Last Updated: 2012-JAN-31
This page provides an index to the blues harmonica lessons from
Adam Gussow's dirty-
South Blues Harp channel on YouTube. This is a work in progress, but I hope it will be useful resource for those who wish to enjoy all the great blues harmonica information that Adam has provided for free on YouTube.
Adam's web site has even more information and lessons available, so check it out: www.modernbluesharmonica.com
For consistency, the titles for videos 1-23 on this page are the same as
those used in
Dewey De Loe's detailed notes on Adam's first 100 YouTube
lessons. Dewey's notes are very useful, and only $1 from Adam's web
store. Recommended!
[ My comments are italicized and enclosed in square brackets, like this
comment, and end like this: --vr ]. All other comments are by Adam
Gussow.
I'm working on the "Tags" feature, and hope to eventually mark all of the videos with appropriate tags and make each
tag a hyperlink, which will show all other videos with that tag.
For easy reference, I've tried to convert all of the web sites mentioned by Adam into clickable links, and I've also included some links to various songs, books, albums, etc.
that are mentioned in the comments. Some of these are amazon.com affiliate links,
and if you buy any items after following those links, I will get a small
percentage of your purchase price. Thanks! I hope to also add worldcat.org links where appropriate, which
will facilitate finding items at a local library. I may also eventually add
wikipedia.org links for the various
musicians mentioned.
Corrections? Suggestions? Please email: veloroam (at) gmail (dot) com, with the subject as "Gussow Index". Thanks!
000 Plans For This
Series of Videos
Adam Gussow of the Harlem blues duo "Satan and Adam" inaugurates a series of video lessons in which he shares the secrets of his instrument.
[Note: Adam's book Mister
Satan's Apprentice, which he mentions in this video, is now back in print. He also has several videos previewing the book: AG.4, AG.5, AG.6. --vr ]
001 Various Including Microphones and Amping
Satan and Adam harpist on various topics, including microphones and amping.
Tags: Amps, Microphones
002 Strong Clear Single Notes, Two Hole Draw Diagnostics
How to play strong, clear single notes. Two Hole Draw diagnostics.
Tags: Bb-Harp, SingleNotes
003 One Hole Draw and Good Vibrato
Clear, strong single notes (cont'd). 1 Hole Draw. The secrets of good
vibrato.
Tags: Bb-Harp, SingleNotes, Vibrato
004 Vibrato on Four
Hole Draw
More helpful hints, including vibrato on 4 hole draw.
Tags: Bb-Harp, Vibrato
005 Subtleties of
Tone, Unlucky in Love
Adam plays "Unlucky in Love" and discusses the subtleties of tone on holes 1,
2, and 3. Discussion of "Blue Third".
Tags: Bb-Harp, BlueThird, Tone
006 Combine Single
Notes with Chord Rhythms, Syncopation
Combining 2 hole draw with chord rhythms, using lip-pursing and tongue
blocking techniques. Adding syncopation.
Tags: LipPursing, TongueBlocking, Syncopation, Rhythm
007 Syncopated Chord
Rhythms
Adam offers an old-school front-seat-of-the-car-on-a-rainy-day blues harp
lesson. Syncopated chord rhythms. Stories about crossing paths with Paul
Butterfield in NYC…
008 Machine Language
of Blues, Sonny Terry Rhythm
At a deserted crossroads in Mississippi, next to a cottonfield, Adam
discusses the "machine language" of the blues harmonica and deconstructs a
rhythm by Sonny Terry.
009 Heavily Syncopated,
Call and Response
Using phantom chords as beat-keeping tools on the 2 hole draw. Heavily
syncopated harp breakdown on 1, 2, and 3 holes. Call and response within
chord patterns.
010 Four Hole
Variant
Mr. Satan's harp-boy plays a B-flat blues (with several extra beats thrown
in--an idiosyncrasy of Mississippi blues musicians) and demonstrates the 4-
hole-added variant on the "blue third."
Tags: Bb-Harp
011 Thunky
Fing
After a couple of free-form warmups (D harp, 2nd position), Gussow plays
"Thunky Fing," a funky third position blues off of Satan and Adam's MOTHER
MOJO album, then slows and dissects it for the lessons it contains.
Tags:D-Harp
012 Thunky Fing
Continued
"Thunky Fing," [from Mother
Mojo --vr ] continued. The importance of the outbreath for timing and
phrasing.
Tags: A-Harp, D-Harp
013 Thunky Fing Part
Three
"Thunky Fing," [from Mother
Mojo --vr ] part 3. D-harp, 3rd position, with an overblow and
glissandos.
Tags: D-Harp
014 Blues Scale,
Tips, Inspiration
Adam explains the blues scale and offers practice tips and inspiration to the
harp player in search of self-transformation.
Tags: BluesScale, D-Harp, Bb-Harp
015 Subtleties of
Blues Scale
Satan and Adam harpist continuing his lesson on the subtleties and challenges
of the blues scale, working by analogy with muscling a fast, tautly-sprung
sportscar around a curve: "Blues [harmonica] is manual steering."
Tags: BluesScale
016 Adjust
Reeds
After a little "free blowing" warm-up, Gussow (of Satan and Adam) puts his
harmonica under the spotlights and explains how to adjust and tune reeds for
better playing.
Tags: Bb-Harp
017 Overblows, Tenor
Madness
Overblows! A quick-hit lesson on what they are, how to play them, and how to
set up your harp to make them easier to play. Brief demo of overblow licks
and Sony Rollins's "Tenor
Madness."
Tags: Overblows
018 12-Bar Blues
Changes Part 1
The first installment of a three-part lesson in how to count and play your
way through 12-bar blues changes. Required: a copy of "Harp
Attack!" a 1990 Alligator Records release.
Tags: 12BarBlues
019 12-Bar Blues
Changes Part 2
Part II of "Counting Your Way Through 12-bar Blues Changes”; examples: “Sweet
Home Chicago” and Harp
Attack.
Tags: 12BarBlues
020 12-Bar Blues
Changes Part 3
Part III of "Counting Your Way Through 12-bar Blues Changes." Examples from
Harp
Attack.
Tags: 12BarBlues
021 Mother Mojo Part
1
Discussion of of beginning of "Mother
Mojo," with side notes on how to adjust the reeds for faster response.
Tags: A-Harp
022 Mother Mojo Part
2
Using the "Mother
Mojo" riff as a starting point, Gussow sketches his approach towards
amplifying the harmonica. Big amp or small amps? Solid state or tube? What's
the best way of miking a small harp amp in a big club--and will the soundman
bite off your head if you suggest it?
Tags: A-Harp
023 Mother Mojo Part
3
Finishing up a three-part lesson on "Mother
Mojo," Gussow touches on a number of subjects: finding the "space" for
your harp within a song, letting your body help you attack the upbeat;
throwing repatead riffs across the beat in unexpected ways; tongueblocked
chords/octaves in the upper register; the Magic Dick note (10 blow bend)
024 How to Play Slow
Blues: North Mississippi Front-Porch Blues Harp Lesson
Satan and Adam harpist Gussow discusses the importance of slowing waaaay
down,counting time with your foot, leaving space for the outbreath, working
your vibrato, and making every note count.
