I'm surprised nobody's commented on this video. I love it-- for its groove, and for its creative use of third position. I hear tons of licks to steal in this video! I mean borrow. This has inspired me to work on my third position playing.
Third position just for minor-keyed songs? Dennis shows the answer is no. This is a major-keyed song, but those third position notes fit nicely. They also give major-keyed songs a different flavour, compared to second position.
For a while, jamming with friends or on stage, I tried playing in nothing but third position to force myself to know it better. Had to give up and admit some songs can't be played/accompanied in third, but it was surprising how many could.
3rd position is great for major! Coincidentally I've been listening to a couple of Dennis' albums today. Up All Night is 12 years old but its so good. Not just the performance, which is great, but the sound quality is to my mind just perfect. Dennis is my favourite current blues harmonica player, head and shoulders above the rest. Sure, i expect thats mainly my taste, but there's no denying his awesome command of the instrument within the genre. ----------
@SuperBee - totally agree about Up All Night and the harp sound. It's a great album, from the opening notes of Stockyard Blues to the end. In fact, now I'm going to have to listen to it again.
I love the different cupping dimensions Dennis incorporates in his playing, dynamic dynamite!
Watched the 1st vid again too and....His rhythmic awareness is phenomenal and is definitely a priority of his - he plays with "time" likes it's a schoolyard buddy of his :)
Last Edited by on Nov 30, 2012 4:27 AM
