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NJenkins83
1 post
Feb 19, 2017
5:31 AM
Newish player. Off and on for a few years. Figured I'd say hello finally. I played trombone in school. Developed an ok ear as my music theory wasn't good and key changes were Greek to me. So id play softly at first, ensuring I had the right note. Sometimes, not so softly, and it wasn't the right note, which resulted in a withering stare from my band instructor, cuz she knew. Lol
I have loads of harp influences but Adam himself is a big one. Currently reading Mister Satan's Apprentice which is fantastic and Buskers Holiday was as well. I have the rest of his as well, excited about that. I may get booed but Lil Walter doesn't excite me. He is great, but not what gets me. I dig that Sonny Terry, Deford Bailey type of sound. So I think I like Pre-War Blues (help me out here?).
As far as methods I have Gindick, Winslow and Tony Glover by my side so I should stay plenty busy. All about the woodshed. Currently have not so great harps but Special 20s are on the way.
This place is amazing and why I decided to step out the shadows and say hi.
SkullKid
34 posts
Feb 19, 2017
11:38 AM
Hi NJenkins,
I am a total beginner (myself), so I cannot help you out with the Blues question - though I assume others will soon. Just wanted to say: Welcome to the forum and this is indeed a great place! :)
ScottK
24 posts
Feb 19, 2017
1:02 PM
Hey Njenkins, nice to meet ya!
outdoor joe
42 posts
Feb 19, 2017
1:06 PM
Hello NJenkins!

I am pretty new myself! 1.5 months in and having a blasty blast! Hope to hear/see some of your stuff soon! Enjoy your stay.

joe
SuperBee
4521 posts
Feb 19, 2017
2:00 PM
Hello N.
I would say Sonny Terry is 'country blues' or 'piedmont blues', rather than 'prewar'
Prewar possibly means a lot of things, perhaps including those 2 players you mentioned, but would also include Sonny Boy Williamson and Jazz Gillum and Rhythm Willie for instance. The are definitely some prewar elements in Walter Horton's style and Sonny Boy Williamson 2 (Miller)
Little Walter is definitely 'postwar' (in the main, but check his very early records. I mean the first few sides he cut. Particularly 'Evans Shuffle' comes to mind). He basically defines postwar but he was still building on some concepts established in prewar times, especially by Sonny Boy Williamson.
However, the country styles you prefer are outside of that story, which is essentially the Chicago/urban scene.
Country blues harp is probably the most viable style in 'blues' right now, so I think you're on the right track. My preference for Chicago style is not looking so good
NJenkins83
2 posts
Feb 19, 2017
2:14 PM
Thanks for the warm welcome all! Sorry I didn't properly say, I'm Nick. Lol my bad.
Bee thanks for the clarification! Incredibly helpful. I'm not sure what about country blues but it just resonates with me. Plus I have early childhood memories of my grandpa and his brothers sitting around at family reunions, playing harp and whittling sticks. For awhile as an adult I thought maybe I imagined it or smoked too much grass over the years but my mom confirmed they all played on em for fun. Look forward to learning with the rest of you new guys also recently starting this journey. Cheers!


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