Tags: Vibrato
025 How to Get Good 1
Mister Satan's apprentice begins a three-part series of nocturnal
conversations about How To Get Good on the devil's instrument. (For beginners
and others.) From the crossroads at Rt 314 and CR 105 in Oxford, Mississippi.
026 How to Get Good
2
Another late night Mississippi conversation about the journey to be taken by
any blues harmonica pilgrim in search of self-improvement: obsessional
practice in the woodshed; which harp keys to start out with and which to add
as you go; who to listen to and what to strive for. Brief examples from "Creeper
Creeps Again" [from 100%
Cotton --vr ] and "Key to the Highway."
027 How to Get Good
3
More late-night, front-seat Mississippi conversation, oriented towards early-
and midjourney bluesmen: the pros and cons of jam sessions; using iTunes to
master new repertoire; why you need a guitar-man (or guitar-woman); daring to
say "The hell with Little Walter!" when new performance contexts demand it.
Bonus track: Jimmy Smith's "Chicken Shack," using
overblows.
028 "C. C. Rider"
1
Adam Gussow demos and dissects the Satan and Adam update of Ma Rainey's
classic blues, from S&A's HARLEM
BLUES (1991). For intermediate and advanced players.
029 "C. C. Rider"
2
Part II of a two-part analysis of a song from Satan and Adam's 1991 album HARLEM
BLUES. Gussow plays the head, slows and dissects the second chorus,
discusses the proximity effect, and notes the importance of "cough"
articulations. Power harp for the new millennium.
030 The Upper Octave
1
Adding holes 7-10 to your melodic repertoire. Basic boogie-woogie blues
patterns on the upper octave.
031 The Upper Octave
2
Taking boogie-woogie high-note playing through the IV and V chords. For
beginners and intermediate players. (Nothing fancy here.)
032 The Upper Octave
3
Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam demos and dissects two fast, tricky licks--an
upper-octave run using a 6 overblow and a top-to-bottom run using lots of
blue notes. For intermediate and advanced players.
033 "Watermelon Man"
1
Satan and Adam harpist offers the first installment of a four-part lesson on
Herbie Hancock's bluesy jazz instrumental [from Takin'
Off --vr ]. Gussow plays the head, loses the beat, finds it again;
takes students through the chord changes of this 16-bar blues.
Tags: Bb-Harp
034 "Watermelon Man"
2
Gussow begins with a long story evoking hot summer days as a street musician
in Harlem and the "watermelon man" who cooled things off. He plays the head,
amplified and with overblows, then slows and dissects it. The song [from
Takin'
Off --vr ] is a cha-cha beat. Note: Satan and Adam recorded Hancock's
tune on their second CD, MOTHER
MOJO.
035 "Watermelon Man"
3
After losing the beat while improvising along with Herbie Hancock's hard-bop
classic [from Takin'
Off --vr ], Gussow--tragically diminished harp prodigy from blues duo
Satan and Adam--offers a lesson on how to steal soloing ideas from other horn
players, and how to develop the technique needed to fully realize them.
Phrasing, sixteenth notes, and chord tones.
036 "Watermelon Man"
4
Final installment of a four-part series. Harpist Gussow, working with Herbie
Hancock's original recording [from Takin'
Off --vr ], shows how intensitve listening--in this case, to trumpet
and sax--can benefit the blues harmonicist in search of new directions.
037 Blues Harp From
the Crossroads
Satan and Adam harpist takes a break from the woodshed to offer tips on
strengthening your chops, improving your groove, and mastering your axe in
different keys. Gussow plays "What'd I
Say," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and a power-harp shuffle. Also: an open
invitation to the first Satan and Adam gig in NYC in nine years: Friday June
1, 2007 at Terra Blues (149 Bleecker St. in the Village), 7 PM.
038 Harp
Websites
Satan and Adam harpist Gussow talks about his own youthful journey into the
blues, surveys three excellent blues harmonica websites, and talks about the
purpose of this channel. Bonus: Gussow plays the head of "Morning Song," an
unrecorded original in the spirit of Sonny Rollins's "St. Thomas." [from
Saxophone
Colossus --vr ] UPDATE: in response to overwhelming popular demand, I
have created my own harp website, MODERN BLUES HARMONICA (www.modernbluesharmonica.com)
039 Improvisation
1
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.
Tags: Eb-Harp
040 Improvisation
2
The concluding installment of a two-part lesson on the archetypal foundations
of deep blues harmonica by Satan & Adam harpist Adam Gussow. Not just a
warrior, you're also a lover and a painter.
041 The Joyous
Disciples of the Blues Harmonica
Harpist Gussow, reverting to stree-performer form, discusses the fourth--and
crucial--archetype that informs blues harmonica improvisation. He also
invites you to participate in his new Mississippi-based church, and solicits
modest donations for the food pantry.
BONUS TRACK: "I Got a Woman," amped-up Satan and Adam style, from the LIVING
ON THE RIVER album. UPDATE: the church, brothers and sisters, has been
plowed
under to make way for a juke joint, with harp lessons in the back room:
www.modernbluesharmonica.com
042 The Joyous
Disciples of the Blues Harmonica
Still in busker-hat, Gussow, as anarchist-trickster, blows some harp and
suggests half a dozen ways of approaching the 4 hole draw.
043 How to hold the
harp 1
How to hold the harp. Gussow demos and discusses the "reference standard"
grip. Also: a new harmonica instructional website in development.
(www.modernbluesharmonica.com)
044 How to hold the harp
2
Part II of a two-part lesson on how to hold the harp. Gussow sings and plays
a Muddy Waters tune to open, then demos and discusses his harp-grip--not the
"reference standard" grip, but one with certain advantages.
045 Warbles
More than you wanted to know about WARBLES, a key technique for blues
harmonica players. Gussow demos the warbled break from "I Want You" (off
Satan and Adam's HARLEM
BLUES album), then expands on the theme.
046 Warbles
2
Moving outward from the basic 45 draw warble, Gussow (Satan and Adam harpist)
demos six other useful warbles and talks about how to work them into your
playing as you move through the 12-bar blues changes.
047 Train Grooves
1
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.
Tags: A-Harp
048 Train Grooves
2
Part 2 of a lesson on train rhythms by Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
Warning: Gussow goes off on an extended riff about Ralph Ellison's INVISIBLE
MAN towards the end of this one, and mentions pot-smoking--in a
condemnatory way, of course.
Tags: A-Harp
049 Glissandos!
Everything you've always wanted to know about glissandos. Gussow (from the
duo Satan and Adam) works from the bottom of the harp to the top, offering
one or two cool glissed licks for each hole.
Tags: Glissandos
050 Advisory
Note to my subscribers and others who stumble across this self-indulgent
blow-fest + shameless commercial pitch: I have mixed feelings about allowing
this video to remain public. I took it out of circulation over the weekend.
