Following 2010's successful harmonica fest and clinic with Adam Gussow and others, this year, we are bringing a few new twists featuring Ronnie Shellist of www.harmonica123.com and the superb vocalist/harp player who learned under Jumpin' Johnny Sansone in NOLA. Regional performers and instructors include Tommy Dardar, Texas Johnny Boy, Sonny Boy Terry and Stephen "Fess" Schneider.Tickets are now officially on sale at www.texasharmonicafestival.eventbrite.com or www.houstonharmonicalessons.com Cosponsored by www.houstonharmonicalessons.com and the Houston Blues Society
This is what Living Blues Magazine had to say about Greg Izor:
" The list serious blues harmonica players who have distinguished themselves as disciples of the post war greats is an all too short one, at least in comparison to the aspiring guitarists out there. And although he may not be a household name yet, Greg Izor, from Austin Texas deserves a place on that short list of harp player/singers who have developed a truly unique voice on the instrument without sounding like watered down versions of Little Walter, James Cotton, or Big Walter Horton.
Here is a schedule of the entire day's activies:
10:AM - 11:30AM - BLUES 'N' KIDS - EL DORADO BALLROOM, THIRD WARD W/SONNY BOY TERRY, RONNIE SHELLIST, TEXAS JOHNNY BROWN AND VIEWING OF POCKET FULL OF SOUL: THE HARMONICA DOCUMENTARY
1PM - 2PM - BEGINNING BLUES HARMONICA W/SONNY BOY TERRY, DAN ELECTRO'S GUITAR BAR
Last year's event topped anything harmonica related that I'd ever attended. This year's sure looks like it will follow suit. Well worth the trip to Houston-(or if you live in Houston, well worth the trip across town). ---------- Ricky B www.bushdogblues.blogspot.com
Just added Forth Worth Texas jump blues sensation Holland K Smith has been added to the show serving as guitarist backing up all the harp players. Holland will also perform a short set of his own the the Sonny Boy Terry Band. This cat is a real player. Attendees will be thrilled. Tickets now on sale at www.texasharmonicafestival.eventbrite.com or at www.houstonharmonicalessons.com
Holland K. Smith is a brilliant blues guitarist and singer. I can't believe he isn't a major star. I saw him once live in Dallas, back in 2004, and I still have and play the CD that I bought from him that night. It's called ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I'll urge folks to go to the following page and listen to "Trouble, Trouble, Trouble," which is my favorite cut. He's obviously listened to T. Bone Walker for the guitar and Ray Charles for the vocals, but he's made them his own. He's got an amazing way of phrasing his notes AROUND the beat, rather than right on them; he's got that Texas swing thing in spades.
I would drive hundreds of miles to hear the guy. You may quote me on that. Awesome player!
Danged! That boy can play. Kudos to you Sonny Boy for lining him up for the fest. Woohoo! ---------- Ricky B www.bushdogblues.blogspot.com RIVER BOTTOM BLUES--a crime novel for blues fans due out 2012
Sonny, "Ted" my guitar player and my self are planning to attend this year. WE had a good paying gig come up last year and couldn't make it. Wev'e marked our calender this year and plan on being there. It was good to talk with you at HCH this year. The break out session you ran was very informative and your preformance on stage was impressive, hey maybe we'll see "Apple head" in Houston playing guitar with you HA HA ! Looking forward to the 30th. Michael Rector
Shanester, You can get tix at the door. No sweat. Shredder, Applehead had a gig and I didn't want to steal him away so I asked my pal Holland K Smith to come down and play a few shows with me since I am going to Dallas to play with him for the KNON Harmonica Blowout Fundraiser at Poor David's Pub on July 23rd. Just a great way to network and connect with more folks in the business of blues. And Adam, you are totally correct. He is a masterful player and charismatic performer. Mike Rubin, I love your playing and you as a human being too. Top drawer. Nothin but love for ya. Same to you Adam. Thanks for giving so much of yourself to the music..You've made me a better and more inquisitive player.
