Second in a series on the mysteries of the “blue third,” a quarter-tone that lies somewhere between the major and minor third and is a key constituent of the blues scale that all harmonica players must master. With Satan & Adam harpist Adam Gussow. For a series of instantly-downloadable video tutorials focused on key songs in the modern harp player’s repertoire, see: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
The late Nat Riddles (1952-1991) was one of New York City’s most gifted blues harmonica players. Here, Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam tells stories about Nat and previews a remarkable bonus track included on the recent release, ADAM GUSSOW AND CHARLIE HILBERT: LIVE IN KLINGENTHAL. To preview and purchase LIVE IN KLINGENTHAL as a download, go to: www.tradebit.com To check out the double live album, NAT RIDDLES AND CHARLIE HILBERT: EL CAFE STREET LIVE!, hit this link: www.tradebit.com If you’re interested in learning how to play traditional and contemporary blues harmonica, visit Modern Blues Harmonica: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
Second in a series. A pro shows you–with mixed success!–how to sit down with a CD and steal licks, figure out what key the song is in, and feel your way into its inner harmonic logic. For a series of skill-graded video tutorials and tab sheets focusing on classic blues harmonica repertoire by Little Walter, Sonny Terry, and many others, please visit: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
Second in a series on Magic Dick’s magisterial blues harp instrumental throw-down virtuoso showpiece–ie, this is THE great modern blues harmonica tune, and Gussow will show you how to play it. Sort of. Note: the tab that Gussow mentions is available at coast2coastmusic.com. For a series of skill-graded video tutorials and tabs focusing on classic blues harmonica repertoire by Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and others, please visit: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
First part of a two-part lesson on train rhythms. After talking about some remarkable donations to his “church” of blues harmonica, Gussow (of Satan and Adam) demos and dissects the “nuck-a tuck-a” rhythm that is the foundation of harmonica train songs. Key of A harp. Live in the car from Oxford, Mississippi. For a series of skill-graded video tutorials and tabs focusing on classic blues harmonica repertoire by Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and others, please visit: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
More from Gussow on the “Swing in G” track from the new MBH jam tracks album, with crisp rhythm guitar by Charlie Hilbert. To order your jam tracks album–an instant digital download–please visit: www.tradebit.com The official album release party for WORD ON THE STREET will take place on the evening of Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Red’s Lounge in Clarksdale, Mississippi. SATAN AND ADAM WILL BE THERE, kicking and stomping, with our new drummer, Dave Laycock. Here’s a link that describes Red’s: www.jukejointfestival.com For lots more blues harp stuff, including a series of skill-graded video tutorials and tabs, please visit: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
A quick refresher course on the breakdown rhythms of country harp master Sonny Terry, by Adam Gussow. More detailed information will be provided in the video that follows. If you’re interested in the warmup exercises Gussow demos here, you can find an extended video lesson (40 minutes) and a tab sheet at the following links: Video: www.tradebit.com tab: www.tradebit.com For a series of skill-graded lessons (videos and tabs) focused on classic blues harp repertoire by Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Paul Butterfield, and more, please visit: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
And now for something completely different: core principles for the developing blues harpist drawn from Jungian depth psychology and New Age soul ministry. Gussow explores the first of three archetypes–warrior, lover, painter–that govern soulful improvisation. For a series of skill-graded video tutorials and tabs focusing on classic blues harmonica repertoire by Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and others, please visit: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
Third in a how-to mini-series. Your guide, Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam, breaks down some of Magic Dick’s dazzling instrumental runs and runs into unexpected difficulty in the face of MD’s genius. Salieri confronts Mozart. Sort of. For a series of skill-graded video tutorials and tabs focusing on classic blues harmonica repertoire by Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and others, please visit: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
Gussow takes you back to the crossroads in Lafayette County, Mississippi and spends some time in a cotton field, talking about cotton, blues, and life. With music by Robert Johnson and Garfield Akers. www.modernbluesharmonica
