Big River Harmonica (AG.9)

Conversation about the harmonica overture for "Big River," Roger Miller's play based on Mark Twain's ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN. With Adam Gussow, who played harp in a bus-and-truck production of the play in 1987-1988.

Gussow's personal appearances page can be found here:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/personal_appearances.html

If you'd like to learn how to play harmonica, please visit Modern Blues Harmonica:

http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Adam
• Gussow
• satan
• big
• river
• harmonica
• harp
• north
• mississippi

[corrindion]

Ha! Man that is wild Adam. I remember you thought I had a great vibrato and "I thought you had a great vibrato"!! Thanks for the mention! I pushed the envelope doing the score enraging Michael Rafter. I also used to start out the entracts in the high end and throw in Sonny Terry whoops...came out screaming. All the cats dug it but Mike threatened me many times .I was right!! Anyway. great stuff Adam! Dig your sound ,approach and playing!!

[KudzuRunner]

Thanks, Corrin! I never had the nerve to throw in some whoops, but Monsieur Rafeterre repeatedly winced and told me that I HAD to stop tapping my foot so loudly in the pit. He had a job to do: rein in the crazed harmonica players, but don't fire them, because the next guy will be worse. And the show depends on the harmonica player. I hope everybody subscribes to your channel, my brother.

[harpinKeith]

Hi Adam,

Love your style. Question, i was wondering why do you prefer the marine bands over other harps? Is it the tone? When i started playing a few years ago, it didn't take long for me to "sift" through the many diff. harps out there until i came across the "Golden melody!" The power! and bright responsive sound that came from this amazing harp floored me. It seems to me she has no equal, but you've obviously mastered the harp, and i havent yet. Any feedback? Thanks, Keith from Florida!

[KudzuRunner]

I don't like the smooth curved corners of the Golden Melody; I find it hard to grip. I don't like the tinny sound. I don't like the fact that GM harps are tuned to have slightly out-of-tune chords. Those three debits were enough. I can't stand them. But more power to you for being able to. :) And yes: I love the sound of Marine Bands. Luckily, I'm not alone. A lot of pros still use them, and most of the great classic blues harp (Chicago and country) recordings were MB powered.

[jrring]

Question not really related to the video, but i'm interested. Adam, do you plan on trying out the B-Radical when the finally come out? I'd love a video of your breakdown of the harp if you do.

[KudzuRunner]

I'm sure it's a great harp, but no, I'm just happy with my Marine Bands and see no reason to change.

[veliliukas]

Hi Adam! Big River! Yeah man! I've been reading your book lately (Mr. Satan's Apprentice)and I've been enjoying it very very much! I've searched from Spotify some of the songs of the show just to get some idea of what kind of licks you woodshedded back in the days. Anyways I don't even have the words to tell how thankfull I am!!! Keep on inspiring people, 'cause that's what you do BEST!! Greetings from Finland!

[Muzikman127]

Just wodnering have you ever tried the marine band deluxe? I have one in F- it plays marine band in tune chords and has a great tone to it too. Only real difference is it's louder, and overblows better. More consistent bends too- I only have one but I would imagine there's probably less variation from harp to harp.

[MrBluethird]

Hi!

I just wanted to give you all a tip about a wonderful blues-CD. It´s called "The Memphis Barbecue Sessions", with Big Jack Johnson and Kim Wilson. Fantastic harpplaying by Kim Wilson. Great album for a copy&comp or if you just want to listen to good music.

Thanks Adam, you are the best!

[corrindion]

Yes Adam. Unfortunately it was a universally felt opinion that his method of control and stripping the score of any humanity was tragic. I know you remember all that! He represented the "Dark side" of conducting.Great guy outside of the pit though!! Himmler was also a great guy when he was away from Buchenwald ! Keep on educating everyone! You are great at it!! A pleasure

[Serge392]

hello !!Kudzurunner!!

BONNE ANNEE !!!!

[trumpetharmonica]

Hí ADAM,

when my own playing get´s a bit dusty&everydayrosty I lessen to You and suddenly I got back on track loving my horns and jazz playing again?

Thank´s for this Adam!

See You/Johnny

[TheoBurke]

A wonderful surprise here, Adam. I saw the world premiere engagement at the LaJolla Playhouse in San Diego. You're version of the opening bars revives some wonderful memories.

[nedrathemountaingirl]

I love MB I have a set tuned by Joe Spiers thy are so sweet and sound!