look on online. Where are you based?

[ox4poluter]

@leesankeygroup iv got one now :) but i dont think its that good, my brother bought it for me, instead of seperate holes to blow through its like a big grid of twenty holes on top and 20 on bottom so its quite hard to blow because the air has so many places to go, what type is this? its long aswel, of the videos iv seen the harmonica is about finger lengh mine is finger and a half, is this a certain type of harmonica or just a crap one?

[StellarChi]

Phenom Harp Player.....Keep it up Lee...thx for the "Cheers" mate.

[leesankeygroup]

@StellarChi Hey no worries

[ThomasJefferson000]

Lee regarding "Howlingsandy"....he's just being a hater. I dont see him giving credit to or referencing the Wolf from whom he no doubt ripped the Howling part of his name from. Every musician is taking something from some one they have heard in their distant or recent past. Most of the old time cats never gave credit to their predecessors but rest assured someone influenced them.

You sound great Lee......

.hey howlinsandy...leave the hate on the plate.

Thomas Jefferson Bradford

Livingston Texas

[leesankeygroup]

@ThomasJefferson000 No worries, that exchange was a while ago. He's obviously well into his blues, so all good by me.

[ThomasJefferson000]

What mic and amplification are you using on the different parts of the song,

thanks,

Thomas Jefferson Bradford

[leesankeygroup]

@ThomasJefferson000 Hi Thomas, I think it was an old Fender Bandmaster, it was provided by the venue, the mic is an old green bullet shell with a controlled magnetic element. This is still my main mic, on the rare occasions when I use an amp these days. Warm regards, Lee

[MrYeldoom]

hey lee im a musician myself, I started playing harmonica again, and i would like to know what type of harmonica you are using? I'm sure you could you could use any damn harmonica and still sound amazing hahaha cheers you are a great player

[leesankeygroup]

@MrYeldoom Hi there, thanks for your comments. I mostly use Hohner Marine Bands. The one in this video is a custom model by Tony Ramos. However, over the last few years the quality of Hohner's factory harmonicas has improved massively. The gap now between stock and ones adjusted by a professional customiser has narrowed. Many pro's now play stock harps again. Try the Marine Band Deluxe or Crossover, both are brilliant harps. Hope this helps. Lee

[StellarChi]

awesome...controlled & relaxed !

[leesankeygroup]

@StellarChi Cheers!

[dominique5462]

super

[TheArsong]

wow!

[koolharp]

the singer really reminds me of the british bluies singer Ian Siegal ....

[leesankeygroup]

@koolharp Funny that, it is Ian....

[iamthemilkman08]

I did not know Giovanni Ribisi sang the blues...lol

[mags031f]

Why does this Lee guy looks just like Kim Wilson? :))

[leesankeygroup]

@mags031f If I could just get the sound too....

[mags031f]

@leesankeygroup

Come on, you play wonderfully, nothing to complain about.

I would kill for yours skill (wow, it even rhymes :)

[aerospacepat]

@leesankeygroup I find your style of playing to actually be very similar to his

anyways, awesome playing!

[leesankeygroup]

@aerospacepat thanks that means a lot to me, Kim Wilson is one of my all time heroes.

[sosavidz]

haha love the Howlin Wolf vocals on the intro...sounded close

[leesankeygroup]

@sosavidz Yes, check out Ian Siegal, one of Europe's finest blues singers, guitar players and songwriters. He's released many award winning albums. Lee

[bluesnobrasil]

words are beyond me...Lee. Great use of 1st position....great use of mic...great sound. I presume that it was TB...

[leesankeygroup]

@bluesnobrasil Muito obrigado! Probably 70% tongue blocking in this video. This was recorded 7 years ago and these days I use more tongue blocking. Thanks, Lee

[flstf2k]

Fat ass tone, bad ass sound!

[leesankeygroup]

@flstf2k Thanks, I guess that's two key harmonica boxes ticked!

[cory1a]

Dont't ever change. Thats how jazz and the blues came to be! You know the heart of music. I could watch you play all day, and learn something every time you play. I hope someday Im as gooooooooood as you! My uncle tought me ITS CRYING TIME AGAIN on the harmonica. Thats all it took for me to understand music and the harmonica. You have won the right to be great! I will be learning you.

[Quilbo]

Awesome

[leesankeygroup]

@Quilbo nice!

[TechKariismaax]

I think i love this man,Amazing! :-D

[cory1a]

A man with a soul, mean and clean! Right on!

