So a while ago I realized I was super bored with my same old sound. I've always been into the whole delta blues scene. Every once and a while I'd throw in some Chicago type stuff to, you know, round out my playing.... Right. How naive.
I knew you could work out Sax parts on the harp. Tried it. Still didn't do much for me. By reading a ton of old posts, listening to music I've never really been that into, and experimenting, I've really learned to play the horn parts.
Man o man, over the past 2 months or so I have improved exponentially by hammering out horn parts! I wish I had stumbled across this sooner. I'm so surprised how much that has improved my playing. One thing in particular that I've learned is to use my bent notes a whole different way. I don't know quite how to explain it but it feels like an epiphany. Plus it's turned me onto some bands I've never heard of like The Budos Band.
I just thought I'd share because I'm excited about it and maybe just maybe there is someone on this board that hasn't thought of playing the horn pieces. I would post a video but the acoustic recording capabilities of my camera suck eggs. I'll get one up soon but in the mean time here's something to play along with!
---------- Dyslexics are teople poo.
Last Edited by on Dec 03, 2010 4:24 PM
I don't know what song this was. The info on the video just said it was them playing live in 2006. I went through their 2006 and 2007 records to try and match the song but it seems it's a mix or something. Maybe "monkey see monkey do" and "ride or die"? I don't know it was just a quick run through.
You hit the nail on the head with the bend thing. It's like I used to only think of bends as sub notes or notes that get me the bluesy sound but now I see them just as I see draw and blow notes. I could philosophize further but I fear my words would fall into the incoherent babble category as I have started the process of emptying and refilling my glass for the evening. With that I bid you all ado. Have a good night.
---------- Dyslexics are teople poo.
Last Edited by on Dec 03, 2010 7:29 PM
My new favorite, discovered through Pandora Internet Radio, is a song called "Peanuts," with Hank Crawford on alto sax and Jimmy McGriff on organs. They've always been one of my favorite blues duos--urban East Coast sound, not about the guitar (although there's definitely a guitar in the mix: Grant Green-style "stringy" sound), intoxicating grooves, and, most of all, heads and sax solos that are ready-made for harp players looking to steal stuff.
You got that right Adam. Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff are my 2 favorite musicians, with Jimmy leading over Hank.
Hank Crawford is great. Not all that witadidllidlee loodsroopadoo fluttering jazz stuff and Jimmy McGriff is just absolutely amazing.
The Worm. Miss Poopie. Any Day now.
Fantastic stuff!
You got it spot on too. Their stuff is somewhat easier to play than guys like Sonny Rollins or King Curtis. Though Curtis is good for it sometimes. His "Fever" is the one I go straight to. Check 'em out.
---------- ---Go Chicago Bears!!!---
Last Edited by on Dec 04, 2010 9:05 AM
Ah. Origin of Man. I'm checking out the stuff you guys are suggesting on itunes. It's funny how your taste in music changes as you get older. 3 years ago I would have never even thought of listening to the stuff I listen to now.
