Modern Blues Harmonica 159 - soprano harp, first position

An investigation and a challenge: Gussow discusses first position, overblow-charged playing on the high-key harps--unexplored territory, he claims. He invites you to prove him wrong.

If you'd like to get a copy of the jam tracks album he's working with here, you can find it as a download at:

http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/4537012-blues-harmonica-play-along-ses...

One harp player who remains unmentioned and who may, in fact, have explored first position, overblown, high-key harp stuff is Carlos DelJunco. Check him out:

http://www.carlosdeljunco.com

If you're interested in exploring other dimensions of contemporary and traditional blues harmonica, please visit:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Adam
• Gussow
• blues
• harp
• harmonica
• first
• position
• jam
• tracks

[viskyvatylainen]

hei, man, you're outstanding, but beware, in Finland there is a devil him self, the grizzly bear, who can easily beat you down, sorry to say. Mr. Pepe Ahlqvist, google him...

[KudzuRunner]

I'll kick his ass next time I see him, and I'll tell him you sent me. He was playing very well indeed when I was just a boy and hadn't even touched a harp, but he's a faded rose these days, I'm in my prime, and I look forward to ripping him limb from limb when we cross paths. I've been playing with the Devil (Mr. Satan) for 23 years and MY Devil was born in Mississippi, not the frigid wastes of upper Lapland....... :)

[KudzuRunner]

Good question. Of course he played the high notes on lower key harps, in second position, but I don't actually recall him playing the high notes on high harps, such as this E harp. I don't know his repertoire well, but I'd be extremely surprised to find that he played the high notes on a high harp in FIRST position. As for overblows, which are at the heart of the challenge I'm issuing here: no, he doesn't do those at all.

[qazqwe57]

1 st pos from recently w/ higher tuned harp? Phil Wiggins: "Jelly Roll", key Eb, from a CD out in 1999, if I remember correctly. Think it is called "Cool down".

[KudzuRunner]

You're right! I just checked out the preview on iTunes. It's the exception that proves the rule, but you've definitely thrown me a gotcha. Wiggins hits the 10 blow on the high harp, too, and it's a little....raw.

[jasonricci]

Yo Mang you gonna comment on my video o what? That shit took my whole afternoon...

[KudzuRunner]

It's fantastic! I had a frantic day yesterday; watched your whole......now my two-year-old is jumping on my lap and wants Mavis videos (Thomas the Tank Engine.) You're the man. I wanted to watch the whole thing again before I said anything.....

[Michelesmile86]

BRAVO?? go at 9:00 and u can clearly see that the harmonica plays before he touch it...its just a bad PLAYBACK

[Babejuda]

Bravo! Thanks for uploading this interesting vid. and wonderful music.

[originalbarefootiano]

i found this video on a french harmonica discussion group two days ago, and after a couple of open harp setup sessions to get the overblows working (better), i've got that high E harp in my pocket and i'm having a ball.

great job adam.

good things to you,

iano

[HARMONIMONSTER]

Wow ! this is the way blues shoud be... naked, raw. Thanks for stirring up the neurons,... you ARE the teachers teacher,brother. Check out Willie "Red" Newman- St.Louis Blues- on Pat Missins site for some wild strait harp.

[ranchosdancingbull]

wat r u dewh  aw wing dave

[ranchosdancingbull]

Too funny Jason! I wish I could spend a day in your head, even though its a bad neighborhood. Ever listen to the audio preview option on these posts? I'm gonna do a new now with the famous line from A Space Odessy 2001.

[ranchosdancingbull]

Didn't John Popper experiment a little with soprano licks and riffs?