[leesankeygroup]

@cory1a Thanks Cory(?), it's a cliché but we were just playing what we felt at the time.

[holyise]

FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE

[leesankeygroup]

@holyise cheers, seems like you rated this video!

[deehouse55]

Thanks so much, it's guys like you who really make me want to play!!!

[leesankeygroup]

@deehouse55 Thanks Delois, well what you're waiting for? Why not pick up a guitar or harmonica. All the best, Lee

[SicciEN]

@leesankeygroup you guys rock. i so much love the sound of blues harmonica.

[qomo3]

can anyone tell me what is this song called ? or where I can find the lyrics ?

[leesankeygroup]

@qomo3 It's called "Going Down Slow" and was written by St. Louis Jimmy Oden popularised by Howlin' Wolf. I should say that this take was actually a sound check for a TV show. When we played with Ian Siegal (the singer) a slow blues would often be included but most of the time we didn't know what he would sing. He would change numbers night to night. Sometimes improvising lyrics or mixing together different songs into one. This is just what happened on that particular day. Warm regards Lee

[amiamberlee]

goooooooglah mooglah

[leesankeygroup]

@amiamberlee woooooola mooola

[kili680]

yes, i know that. i was trying to say that your spacing of the solo is very unique. all blues players do it. but there is something about your spaces. they add definition to your solo :)

[leesankeygroup]

@kili680 Thanks for saying so but this tune is of course heavily influenced by many of our blues heroes, maybe it has a individual feeling, but it's heavily connected to the past. Ian's vocals have touches of Howlin Wolf and Muddy Waters. My harp solo draws on players like Sonny Boy Williamson. Thanks for watching!

[howlingsandy]

How uncool to provide NO reference or credit to the main inspiration of derivation or imitation (whichever applies, don't know your natural voice ) to the song's lyrics & style (on a video no less? jeez!) before the long riff-solo at the end, i.e. "owner" Howlin' Wolf or 1941 writer St. Louis Jimmy Oden, that's but one thing took the soul out of true blues, from Yardbirds on. Riffing derails most classics covered, Beyond no credits, why can't people then create their own songs to do riffing? SGS

[leesankeygroup]

@howlingsandy Hi Sandy, thanks for your comment and I like your passion. I find the suggestion slightly amusing as where do you draw the line. The same might be said of my harp solo which references several great players such as Sonny Boy Williamson II. Documenting all influences all of the time is not always practical, including in a performance. Everything is connected, where do you draw the line?

[howlingsandy]

@leesankeygroup not every note, which may or may not be an influence, not every riff, few are only original, but the song, the lyrics, another matter, am not even sure it's public domain at this time, but I'd just do the reference, easily done from the get go on a vid, and at some point, before or after the performance, would be good, doesn't take long. But posting it and mystifying the tune i.e. song i.e. lyrics is not how to go.

[leesankeygroup]

@howlingsandy continued......Most blues guitar solos draw on Freddie, Albert, BB King. Is the player meant to announce the origin of all influences as they launch into a solo? Or on every video clip? I'm not sure I want to see that band. Just because something isn't specifically referenced, doesn't mean the reverence isn't there. We live and breath this music, especially Ian. As for originality, I've released two solo albums with all my own tunes. Sorry we did not meet your cataloguing standard

[howlingsandy]

@leesankeygroup to call what is essentially a song using lyrics written by someone/made famous by another, even unique dialogue in the song! (sometimes heard by Wolf, sometimes by Willie Dixon saying) calling a classic song "slow blues" is wrong. (seems was said clearly, drawing lines not needed) A VIDEO INTRO comment, or spoken prior to performing, or after, is unquestionably the right thing to do, to not be Zep!) Anytime I would do a cover (try not to), original author's clearly denoted. 

[ArtofDreaming1]

nice of your to respond, the harp is truly tricky instrument to get right and you  are doing it justice very very nice thank you

[ArtofDreaming1]

new fan. very nice I will checkout your other stuff as soon as I hunt down and kill the people that pushed dislike

[leesankeygroup]

@ArtofDreaming1 Hi Michael, glad you like the cut. I'm thrilled at the number of people who have watched this video so far and I suppose it's inevitable that some won't iike it. You can call of the dogs! Best regards, Lee

[LutherRay]

Great Band! first time listening and I don't care who you are; you gotta love this.

