Greg Heumann
2227 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:35 AM
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The biggest difference between the pros and the rest in getting big fat tone is how they hold/cup their mic. Jason has some upcoming gigs that are strictly blues with some pretty fat cats (not sure how much I can say about it so I'll let Jason tell you more) - but he decided he wanted a bullet mic.
SO I made him one! And he made this video.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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Moon Cat
280 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:53 AM
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This Mic is so bad ass! I'm almost a full-time bullet convert! I cant yet comment on Greg's "future Gigs" forecast for contractual reasons but Ill hint at it by saying I'm recording a straight all blues record with a lot of acoustic and down home type songs on it with Nick Moss. There are some other very blues focused work in mind and I needed an old school sound which Blows Me Away has now helped me with. Thank you again Greg and thank you everyone for all your support through out the last three very trying years!
Love
Jason
Last Edited by Moon Cat on Jun 30, 2013 11:22 AM
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Littoral
925 posts
Jun 30, 2013
11:20 AM
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Looking forward to this. I listened to what I could find uploaded from years past and Nick is great old school. I will suggest, IMHO, channeling some Howling Wolf would be useful. Holes 1-4 to conjur the beasts.
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Kingley
2828 posts
Jun 30, 2013
11:22 AM
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Sounds like things are on the up again for you Jason. I certainly do hope so. It's about time you had the opportunity to get out touring again. We're all still waiting for you come to the UK and play. Hopefully one day soon that'll be made possible.
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Reed Triller
90 posts
Jun 30, 2013
3:12 PM
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I look forward to hearing that Jason. For a moment I forgot just who Nick Moss was until I Youtubed him and as soon as I saw him I remembered. He kicks serious ass!
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Bend it like Ricci - Me
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FMWoodeye
701 posts
Jun 30, 2013
6:36 PM
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I KNOW that if I got one of Greg's bullet mics, I could play like Jason. I'm SURE it's the only thing holding me back. An Ultimate 57 might make more sense, since I already have a custom bullet mic (not like Greg's) but it would be like marrying the girl who's a good cook instead of the one with spectacular tits. Well, I have a couple obstacles to jump first, but...
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HarpNinja
3363 posts
Jun 30, 2013
8:45 PM
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What element? Moon Cat rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mantra Customized Harmonicas
My Website
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Greg Heumann
2229 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:28 PM
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@HNinja - there's a CR in there.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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IndianaHarpKid
18 posts
Jun 30, 2013
11:03 PM
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Awesome video as always Jason!
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blueswannabe
217 posts
Jul 01, 2013
7:30 AM
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@Jason, thanks for your videos. Always enjoy them
@Greg, Did you design that mic with a three prong connector or a switchcraft screw on? I noticed Janson plays wireless and there is a transmitter there.
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Greg Heumann
2231 posts
Jul 01, 2013
9:41 AM
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The mic has a standard screw-on connector - and my $29 screw-on to XLR adapter to accommodate the wireless transmitter.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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The Iceman
974 posts
Jul 01, 2013
9:53 AM
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Nick Moss has made some seriously good recordings. Jason picked (or was chosen) for a great situation.
Looking forward to it.
(WARNING - self involved comment follows....
I played with Nick Moss at a Chicago gig in 1997 and as a result brought him to Detroit as part of the back up for the legendary SPAH 1998 Blues Show featuring Kim Wilson. The current Blues Traveler keyboard player, Ben Wilson, was also on that gig).
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The Iceman
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Kingley
2833 posts
Jul 01, 2013
10:28 AM
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Jason has done some gigs with Nick before. They make a good pairing. here's one from 2009.
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MUDHOUND
13 posts
Jul 01, 2013
5:04 PM
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>Jason has done some gigs with Nick before. They make a good pairing. here's one from 2009<
Maybe things have changed, but I'm not sure what he was playing on this youtube video matched that song very well. Just my opinion.