But I've decided to keep it up for thetime being, as an object lesson in what
happens when the trickster-energies run riot. Let this be a warning to
bluesmen-in-training. Be cool, baby. Be cool.
051 Copy & Comp
1
The first of a multi-part series in which Adam Gussow (of Satan and Adam)
shows you how to rip keys, grooves, and melodic ideas off of CDs.
052 Copy & Comp 2
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.
053 Copy & Comp 3
Third in a mini-series by Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. AG cycles through
several harp-based tracks on a recent Seattle blues album and shows you how
to steal licks and hear what's actually going on in the music.
054 Copy & Comp 4
Part 4 in a mini-series, teaching harp players how to listen to a CD track
and quickly tease it apart for useful licks, grooves, etc. The CD is
available for purchase at www.crossroadsblues.net.
055 Advisory
Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam catches up on housekeeping: news of his
forthcoming book, upcoming S&A gigs and other personal appearances, and a "YouTube
lessons" compilation mp3 .zip file (now available) and DVD (coming soon)
056 Copy & comp 5
Last in a mini-series, most likely. PLEASE NOTE: You can purchase the CD at
www.crossroadsblues.net
057 Tongue-blocking
1
First installment of a two-part tutorial on tongue-blocking technique for the
harp player who needs to learn, by Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
058 Tongue-blocking
2
Second installment of a two-part lesson to kick-start players in the
direction of tongue-blocking technique. Satan and Adam harpist demos a range
of uses, then brings you up to speed.
059 Advisory/Lesson
Final tune-up before Gussow takes the show on the road. Quick-hit lesson on
how to use the 3 blow like a juke-joint pro.
060 Journeyman's Road
5/31/07 - NYC woodshed #1
The tour begins! Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam shows you how he spends the
day before the big gig. A Manhattan travelogue.
061 Journeyman's Road
5/31/07 - NYC woodshed #2
Gussow takes you into his midtown Manhattan woodshed for a no-holds-barred
blowing session. Gig-prep is hard work.
062 Journeyman's Road
6/1/07 - S&A in NYC #1
Satan and Adam at Terra Blues: their first NYC gig in nine years. "Ain't
Nobody Gonna Do My Baby Wrong" (an original) and "Watermelon Man." With Dave
on drums.
063 Journeyman's Road
6/1/07 - S&A in NYC #2
More footage of Satan and Adam at Terra Blues - our first NYC gig in nine
years. Adam sings and blows harp on "Take You Downtown" (aka, "Gone to Main
Street") and we both go to town on "Mojo."
064 Journeyman's Road
6/8/07 - Charlie Hilbert!
More footage of Satan and Adam at Terra Blues - our first NYC gig in nine
years. Adam sings and blows harp on "Take You Downtown" (aka, "Gone to Main
Street") and we both go to town on "Mojo."
065 Journeyman's Road
6/9/07 - Portsmouth NH #1
After being shut down on the streets of Portsmouth NH, harpist Adam Gussow
and guitarist Charlie Hilbert play the front room of RiverRun Books--part of
a promotional tour for Gussow's just published book, JOURNEYMAN
'S ROAD: MODERN BLUES LIVES FROM FAULKNER'S MISSISSIPPI TO POST-9/11 NEW
YORK. The duo plays "Key to the Highway" and "Stormy Monday Blues."
066 Journeyman's Road
6/9/07 - Portsmouth NH #2
More Charlie and Adam at RiverRun Books. Two classic Junior Wells tunes, with
an explosive solo by Charlie near the end. Enjoy!
067 Journeyman's Road
6/17/07 - Tampa #1
Conversation about the past week of the JOURNEYMAN'S ROAD book/m
usic tour, including Charleston, Gulfport, and Jon Gindick's blues harmonica
jam camp in Tampa. Plus a clip of Adam Gussow blowing harp on The Meters's
"Cissy Strut" with The Venturas, a terrific local jump blues band.
068 Journeyman's Road
6/17/07 - Tampa #2
More from Jon Gindick's Blues Harmonica Jam Camp in Tampa. Adam Gussow and
young (18) camper from SC trade licks on "Sweet Home Chicago." Then the
finale, with 40 campers and coaches on stage, including--at end--Cheryl
Arena, Jimi Lee, and Jon Gindick. Mark Wilson directs.
069 Satan and Adam
6/18/07 - Ocala, Fla.
Bits and pieces of the first set. "Take You Downtown," "Fever," and the harp
cadenza from "Watermelon Man." The second and third set were even better; see
Harpgear's video of "Thunky Fing." The comeback continues.
070 Journeyman's Road -
4th of July 2007
Blues harpist Adam Gussow brings the JOURNEYMAN
'S ROAD publicity tour to a close, waxes philosophical about things blue
and American on this national holiday, and shares a really cool new blues
lick. (D harp, cross position.)
Tags: D-Harp
071 First Position
1
First in a series of four lessons on traditional and new approaches to first
position blues playing (A harp in the key of A). Gussow explores the lowest
octave here.
Tags: A-Harp, C-Harp
072 First Position
2
Second in a four-part series. Gussow demos a boogie-woogie blues that works
through the chord changes with the help of a 4 overblow and several full-step
bends. You'll need an A harp for this one.
Tags: A-Harp
073 First Position
3
Third in a four-part series on first-position playing. Harpist Adam Gussow
(from Satan and Adam) talks about the high notes and tells a story about
asking James Cotton for a lesson after a gig one night.
074 First Position
4
The fourth and final installment. Adam Gussow (of Satan and Adam) blows some
first position harp, including a high-note thing inspired by Cincinnati's
Steve Tracy. Gussow also plays some of his own arrangement of Scott Joplin's
ragtime classic, "The Entertainer." Once again, overblows rule!
075 Third Position 1
First in a series. On a hot and sultry July afternoon in Mississippi, Gussow
shows you how to play blues in B on an A harp.
Tags: A-Harp, C-Harp
076 Third Position
2
Second in a series. Here's the quick-and-dirty way to play third position
harp: not just by warbling on holes 4-10 draw, but by leveraging the blues
licks you ALREADY know, moving them up two holes and making small
adjustments. This video is HOT! (Well, Gussow is overheated.)
Tags: A-Harp, C-Harp, E-Harp
077 Whammer Jammer
1
First in a five-part how-to series on the classic blues harp instrumental by
Magic Dick and the J. Geils Band. Your guide, Adam Gussow, has been
woodshedding the tune for 33 years and is happy to share what he's learned.
Tags: A-Harp
078 Whammer Jammer
2coast2coastmusic.com.
Tags: A-Harp
079 Whammer Jammer
3
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.
Tags: A-Harp
080 Whammer Jammer
4
Fourth of five in a mini-series on Magic Dick's great rock-harp instrumental.
Gussow's quest to decode MD's withering flurry of warbles runs into
insurmountable technical challenges and crippling melodic indeterminacies.