[leesankeygroup]

@LutherRay Hi Luther, thanks for your enthusiastic comment! 

[Tsutsomu]

HI Lee,

Your solo is really fantastic.

Thanks a lot for your video.

Friendly :

STeph.

[markos96netfight]

Guys i am going to start playing harmonica!!! i am going to buy one but i dont know how much should i spent??? i need help !!!! S.O.S. i would appreciate it if you could HELP!!!

[leesankeygroup]

@markos96netfight Hi Markos, what a coincidence, I just uploaded a video on that very subject. Search youTube for "Guide to What Harmonica Should I Buy". Expect to pay around $50 for a decent model from Hohner, Seydel, Lee Oskar or Suzuki. Best of luck! Kind regards Lee

[markos96netfight]

@leesankeygroup thank you

[camilo862]

THis is just great. Amazing solo! Loved the two parts. The first slow 11st postion (not many uses he first octave) and the more passioante second position part! You ar ein my book of great players from now on. Thanks for all your tips Lee, really talks wonders of you. Greetings from Argentina. Camilo.

[leesankeygroup]

@camilo862 Hi Camilo, thanks so much for such a wonderful comment and interest. Check out my albums on iTunes or Amazon if you like what you hear here. Buenos Aires is one of my favourite cities by the way. I had so much there when I visited in 2007. Best regards, Lee

[shaunWOH]

This is Lee Sankey Twitter Followers

[001milos]

Hello Lee,I'm your big fan.You inspired me to learn to play the harmonica.I just bought a harmonica(C).I really have a problem to achieve a single note ,I have tried several methods but it doesn't sound right,and i cant track what hole I'm blowing/drawing.Could you give me any tips,how to begin learning?

Hope you will have time to answer. Respect M

[leesankeygroup]

@001milos Hello 'M', wow that's an uplifting comment. I'm touched to know that I motivated you to pick up the harmonica. Getting clean single notes is tricky for some people but it's one of those things you have to master before you can do anything with the harmonica. There is no right or wrong method, it's a personal thing and takes trial and error to find what works for you. A good way to practice is the Major scale 1st position. I have not many videos for beginners as there are already so...

[leesankeygroup]

@leesankeygroup ...many on YouTube. Take a look at Adam Gussow or 12gagedan. They have many videos for beginners.

It can take months to learn to hit one note cleanly. How long have you been trying? Regards, Lee

[Rockers1957]

love the sparse notes - many could benefit from slowin the f down!

[leesankeygroup]

@Rockers1957 Thanks for the kind words. Speed is a question of taste, I suppose. Personally I agree with you sometimes too much speed just doesn't benefit the song. For instance in a slow blues it could become too 'ornate'. But there are players who can pull fast phrasing off brilliant. For me the primary thing is tone. That's what drives me. I'd rather listen to a couple of notes played with a devastating tone, rather than a lot played with a thin or overly processed tone. but that's just me.

[bjkaboom]

AWESOME!!

Another member of a dying breed! Outstanding...from the heart!

thanks!

[leesankeygroup]

@bjkaboom That's a sweet thing to say. Thanks for watching! Lee

[soloymon4]

Damn my harp why can't you sound like that!?

[leesankeygroup]

@soloymon4 Thank you. It took me many years to develop my sound. It takes time and practise. I put a lot of focus on to trying to create a big sound on the harmonica rather than just playing fast. Check out my videos on my Channel for some tips on tone. Best regards, Lee

[DannyGrease]

Damn that was good, man

Danny

[leesankeygroup]

@DannyGrease Hi Danny, thanks for watching. There's a few other videos from this concert on my channel. Also check out the singer Ian Siegal, his own music is brilliant. Best regards, Lee

[Hankhelmet]

@leesankeygroup Lee, your performance is no less than brilliant. Ian set's you up for a fantastic solo... you deliver and how. I came to check out some harp on this video (glad that I did) and was rewarded with some of the most entertaining lines and delivery by Ian Siegal that I have ever heard (personal opinion noted) this dude put me in "That Place". Again, the harp solo was epic, all too often I feel like a hostage during some harp runs. Thanks.

[leesankeygroup]

@Hankhelmet Hi Hank, all very kind of you to say. Playing with Ian and everyone in this group was a pleasure. There are 4 more videos from this concert on my channel with Ian in fine form. For some reason this particular video has the most hits. But if you like this one check out "The Man", "I Don't Like My Way of Living", "Monkey Lips" and "S'picious Woman". All on my channel. Thanks, Lee

[harptrian]

Truly incredible tone, and your transitions are over the top! Love ya babe.