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Littoral
927 posts
Jul 01, 2013
6:39 PM
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MUDHOUND, yeah, I attempted to raise that point earlier.
Again: I listened to what I could find uploaded from years past and Nick is great old school. I will suggest, IMHO, channeling some Howling Wolf would be useful. Holes 1-4 to conjur the beasts.
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rainman
95 posts
Jul 02, 2013
7:44 AM
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I caught Nick at BB's BBQ in Kansas City a couple years ago and was really impressed. He play's a pretty good harp himself. Visited with him during break and seemed like a great guy as well.
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Reed Triller
110 posts
Jul 02, 2013
7:52 AM
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Anyone notice how Jasons sound kinda went dead when the keyboard player started playing?
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Bend it like Ricci - Me
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MUDHOUND
14 posts
Jul 02, 2013
11:58 AM
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The last couple of CD's by the Nick Moss Band have been less old school and more progressive blues. But if he's recording an old school blues CD, I'm just not sure Ricci is the right guy for the job. I'm not denying Ricci's harp talent whatsoever, it's just not a greasy old school blues sound he's known for. He needs to play a lot less notes and use a lot less effects to find the old school harp sound.
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Moon Cat
282 posts
Jul 02, 2013
5:03 PM
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Did I play too many notes in the "Bullet" video above?
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MUDHOUND
15 posts
Jul 02, 2013
5:50 PM
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>Did I play too many notes in the "Bullet" video above?,
Maybe a couple here and there. Like you said, you can't do that type of sound all night, it's just not really your thing. Not knocking what you do at all, it's just not traditional old school blues.
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sonny3
24 posts
Jul 02, 2013
6:54 PM
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I Don't know but I think Jason can play any kind of blues he wants old school,new school or middle.Have you listened to Blues Penitentiary? Mooncat is blues to the core! Personally I can't wait to here some acoustic blues from Jason. I'ts not how many or how few notes you play but HOW you play em'.Good luck Jason!
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Moon Cat
283 posts
Jul 02, 2013
7:24 PM
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Last Edited by Moon Cat on Jul 02, 2013 8:17 PM
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Rick Davis
2040 posts
Jul 02, 2013
8:34 PM
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Jason is a wonderful, captivating player. I've seen him perform in large clubs a couple times and the audience was hanging on every one of those "too many" notes. He played slow blues that gave me chills. I got nothin' but respect for Jason and what he does. Nothin' but respect.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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walterharp
1123 posts
Jul 02, 2013
9:37 PM
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well, he sounds like da sh$t even when he plays un-cupped.
love the tone he gets with very rapid cup and uncup!
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Reed Triller
113 posts
Jul 02, 2013
10:22 PM
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Rick my sister saw him the last time he was in Cincinnati. She called me out here in California during a break and was just nuts about hearing him live,lol. She kept saying omg I love it, such a rush, how does he breath?! lol
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Bend it like Ricci - Me
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Kingley
2839 posts
Jul 02, 2013
10:39 PM
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"He needs to play a lot less notes and use a lot less effects to find the old school harp sound."
Mudhound - I do understand what you mean. Although I think you might be pleasantly surprised just how well Jason can play traditional style blues. There was a video kicking around on YouTube a few years ago, where Jason was playing at a party in the style of Little Walter, etc. No effects, no overblows, just pure old school Chicago blues. he absolutely nailed it with consummate ease of course. Sadly after having searched I can't find the video. I guess it might have been removed by the person that posted it.
I'm sure whatever Jason plays with Nick will sound great. Whether it's traditional or modern blues, oompah, bluegrass or indeed Finnish folk tunes. Jason has the ability to pull it all off.
Last Edited by Kingley on Jul 02, 2013 10:41 PM
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The Iceman
977 posts
Jul 03, 2013
4:55 AM
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Perhaps Jason's core is to blaze a new path into the future rather than pay tribute to times past.
Even though he can probably recreate "old school", recreate is different than create.
I am curious to see how he does on this new project.