Tags: A-Harp
081 Whammer Jammer
5
Fifth and last in a mini-series on Magic Dick's rock-harp instrumental,
focusing on high notes. Gussow admits defeat, but he also tells a story about
a backstage encounter with his hero.
Tags: A-Harp
082 SPAH 07
An enthusiast's recap of several days spent at the annual meeting of the
Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica in Milwaukee.
Players discussed inclued P. T. Gazell, Michael Peloquin, Dennis Gruenling,
Jason Ricci, L. D. Miller, Randy Singer, and Joe Filisko. The player I forgot
to include (sorry!!) was my friend, the terrific Winslow Yerxa, whose set I
missed because I was around the corner trying to score dinner. Please chase
down and purchase their recordings!
083 More
SPAH
Adam Gussow talks about how one professional deals with the professional
challenge posed by the presence of other, better players--and how you, too,
can allow yourself to be inspired rather than depressed by the superior
talents that surround you. Also: Gussow debuts an unreleased Satan & Adam
track from the HARLEM
BLUES sessions and shows you the harp part.
084 Even more
SPAH
Final thoughts and some spirited playing from Satan and Adam harpist.
085 Amps gone
wild
The greatest (or strangest) YouTube blues harmonica video ever uploaded,
featuring a vintage 1955 Fender Bassman, Mississippi heat, a crowing rooster,
and Gussow talking trash. Don't believe the hype!
Advisory
9/17/07
News and notes, plus a bonus track: Gussow comments on Yuri, the
harmonica/beat-box prodigy, and offers a reprise of his own pioneering work
in the field, twenty years ago.
086 Riffing the changes
1
First in a multi-part series on how to blow harp through 12-bar blues
changes, moving one particular riff--root, fifth, flat seventh, octave--up a
fourth (for the IV chord) and a fifth (for the V chord). Gussow is using a D
harp.
Tags: 12BarBlues, D-Harp
087 Riffing the changes
2
Second in a series. Harpist Gussow (of Satan and Adam) works his way through
the IV chord, using the tonic, fifth, flat seventh, and octave. He's using a
D harp.
Tags: 12BarBlues, D-Harp
088 Riffing the changes
3
Third in a series on how to use movable chord forms to play your way through
12-bar blues changes. Gussow demos "Rock Me" and discusses the principle of
doubling your bandmates' melodic lines.
Tags: 12BarBlues, D-Harp
Orientation for new
subscribers
Harpist Gussow explains the layout and history of "Adam Gussow's Dirty-South
Blues Harp Channel" at YouTube; he also clarifies the purpose of
Modernbluesharmonica.com and his filesharing warehouse of instant harp-
tutorial downloads at Tradebit.com.
http://www.m
odernbluesharmonica.com/page/page/4464251.htm
089 Syncopation
1
Jungle rhythms, bathtub gin, and white girls gone bad: harpist Adam Gussow
evokes the origins of "sinful syncopation," using analogies from stock car
racing, and shows you how to "advance the spark" to boost the horsepower on
your own harp playing.
Tags: Syncopation, C-Harp
090 Blue Third
1
An intensive analysis of the "blue third," a key note in the blues scale. For
harmonica players of all levels.
Tags: BlueThird, C-Harp
091 Blue Third
2
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.
Tags: BlueThird, A-Harp, C-Harp
DVD advisory
(10/19/07)
My DVD, "Blues
Harmonica Secrets Revealed! Vol. 1," is now available for shipping to all
international addresses.
092 10 Principles of
Blues Harmonica Improvisation
Ten key principles for blues harmonica improvisation, offered by harpist Adam
Gussow. The first 8 are discussed here; the final 2 will be discussed in a
short second video.
Tags: Improvisation, C-Harp
093 10 principles cont'd
The concluding two core principles for blues harmonica improvisation.
Tags: Improvisation, C-Harp
094 Records
1
First in an extended series of conversations about the blues, jazz, and soul
LPs that helped one harmonica player on his creative journey. Referenced in
this video:
Johnny Young, "Tighten Up On It," with Big Walter Horton on harp,
THE GREAT
BLUESMEN (Vanguard VSD-25/26)
Tags: B-Harp
095 Records
2
Second in an extended series of conversations about the blues, jazz, and soul
LPs that helped one harmonica player on his creative journey.
Referenced in
this video: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, "Key to the Highway," from THE GREAT
BLUESMEN, and Houston Person, "Goodness," from THE BLUES
TENOR SAX [Also a version on Goodness!
, but not sure if it is the same? --vr ].
Tags: A-Harp, Eb-Harp
096 Records
3
More cool blues harp stuff from the Gussow-guy. Houston Person's "Goodness,"
from THE BLUES
TENOR SAX [Also a version on Goodness!
, but not sure if it is the same? --vr ] album.
Tags: Eb-Harp
097 Records
4
One player salutes his vinyl influences: a continuing series. Here, Gussow
(of Satan and Adam) talks about James Cotton's "Creeper Creeps Again" and
"All Walks of Life," off the 100% COTTON album.
The James Cotton Band, 100%
COTTON. Buddha Records, 1974 (BDS-5620 Stereo)
For instantly-downloadable blues harp lessons, including one on Cotton's "How
Long Can a Fool Go Wrong" off this album, visit www.modernbluesharmonica.com
Tags: A-Harp, E-Harp
098 Records
5
Butterfield, Butterfield, and more Butterfield! First of four videos in a
continuing mini-series on one player's vinyl influences. (album info to
come...) [Golden
Butter. It also appears that a couple of versions of this are also
available on An
Anthology: The Elektra Years --vr ]
For an instantly downloadable video tutorial on "Born in Chicago":
http://www.tradebit.com
/filedetail.php/1727835
Tags: D-Harp
099 Records
6
Paul Butterfield's "Driftin' and Driftin'," a superb slow blues recorded in
1970 by a harmonica player at the peak of his game. Adam Gussow (of Satan and
Adam) samples Butterfield's best licks from this vinyl gem and explains what
makes them tick.
"Driftin' and Driftin," from GOLDEN
BUTTER: THE BEST OF THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND (Elektra 7E-2005
Stereo) [a version is also available on An
Anthology: The Elektra Years --vr ]
Tags: Eb-Harp
100 Happy Birthday Blues
Harmonica Secrets Revealed!
Happy Birthday! There's a surprise in this one. [Tony Glover's Blues
Harp --vr ]
100a Happy Birthday!
Cont.
The birthday party continued! Wisdom from the master. [Tony Glover's Blues
Harp --vr ]
Tags: C-Harp
101 Records
7
Paul Butterfield's "Too Many Drivers." [a version is available on the
album It All
Comes Back --vr ] With Adam Gussow.
102 Records 8
Fourth and final video on the vinyl artistry of Paul Butterfield. This one
covers "Gone to Main Street," off the MUDDY
WATERS WOODSTOCK ALBUM.
103 sing/play
1
An introduction to the fine art of singing, blowing harp fills, and keeping a
strong beat, by Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. Key of C harp.