[leesankeygroup]

@harptrian Hello, wow what can I say? Thank you very much and glad you enjoyed the cut so much. Best regards Lee

[MrMomo06]

HI Lee, Love what you are doing with the first postion lower and upper octaves.

I'd like to know if you have spent time with the middle octave with the 4, 5 and 6 overblows or just find it mechanically too hard and not worth the effort.....is this the job for second position? Mississippi Harp Man.

[leesankeygroup]

@MrMomo06 Hi Missussippi Harp Man, when this video was shot in 2004 I wasn't using overblowing much at all. The occasional overblow 6 that's about it. The quality of harmonicas has improved greatly since then when you couldn't overblow stock harps readily. Today I use overblows a lot more but nothing like someone like Jason Ricci or Howard Levy. My focus is on tone and I tongue block most of the time. Defintely worth learning the technique for the middle octave in 1st position though. Rgds Lee

[jenhba]

Lee do you play Marine Band, Special 20 or another. What key harp is this in. Thanks.

[leesankeygroup]

@jenhba Hi from a freezing London. I mostly play Marine Bands and am using a couple in this video. The song is in the key of G. I start the song in 1st position (G harp), and then switch to cross position (C harp) half way through the solo. Seasons greetings Lee

[jenhba]

@leesankeygroup Thank you Lee. You are an awesome harp player and inspiration.

[harmonicaman64X]

I've listened to this track over and over and feel compelled to state that this is about the best raw blues you can get, Lee's harp tosses you all over the gaff, and Ian seigals vocal is so raw and gritty its up there with the wolf, *BRIT BLUES*

[bmiha]

You can just sit back and listen to that harmonica for hours.

[leesankeygroup]

@bmiha Hi Boris, thanks for the compliments! All the best Lee

[ooosmannn]

such good feel and dynamics and great band timing is still not enough to explain the reason of the real blues feeling radiating from this video.. simply perfect!

[leesankeygroup]

@ooosmannn Comments like that would make anyone's day. Thanks very much. I was very lucky to have such great players in the band. Check Ian Siegal's music, he's brilliant. Lee

[MrDidjcripey]

Very classy; not too much, not too little, beautiful tone.

[leesankeygroup]

@MrDidjcripey Kind words, especially about the tone, that's one of my focuses. Cheers from London

[DayleKT]

hey, has anyone else noticed he plays his harmonica upside down?

[leesankeygroup]

@DayleKT Hi there. Yes I do play the harmonica upside down and always have done. It makes sense to me that way. I didn't even realise there were numbers on the holes for about 5 months when I 1st started because I was playing so much .

[SoldatSolutrea]

Excellent timbre! What are you playing Lee, Suzuki? It sounding amazing on the acoustic mic.

[leesankeygroup]

@SoldatSolutrea Hi, I'm playing a Hohner Marine Band. I work on my tone all the time, it's my favourite aspect of the harmonica i.e. its sound. Regards, Lee

[droverboy1]

That was moving!

[leesankeygroup]

@droverboy1 Thanks for watching Rusty. 

[dupuis420]

amen brother

17 im seein da ways , can ya help me out ?

tricksatha-trade ??

[leesankeygroup]

@dupuis420 My YouTube channel has some blues harmonica lessons which you may find useful. Also check out Adam Gussow's channel, he has many videos on how to play the harmonica, But the main thing is to practise. Thanks for watching Lee

[dupuis420]

@leesankeygroup

Ty,but i can play. what key is yours though cause mines dunzooo! haha

i was wondering if i could tribute/cover it ? You couldnt have said it better.

btw, it helps ME write,

also looking for good guitar tricks to learn more persice fingering.

[orkforce300]

this is awesome. i just started learning harmonica today and i want to be able to play like this someday.

[leesankeygroup]

@orkforce300 Thanks David. Keep practising and you'll get there. The harp is one of those things which is easy to start but hard to master. I have some lessons on my YouTube channel which you may find useful. Good and thanks for watching. Lee

[DistantSoul13]

Damn  good solo. That moved and inspired me.