It's hard to keep your heart center down when in the midst of creativity.
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The Iceman
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Frank
2557 posts
Jul 03, 2013
5:22 AM
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What has always put the fear of GOD in me... is how Jason can do so many styles with expert precision...The least style I'd be worried about him being able to represent stylistically is ole school blues! He has that language neatly folded away in his pinky finger, ready to unleash on all those who least expect it :)
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Littoral
928 posts
Jul 03, 2013
6:24 AM
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Steve Vie is amazing but I don't listen to Steve Vie.
Jimmy Reed I listen to, on my phone, in my car and on my Victoria.
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Frank
2558 posts
Jul 03, 2013
6:49 AM
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Never heard S.Vai play ole school blues...all I can find is vids like this - not sure about the title though?
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1847
890 posts
Jul 03, 2013
8:51 AM
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his playing in the first video sounded pretty old school
i can hardly wait for the the next in a series
how to properly coil a microphone cable
and the next one to follow
how to remove a amp cover
followed by my favorite
how to remove a hohner crossover from it's pouch!
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third times a charm!
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Moon Cat
284 posts
Jul 03, 2013
9:48 AM
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Thanks for the vote everyone! LOL @ 1847 I DO want to make a damn stupid cup vid! Ha! It's kinda harder than it looks no?
J
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MUDHOUND
16 posts
Jul 03, 2013
9:54 AM
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>I can hardly wait for the the next in a series
how to properly coil a microphone cable
and the next one to follow
how to remove a amp cover
followed by my favorite
how to remove a hohner crossover from it's pouch<
I hear you. It’s pretty evident that JR is much beloved by many on MHB. That’s fine. Nothing wrong with that. There are enough flavors of blues harp to go around. Everyone doesn’t have to agree that the sun sets and rises with just one player.
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1847
891 posts
Jul 03, 2013
10:18 AM
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the sun does rise and set with just one player...me!
just like the girl last night
who asked me who are you going to please with that "thing"........me!
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third times a charm!
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SteamrollinStan
11 posts
Jul 04, 2013
12:58 AM
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I missed something, what harp is this??
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Libertad
241 posts
Jul 04, 2013
2:24 AM
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I am so fed up with this two many notes crap! If you listen to all of Jason's recording he exhibits a full gamete of styles. If all you want is 'old school' there are loads of 'old' artists that did it well. Jason has a unique voice, which you either like or don't like, thats your choice. With no other instrument would we be complaining that a musician has a unique style. If things don't evolve they die, Jason is taking the harp to new places. There is no law that says you have to like it. There are plenty of artists work that I don't like, but I can appreciate the musicianship. For me Jason shows me what the harp is capable of...... unfortunately its not always what I am capable of emulating!
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Littoral
929 posts
Jul 04, 2013
6:00 AM
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Libertad, the sacrilege of anything but praise is the crap I'm tired of. My Vai-Reed post was an attempt to make the point efficiently, the prudent choice would have been to stay out of it.
JR gets Levy and LW level of praise and he deserves it but that doesn't mean people can't post opinions that question the quality of something he does ESPECIALLY when it's done as tactfully as it was in this thread.
Jason said he's recording a straight all blues record with a lot of acoustic and down home type songs on it... very blues focused work... and needed an old school sound. So the old school premise is his. I certainly don't doubt he's capable but, as The Ice Man said especially well: "It's hard to keep your heart center down when in the midst of creativity". The alternative is to approach Popper territory which I equate to carnival sounds. It's great that some people like it but I don't get blues out of it, much less old school.
Last Edited by Littoral on Jul 04, 2013 6:03 AM
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Michael Rubin
772 posts
Jul 04, 2013
6:42 AM
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Although I fully believe Jason can play old school blues, I think of Jason as more playing Jason, the the same way that Walter played Walter. By playing what HE feels, it IS old school blues, the oldest.