104 sing/play 2
Second in a series: blues-singing 101 for harp players, with fill-playing and
beat-keeping thrown in. By Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
105 Records
9
Gussow finally takes on Sonny Boy and the Yarbirds w/Eric Clapton, and offers
a startling theory about who is playing harmonica on the opening sequence.
(Hint: not Sonny Boy.) [I think this is currently available on this album
Live at
Crawdaddy (Dig) --vr ].
106 Records 10
Sonny Boy Williamson's "Pontiac Blues," in several variations: what he's
doing, why he's great. By Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
107 Records
11
Sugar Blue's meteoric 1980 version of Sonny Boy's "Pontiac Blues." SB was
great then and remains one of our most innovative comtemporary players.
108 Records 12
And now for something completely different: Gussow whoops it up like Sonny
Terry.
109 Records 13
First of two lessons focusing on alto sax player Hank Crawford's "Sugar
Ditch," off the ROADHOUSE
SYMPHONY album. A wealth of inspiration is available to the blues harp
player who looks to jazz-blues horn players and their unexpected phrasings.
110 Records 14
Finishing up with "Sugar Ditch" by alto saxophonist Hank Crawford, off of the
ROADHOUSE
SYMPHONY album. Another in a continuing sub-series: one harp player's
favorite vinyl influences.
111 Harlem riff
1
First of a two-part lesson on a drone-blues riff from the streets of Harlem.
Also, news about the FIRST extended Satan and Adam recording made on the
street back in 1989. (Gussow is using an A harp.)
Tags: A-Harp
112 Harlem riff
2
Unlocking the secrets of a really cool blues harp lick. With Adam Gussow of
Satan and Adam. (Use an A harp.)
113 Iron Harp Challenge
1
First in a series of blues harmonica challenge matches in which Adam Gussow
of Satan and Adam goes head to head with particularly challenging tracks by
contemporary harp players. Here, he takes on a dazzlng Sonny Terry style
rhythm track by British blues-soul master Lee Sankey. For more about Lee
Sankey, visit: http://www.myspace.com/leesankey
...and check out the way he kicks out an uptempo harp boogie in this YouTube
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0c3WYs4MpA
114 Shrimp&Cat
Here's some of the swingingest blues you've never heard: pianist/singer Gary
Erwin (Shrimp City Slim) and harmonica player Chuck "the Cat" Morris, from
the Charleson, South Carolina scene. For more about these guys, visit: http://www.shrimpcityslim.com
To purchase "Highway 17 Blues" (the CD), visit: http://cdbaby.com/cd/shrimpcitysl
im2
...or just visit iTunes and download it there.
115 Iron Harmonica
Challenge 2
Gussow takes on BLUES HARP MELTDOWN, recent compilation featuring live tracks
by R. J. Mischo, Mark Humel, Gary Smith, Billy Branch, James Harman, Rick
Estrin, and Kim Wilson; he rips through all 28 tracks, tosses away the spoken
intros, and gives you the harp key and position of every single track--all in
one 10-minute take. NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART.
116 Iron Harp Challenge
3 - NW Harmonica Showcase
Gussow takes on 10 of the Pacific Northwest's hottest blues harp players:
keys, positions, licks, all ripped from the CD in 10 minutes. Includes Mark
Dufresne, Steve Bailey, Mike Lynch, Grant Dermody, and others. (Bluestown
Records BR-CD101)
To order the CD, please visit: http://www.crossroa
dsblues.net/CrossroadsStore.htm
117 New Sugar Blue
1
A couple of updates--new message board and beginner lessons at MBH--and then
Gussow previews Sugar Blue's CODE
BLUE album and starts to unlock its secrets.
118 New Sugar Blue
2
Harpist Gussow shows you how to copy a fast, tricky line from Sugar Blue's
new album, CODE
BLUE, by breaking it down, note by note, lick by lick. Gussow is using a
D harp.
Sugar Blues's website is: http://www.sugar-blue.com
119 Billy Gibson
Arguably the best contemporary player out of Mississippi, now a legend on
Beale Street. Gussow talks about one of Gibson's cool licks.
Check out Billy's website: http://www.billygibson.com
120 Gindick/Missisippi
Delta I
Scenes from Jon Gindick's recent blues harmonica jam camp at Hopson
Plantation in the Mississippi Delta (March 2008). Several sharecropper's
shacks, one of the eight original "Blues Brothers" cars (a big-block V8),
some cotton bolls, several campers and coaches (including Jimi Lee), and a
memorable version of "Hoochie Coochie Man" are featured. Your host is Adam
Gussow, coach and member of the blues duo Satan and Adam.
For more information about Jon Gindick's jam camps, including info about NEXT
year's Mississippi jam camp (March 2009), visit: http://www.gindick.com
121 36 blow octave
#1
A lesson on one of the most important tongue-blocked octaves for cross-
harping blues players, offered by Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. The 36 blow
octave shows up in Little Walter's "Juke," James Cotton's "Creeper
Creeps Again," and many other places. Gussow is using an A harp.
122 36 blow octave #2
Second in a two-part lesson on a key component of powerful blues harp
performance.
123 Jam tracks
1
We're happy to announce the release of the new MBH jam tracks download, with
Charlie Hilbert on guitar and vocals. Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam describes
the album and previews the first cut, "Sweet Home Chicago," showing you how
to get maximum mileage out of each jam-along.
To order your jam tracks CD, please visit:
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/2839291-Documents-
eBooks-Music-Tutorials
124 Jam tracks
2
"Sweet Home Chicago," instrumental, from the new Modern Blues Harmonica jam tracks CD. Adam sings a little, plays a little, and shows
you how to work the track.
125 Jam Tracks
3
Another track from the new Jam Tracks CD: "Checking Up On My Baby." Gussow shows you how
to play along.
126 Jam tracks
4
The harp Dr., Adam Gussow, demos and dissects cut #4, "Muddy Thing," off the
new MBH jam tracks CD.
127 Jam tracks
5
After sharing news about the forthcoming double live Satan and Adam album,
WORD ON THE STREET, Gussow has fun with "Swing in G," track #5 on the new MBH
jam tracks album.
128 Jam tracks
6
More from Gussow on the "Swing in G" track from the new MBH jam tracks album, with crisp rhythm guitar by Charlie Hilbert.
129 Deak
Harp
At the recent Juke Joint and Planter's Celebration in Clarksdale,
Mississippi, I had a chance to catch up with my old friend from NYC, Deak
Harp. He was blowing solo street harp, amped up, with percussion, and it's an
impressive sound.
If you're interested in finding out more about Deak, visit
http://www.deakharpblues.com, or http://www.myspace.com/deakharp
130 boogie blues lick
Back to basics! Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam breaks down a bluesy lick from
the John Lee Hooker school of boogie-till-you-drop. D harp.
131 Ray Charles
I
For the contemporary blues harp player, the soulful sounds of Ray Charles
offer a wealth of inspiration. Adam Gussow shows you how he ripped the
heavily syncopated piano-and-horn riff off of RC's "Rockhouse."
