I think I posted this before and you've probably seen it on YouTube anyhow, but I love this RJ Mischo video. Plenty of lessons here: use the harp and foot to establish the rhythm at the beginning; leave room for the other musicians (0:21 for instance, but he does this pretty much all the way through); repeat the head with variations (0:46); change up the rhythm (1:38 - and 5:50 for an extreme example); use hand effects and dynamics (all the way through); use the harp for texture (2:57) as well as melody; change from acoustic to amped; change positions (4:32 - and again check out the space at the end of this first lick); change register (5:10); return to the head (8:20).
Particularly cool moments: the descending, angular lick at 4:02 ending with the wah-wah; setting up then unexpectedly breaking off the rhythm from 6:59-7:17, again making great use of the other musicians).
Awesome stuff...I'll probably post it again next year.
RJ is awesome! A person can learn a lot from watching him play. Beautiful tone. Amazing technique. Super tasteful player. He's great and quite possibly the nicest guy on the planet! He is a real blues player who studied the great players and is steeped in the tradition. There should be more players like RJ.
I think you're correct Rick...he came by Al's jam Wednesday with his tuba, something you don't see often...and of course he made it sound like it belonged there.