I had a great moment when I was 17. I was at a blues jam and had a guitarist friend who felt he was better than the house guitarist. But he explained to me that he used to feel jealous, but then he realized, the house player, for whatever reason, got the gig.
I feel like we can second guess Moss' decision to hire Jason all we want, but for whatever reason, Jason got the gig. We should respect the decision and cast our vote by either spending money on it or not.
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Reed Triller
117 posts
Jul 04, 2013
6:44 AM
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I am in agreement with Libertad.Like art, the piece is not for those who do not like it, but for those that do.
I have never heard one of Jasons songs and thought "Oh, there's just too much music in that song!". I see him as the Hendrix of the harp. There are some songs, especially live performances, that I literally catch myself holding my breath during and there are a couple liver performances I swear I need to smoke after,lol. But I don't see that as bad.
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"Bend it like Ricci" - Me
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Reed Triller
118 posts
Jul 04, 2013
6:48 AM
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Jason. Damn stupid cup video? As in a tutorial on how to use a coffee cup like in your Germany gig video? :)
Love that one!
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"Bend it like Ricci" - Me
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The Iceman
983 posts
Jul 04, 2013
7:14 AM
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Each new generation ("X", "Y", etc) develops its own street sound.
IMO, when MTV hit, I was dizzy from the short and constantly changing camera shots. Nothing lingered for more than 5 or 10 seconds.
Video Games echo this sentiment...constantly moving changing images/sounds.
Perhaps it created new generations of short attention span humans...they make a snap judgement after 5 seconds as to if they will keep interested.
In order to keep interested, they need their senses bombarded.
Us old schoolers enjoyed sinking into long extended grooves with shorter ideas along with a lot of well placed silence between.
So, keep in mind that Jason is of the newer generation and will always have that bulk of the public that enjoy the in yo face flurry of notes and excitement.
I've noticed that a lot of artists like this do mellow over time, as they grow older and weed out the flurries for fewer well placed notes, but this is a function of maturity and change.
Jason is definitely a Force of Nature. I am more interested in seeing the evolution over time and curious as to how he will develop as he grows older.
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The Iceman
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Greg Heumann
2236 posts
Jul 04, 2013
8:25 AM
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For the record, I have heard Jason play straight ahead blues. If you don't think he can do it, you haven't heard him do that, period - because he CAN - and masterfully.
I went to one of Jason's shows where he played NO blues at all. If that was your only exposure to Jason you might think he wasn't a blues player.
You would be wrong. He is well schooled in the old school. Just because he doesn't do it all the time doesn't mean he can't.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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MUDHOUND
17 posts
Jul 04, 2013
9:49 AM
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>Jason is definitely a Force of Nature. I am more interested in seeing the evolution over time and curious as to how he will develop as he grows older<
This makes perfect sense. I’ve not short changed what JR does, it’s just not what everyone enjoys. For me…Blues is about tone. It's about feelings and soul. It's not about how many notes you can play, but about which notes you decide to play...and which ones you decide not to play.
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Reed Triller
125 posts
Jul 04, 2013
9:57 AM
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There is plenty of video on Youtube of Jason playing slower.
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"Bend it like Ricci" - Me
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Frank
2568 posts
Jul 04, 2013
10:00 AM
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Quote...Blues is about tone. It's about feelings and soul. It's not about how many notes you can play, but about which notes you decide to play...and which ones you decide not to play.
This is exactly Jasons genius - he literally puts that quote into practice when he plays - or am I missing something here? :)
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MUDHOUND
18 posts
Jul 04, 2013
10:13 AM
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>>Frank says:or am I missing something here?<<
Yeah, you are.
But we better keep the fireworks outside and off this forum.
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Reed Triller
126 posts
Jul 04, 2013
10:25 AM
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Here is one of him playing nice and slow. Make sure you have headphones on to really appreciate it and crank the volume just before the 3:20 mark.....-whistles-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qjZyUc4FUo
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"Bend it like Ricci" - Me
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