132 Ray Charles
2
Second in a mini-series about how RC's music can inspire a blues harp player
eager to grow. Here, Gussow finishes up "Rockhouse" and works his way into
"What'd I Say."
133 Ray Charles
3
Gussow continues the "Records" series with a third video on Ray Charles--this
time discussing "Hallelujah I Love Her So" as an inspiration to one
developing harp player.
134 Hallelujah Ray
The fourth and final installment of a mini-series on Ray Charles as a vinyl
influence on one developing harp player. Here, Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam
puts down his harp and picks up his guitar to help you make sense of the
bluesy (but not blues) changes of "Hallelujah I Love Her So."
135 I Feel Good
1
Gussow goes head-to-head with James Brown's best-known funk/blues. Zow!
You'll need a G harp for this one.
136 I Feel Good
2
Second in a two-part sequence: How to play the horn/guitar part in James
Brown's "I Feel Good" (a 12-bar funk/blues) using a diatonic harmonica in G
to play cross harp in the key of D. Your guide is the redoubtable Adam
Gussow, horn man with the Harlem Blues duo Satan and Adam.
137 Beale Street Blues
Story
No flashy video here, just an old-fashioned blues story about two talented
young harp players making their Beale Street debut. Featuring Blind
Mississippi Morris, Vince Johnson, Jay Gaunt, and Brandon Bailey.
For more information on Jay Gaunt, visit: http://www.jaygaunt.com
138 Walking Through the
Park 1
Gussow demos and dissects the head for Muddy Waters's "Walking Through the
Park," which is played on an E harp--an uncommon key--and which modulates
from a cha-cha groove to a shuffle groove near the end.
139 Walking Through the
Park 2
Part 2 of a two-part sequence on a classic blues harp head, the intro to
Muddy Waters's "Walking Through the Park." With Adam Gussow, an Associate
Professor of English and Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi
and member of the Harlem blues duo Satan & Adam.
140 Playing Fast
1
First in a four-part series about adding speed to your blues harp trick-bag.
By Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. Contains two brief embedded clips of recent
performances.
141 Playing Fast 2
Second in a series on various approaches to adding speed to your blues harp
trick-bag. Hosted by Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
142 Playing Fast
3
Third in a series. Note: It's possible to search YouTube and find a number of
videos proclaiming "Fastest Harmonica Player in the World." Virtually all of
them feature versions of chugging--repetitive, in-and-out breakdowns. That's
fun stuff: rough, primitive, and not terribly musical after the novelty wears
off. I'm talking about something a little different.
In this series of videos I've mentioned a number of players who deploy the
kind of speed I'm talking about, speed in concert with real musical
complexity: Howard Levy, Carlos del Junco, Jason Ricci, Sugar Blue, Chris
Michalek, L.D. Miller, John Popper.
Of course there are many other players I should have mentioned, including
(but in no way limited to) Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Buddy Greene, Charlie McCoy,
Norton Buffalo. Please suggest more in the comments below! (I'll list good
suggestions here after I've checked them out: Mariano Massolo, Billy Gibson,
.....)
143 Playing Fast 4:
Playing Fast While Performing
Jason Ricci playing fast while performing in Vancouver, BC on July 31, 2008.
This video is from the last night's performance at the Yale. I missed some of
the beginning and once the band kicks in, the sound gets a bit fuzzy as I'm
standing right beside the stage. This is the band's last number, a bit after
midnight, so actually today, August 1.
This clip illustrates playing fast in the "real" world of a travelling
musician. It is the band's final number, after playing for 2+ hours, driving
for a couple, spending several hours lining up for and clearing customs,
setting up, feeling tired and hassled, etc. Yet the guys gave an energetic
and memorable performance. And Jason plays spectacularly here.
Thanks to Jason, Shawn, Todd and Ed, for coming to Vancouver and enduring
cross border travel in our post 9/11 world. Your fans really appreciate it!
Support JNRB by going to their shows and buying their CD's. The dates and
locations of upcoming shows over the next few days in the Pacific North West
can be found at www.jasonricci.com as can other shows in August as Jason and
the band make their way eastward with some north and south zigzags.
144 Odds and Ends
1
Gussow plays a bit of "Juke" in 3rd position on a D harp (key of E) and talks
about a fantastic mic you can use to reinforce the sound of your harmonica
amp through the house P.A. system.
145 Odds and Ends
2
More from Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam, including the opening bars of Little
Walter's "Juke" played in first position on an E harp, with overblows.
146 Call/Response 1
A new kind of video at MBH: you are invited to match wits with Gussow. Can
you follow a series of increasingly difficult blues harp licks by ear?
147 Call/Response
2
Another round of ear training for harp players. With Adam Gussow of Satan and
Adam.
148 Amping the Harp
A short teaser video taken from a much longer (56 minute) video tutorial
available at Modern Blues Harmonica. With Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. The
longer video clearly lays out the foundational principles of amping the harp
--including mics, grips, tube (valve) vs. solid state, speaker configuration,
big amps vs. small amps, even vs. odd harmonics, and the all-important power
curve that makes every amp sing, if you know how to dial it in.
149 How to play "Spokey
Dokey"
Modern Blues Harmonica ace Adam Gussow pays homage to Japanese harp legend
Ryuichiro Senoo and his soulful stylings on "Spokey Dokey," from the COWBOY
BEBOP soundtrack. First in a series.
150 How to play "Spokey
Dokey" 2
Second in a series. Harp teacher Adam Gussow takes you through another ten
seconds from the beginning of a well-known anime´ theme song [from Cowboy
Bebop --vr ]. The harp player is Japanese legend Ryuichiro Senoh.
151 "Juke" lecture
1
Part 1 of a two-part talk by Adam Gussow about Little Walter's "Juke" and the
dialectic of tradition and innovation that animates modern blues harmonica
playing. This lecture was filmed at the 2008 Mundharmonika-live Festival in
Klingenthal, Germany.
152 Sonny Terry
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.
153 Sonny Terry
(cont'd)
More tips & tricks for players interested in learning the style of country
harp master Sonny Terry. With Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
154 new jam tracks
1
First of two video previews of "Blues Harmonica Play Along Sessions," a new
upload at Modern Blues Harmonica. This is a cooperative venture between the
Hills Blues Collective (a Dutch blues band) and Adam Gussow (USA). The eleven
tracks include every important urban blues groove (swing, shuffle, rock,
rhumba, boogaloo, funk, and slow blues). Gussow contributes a one-hour video
tutorial in which he shows you how to extract maximum value from each track.
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/4537012-blues-
harmonica-play-along-sessions-zip
155 New Jam Tracks
2
Second of two video previews of "Blues Harmonica Play Along Sessions," a new
upload at Modern Blues Harmonica. This is a cooperative venture between the
Hills Blues Collective (a Dutch blues band) and Adam Gussow (USA). The eleven
tracks include every important urban blues groove (swing, shuffle, rock,
rhumba, boogaloo, funk, and slow blues). Gussow contributes a one-hour video
tutorial in which he shows you how to extract maximum value from each track.