[leesankeygroup]

@DistantSoul13 Well you can't say fairer than that! Thanks for the nice words, Lee

[FerrilEwok]

ahhhh that harmonica brought tears to my eyes and goose bumps all over, talk about heaven

[leesankeygroup]

@FerrilEwok Hi Mike, that's a really, really wonderful comment. I guess that's why people play music, to move other people. Lee

[tahoemike00]

Great jam!! What is the name of this tune, and is it available for purchase in mp3 format?

[LukeGeoDude]

brilliant if you ask me

[leesankeygroup]

@LukeGeoDude Hi Luke, thanks for such kind words.

[SMOKEYHFFH]

LEE AN IAN,,,SANKEY N SIEGAL THE SS BLUES OFF THE HOOK......

[GOLIOTTE]

very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very nice , thanks

[hugleberthumperdink]

The singer, Ian Siegal, sounds like early Howlin' Wolf - that raw voice. Niiice going man, lucky Germans is all I have to say - do more stuff over in England man.

[leesankeygroup]

@hugleberthumperdink Thanks for the message. Ian Siegal is a terrific singer and it was wonderful to have him be part of my group. I don't play live much anymore but Ian is regularly touring in the UK, check him out if you get a chance.

[sarge1750]

great stuff i get goose bumps when i hear you play

[leesankeygroup]

Mission accomplished! That means a lot to me. Many thanks!

[Rcbraido]

GREAT!!!!

[leesankeygroup]

Cheers!

[cliffyuno]

Very Very nice man....

[leesankeygroup]

@cliffyuno: Cheers! And thanks for subscribing to my channel.

Lee

[samegmusic]

Maestro. How come the Germans get this and we dont? Still think "Women and Trouble" is the best modern British blues song ever written. Please post that one on YouTube. When are you playing Ronnie Scott's again?

[harpfelt]

yeah thats playing

[kevincanwait]

practice makes perfect....I'm with... HendrixIsGod47.

You, too...can be a Beast!

Lee is very fortunate to have such a great group of players, indeed.

Play On!!

[angrykoopa]

Diggin the Kim Wilson look! And the harp wizardry

5/5

[Icelinenl]

Seriously everyone, go see Ian Siegal perform; he is one of the greatest bluesmusicians of this time!

[diremyth]

Best harp player the UK has to offer since Brendan Power & Steve Baker!!! Puts all the other 'top drawer' players in the shade!

[porkercheck]

Hey Carl it's Paul Hampton here. Any chance that the boys will be coming to Portland Oregon USA Because that's where I live now

cheers mate

[Harpsucker]

Hi Lee, the "Frankenstein" Fender-Bandmaster you used back then sounds pretty good. I think the german TV guys got no f... idea what to do that night. Best Thomas

[savant23]

ahhh that note he holds at 3.20 odd is heavenly

[DADSBLUES]

This is some best stuff I have heard, where can I buy this song and the others on youtube,great vocals man,Lee you are the killerman thanks. I just bought your first CD,love it. Harp player-Kip

The band is Hot!

[harptrian]

Hey Lee!

When are you coming to San Francisco??

Your man in San Fran.

[HendrixIsGod47]

That is probley the best first position harp playing I've ever heard. Wow this guy is a beast!!!! And not nearly reconized enough because I'd never heard of him, and I thought I'd heard of everyone. I guess I have some research to do!

[strawwoodclaw]

THE GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY BLUES!!!

[sonyboybluespower]

GREAT STUFF!!

do you hace some advice to how to get that sound in the harp?

[stevieraymaniac]

Great, but what's with the word for word Howlin' Wolf monologue at the beginning?

[whest]

The monologue on the Howlin' Wolf record of 'Going Down Slow' is by Willie Dixon,not Wolf.

[slapshot4aero]

This guy is freaking awesome!

I takes a real talent to make that thing talk like he does.

Makes you want to practice more doesn't it?

[eightfootmanchild]

I he playing his harp upside-down?

[benkalem]

Yep, that he is. I guess that's part of what adds to his sound.

[123456isme]

I like it

[alprice]

Superb stuff Lee. What some watching might not realise is that Lee also writes and arranges a huge amount of this music. kILLER.

[yozzadlips]

made up to see lee sankey on u tube...been waitin 4 it for ages.fantastic harp player.

[mrmacharp]

Very nice, amazing harpplayer

[chrismichalek]

I haven't been into blues style harmonica for a long time but this is good stuff. Nice Job Lee!!! Hope to meet you one day....

[damartin1906]

Listening to this reminds me why I fell in love with the harmonica in the first place. Lee Sankey is a harp virtuoso.