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/4537012-blues-
harmonica-play-along-sessions-zip
156 Harpgear 2 amp
test
If you're a fan of amplified blues harp, this video should be pure fun. Your
trusty servant, Adam Gussow, roadtests a brand new Harpgear 2 amp and
discovers a monstrously big sound in a deceptively small package.
If you're interested in purchasing a Harpgear 2 or one of Brian Purdy's other
amazing handbuilt amps, please visit:
http://www.harpgear.com
157 Mississipppi Cotton
Blues
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.
158 Mississippi Cotton
Blues #2
Another crossroads harmonica lesson from the front seat of the Mississippi
bluesmobile, featuring slow blues on an F harp and a sudden interruption
towards the end. With Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
159 Soprano Harp, first
position
An investigation and a challenge: Gussow discusses first position, overblow-
charged playing on the high-key harps--unexplored territory, he claims. He
invites you to prove him wrong.
If you'd like to get a copy of the jam tracks album he's working with here,
you can find it as a download at:
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/4537012-blues-
harmonica-play-along-sessions-zip
One harp player who remains unmentioned and who may, in fact, have explored
first position, overblown, high-key harp stuff is Carlos DelJunco. Check him
out: http://www.carlosdeljunco.com
160 New Album, New
Harps
News of a new album (Adam Gussow and Charlie Hilbert, LIVE IN KLINGENTHAL) and conversation about new
harmonicas, plus a new lick.
161 Klingenthal album 1
Gussow previews "She Moves Me," a Muddy Waters / Little Walter duet from 1951
that leads off the new Gussow/Hilbert album, LIVE IN KLINGENTHAL. B-flat
harp.
You can hear a three-song preview and, if you'd like, purchase the album as a
download at the following URL:
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/4962364-adam
-gussow-and-charlie-hilbert-live-in
162 Klingenthal album
3
Gussow shows you some tricks on a B-flat harp, including how to throw a
first-position blues scale (with overblows) into a cross-harp slow blues.
He's previewing a new album, LIVE IN KLINGENTHAL.
163 Nat Riddles 1
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 check out the double live album, NAT RIDDLES AND CHARLIE HILBERT: EL CAFE
STREET LIVE!, hit this link:
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/2715908-nat-
riddles-and-charlie-hilbert--el
164 Nat Riddles 2
More conversation about the late Nat Riddles, one of New York City's finest
harp players. With Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
165 Introduction to
blues harmonica
Did somebody just give you a harmonica for Christmas? Or did you make a New
Year's resolution to take the plunge and learn how to play the blues? Here's
the video for you: a no-nonsense introduction to the joys of blues harmonica,
hosted by Adam Gussow of Satan & Adam.
166 Introduction to
Blues Harmonica, cont'd
Introduction to blues harmonica, part 2.
167 Sanctified Blues 1
First in a series of three videos in which Adam Gussow shows you how to play
a Satan and Adam original, "Sanctified Blues." The song can be found on an
album entitled LIVING ON
THE RIVER. Or you can purchase an individual mp3 of the song here:
http://www
.modernbluesharmonica.com/YouTube_blues_harp.html
168 Sanctified Blues 2
Part 2 of a three-part series on the Satan and Adam original, "Sanctified
Blues," off the LIVING ON
THE RIVER album. Hosted by Adam Gussow, who played harmonica on the
original recording and shows you here what he was doing there--including some
microtonal subtleties on that all-important "blue third." Gussow is using an
A harp.
Tags: BlueThird, A-Harp
169 Sanctified Blues 3
Final installment of a three-part lesson on "Sanctified Blues" [from Living on
The River --vr ] by Satan and Adam. With harp player Adam Gussow, who
played on the original track.
170 "St. Louis Blues"
on harmonica
The most famous blues song of all time, composed by W. C. Handy. Performed by
Adam Gussow in the key of E, using an A harp.
Tags: A-Harp
171 Mitch Kashmar's
"Dirty Deal"
Amazingly good first-position high-note stuff from one of the very best blues
harp players on the scene today. Your host, Adam G., does his best to figure
out what's goin' on. A harp, first position.
If you want to purchase the cut--and you'd be a fool not to--you can find a
link here:
http://www
.modernbluesharmonica.com/YouTube_blues_harp.html
Tags: A-Harp
172 Rev. Dan Smith,
"Cotton Needs Picking"
The unacknowledged genius of pre-blues "breakdown" harmonica. (This song can
be found on iTunes. Search for the song title; it shows up tagged under a
performer named "unknown" on an album called "Good
Morning Blues.") Your host, Adam Gussow, shows you a few of the
subtleties. You'll need an E-flat harp.
173 second anniversary
special
One hundred and seventy three videos in two years: Adam Gussow's dirty-south
blues harp channel continues to roll. Gussow gives his faithful viewers a
taste of Scott Joplin's ragtime classic, "The Entertainer" (theme song from
THE
STING).
174 Kim Wilson, "Down at
Antone's"
First video in a two-part lesson about a terrific uptempo blues harp
instrumental from Mr. KW, tearing it up with The Fabulous Thunderbirds
[from the album Tuff
Enuff --vr ]. Adam Gussow breaks it down for you.
175 Kim Wilson, "Down
at Antone's" 2
Second in a two-part lesson on the classic blues harmonica instrumental from
the frontman of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Your guide is Adam Gussow, W. C.
Handy nominated harpist ("Traditional Blues Album," 1991) with the Harlem
blues duo, Satan and Adam.
176 Mississippi Mojo
A quick-hit lesson from the Crossroads in Oxford, Mississippi on the harp
riff from "Got My Mojo Working." Your host is Adam Gussow from Satan and
Adam, the Harlem blues duo. Gussow is using an A harp in this video.
If you're interested in studying this tune in depth, you might want to check
out the 45-minute video tutorial and tab available at Modern Blues Harmonica:
video: http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/6476786-mojo-1-0.mov
tab: http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/6476787-mojo-1-0-pdf
The Crossroads, for those who might be crazy enough to make a blues
pilgrimage, is located at the intersection of Rt. 314 and Buford Chapel Road
in Lafayette County, Mississippi, a mile or so outside the city limits of
Oxford.
177 Slow Harmonica Blues
on Mississippi back porch
178 Primal Blues Harp [No longer available on YouTube --vr ]
In honor of Earth Day ’09, harmonica teacher/performer Adam Gussow discusses
the primal origins of the blues harmonica.
179 Harp Talk 1
A conversation about harmonicas: which harp you should play, why $150 custom
harps are a mistake for beginning players, how to deal with wooden combs.
Bonus: a cool and very bluesy Howlin' Wolf rhythm thing on B and C harps.
Your host is Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
180 Harp Talk
2
Second in a mini-series. A Howlin' Wolf riff decoded, plus advice for
developing players on which harp keys you should purchase. With Adam Gussow.
[Keys to start with (in order): C (standard recommendation for beginners),
D (easier 2 hole draw than C harp, commonly used), A (crossharp in key of E,
which guitar players love), F (crossharp in key of C, which piano players
like to play) or G (crossharp D with folk guitarists, also for "train"
songs). Also B-flat, for playing along with the early Gussow YouTube lessons.
After that, E-flat (for playing with horns). --vr ]
181 Copy & Comp NEW 1
More in the "copy and comp" series from Modern Blues Harmonica. Your host,
Adam Gussow, flies blind with a new CD from the Seattle-based Crossroads Band
and shows you how to extract riffs from a track the way pros do when they're
getting ready to sub on someone else's gig.
182 Crossroads Blues
for harmonica
A harmonica player remakes Cream's version of "Crossroads Blues" [from Wheels of
Fire --vr ] into a solo piece. This is an experiment, not a polished
performance, but it shows you a few directions that a solo player might
explore.
183 Crossroads Blues
for harmonica how-to
A follow-up to MBH.182, showing you how Clapton's guitar part on "Crossroads
Blues" [from Wheels of
Fire --vr ] lies on the harmonica. Your host, Adam Gussow, is playing
a D harp.
Tags: D-Harp
184 How to play "Digging
My Potato" 1
First in a two-part lesson on how to play the soulful harmonica solo. (Cowboy
Bebop) With Adam Gussow.
185 How to play "Digging
My Potato" 2
Part 2 of a two-part lesson on Ryuichiro "Weeping Harp" Senoh's solo harp
piece from COWBOY
BEBOP. With Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam
186 Brendan Power and
P.T. Gazell
A preview of "Back to Back," an incredible album of swing-jazz duets
featuring Brendan Power and P.T. Gazell. With your host, Adam Gussow.
You can order/download this album from either musician's website:
http://www.brendan-power.com/Back%20to%20Back.htm
http://www.ptgazell.com/
For more information about how the album was made, including clarifications
about what kind of harp Power and Gazell are using, please check out PT's
informative video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNvasphViqg
187 Paul Harrington,
"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy"
Your host, Adam Gussow, previews a terrific new album by Texas harp ace Paul
Harrington, focusing on "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," a soul-jazz classic by pianist
Joe Zawinul.
If you're interested in ordering Harrington's album, HARMONICA
SOUL SERENADE, you can purchase it directly from him. Contact paulharp
(at) aol (dot) com.
Gussow also talks about the process of achieving mastery on the harp: "What
you sweat for is what you earn and own."
If you'd like to learn this song, Gussow offers a video tutorial and tab
sheet.
Video: http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/5007515-mercy-mercy-mercy-
mov
Tab: http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/5007516-mercy-mercy-mercy-
pdf
188 Satan and Adam,
"Groovy People" 1
First of a four-part series of lessons on an original tune from the debut
album by Harlem blues duo Satan and Adam, HARLEM
BLUES. Your host is Adam Gussow, who played harmonica on the recording.
189 Satan and Adam,
"Groovy People" 2
Second in a four-part lesson on a song from HARLEM
BLUES by Satan and Adam. Adam Gussow is your host. The song uses a C
harp, played in the key of G.
You can find the song and the album here:
http://www
.modernbluesharmonica.com/YouTube_blues_harp.html
190 Satan and Adam,
"Groovy People" 3
Third in a series. Your host, Adam Gussow, demos and dissects several key
issues raised by this song: what to do when you lose your place in a solo;
how to apply vibrato to extended notes; and what a harp player can learn
about the "blue third" from Big Walter Horton and Hank Crawford (i.e., other
harp players and sax players).
191 "Groovy People" 4 +
important advisory!
192 Jason and Adam: The
Last Lesson?
After several years of YouTube blues harmonica lesson madness, Ricci and
Gussow meet at the crossroads outside Oxford, Mississippi. THIS IS PROBABLY
THE FINAL INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO EACH PLAYER WILL UPLOAD TO YOUTUBE. But we
solicit feedback from our subscribers in the form of short (60-90 second
videos) in which you show us something that you've learned from us.
193 Jason and Adam: The
VERY Last Lesson?
This is it, folks: the final YouTube instructional video from Jason Ricci and
Adam Gussow Please practice hard and keep having fun.
AG.1 The heart of blues
harmonica
A short lecture for blues players on the sources of inspiration--anger,
passion, a conflicted hunger for drama--and ways of working skillfully with
them.
A viewer who saw this video--another professional harp player--referred me to
a post he'd written on the subject of anger. It perfectly sums up what I'm
trying to say here:
http://www.harp-l.com/pipermail/harp-l/2007-
May/msg00813.html
AG.2 How to play
harmonica: high octaves
The Mississippi-based blues professor, Adam Gussow, shows you how to play big
octaves at the top end of a diatonic harmonica.
AG.3 Blues Harp in the
Studio / Will Tucker
Blues harmonica players occasionally get called on to deliver their best
playing as hired guns in the recording studio. Here, Mississippi-based pro
Adam Gussow talks about a recent session with Memphis blues phenom Will
Tucker. (Note: Tucker's record release party is TONIGHT, 11/7/09, at B. B.
King's on Beale Street, 5-8 PM)
AG.4 Mister Satan's
Apprentice 1
A video-book preview of Adam Gussow's memoir, MISTER
SATAN'S APPRENTICE. It's a story or race, redemption, and blues harmonica
on the mean streets of New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
AG.5 Mister Satan's
Apprentice 2
A video-book preview of Adam Gussow's memoir, MISTER
SATAN'S APPRENTICE. It's a story or race, redemption, and blues harmonica
on the mean streets of New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
AG.6 Mister Satan's
Apprentice 3
A video-book preview of Adam Gussow's memoir, MISTER
SATAN'S APPRENTICE. It's a story or race, redemption, and blues harmonica
on the mean streets of New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
AG.7 Blues Harmonica
Woodshed: custom harmonicas
What's the difference between a hand-customized harmonica and a standard
model? Your host, Adam Gussow, puts a Joe Spiers harp to the test.
If you're interested in Joe Spiers's custom harps--a real aficionado's
harmonica--please visit his website:
http://www.spiersharmonicas.com/
Also in this video: news of several upcoming personal appearances by Gussow.
For details and web addresses, hit this link:
http://w
ww.modernbluesharmonica.com/personal_appearances.html
AG.8 Blues Harmonica
Woodshed: blue third & variations
From Modern Blues Harmonica, a video voyage to the core of blues tonality:
the "blue third," a microtonally-inflected note that every player needs to
know. Also here is a key expansion of the note into a double-stop. With Adam
Gussow of Satan and Adam.
Tags: BlueThird
AG.9 Big River Harmonica
Conversation about the harmonica overture for "Big River," Roger Miller's
play based on Mark Twain's ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN. With Adam Gussow,
who played harp in a bus-and-truck production of the play in 1987-1988.
AG.10 Sunshine of Your
Love for harmonica 1
The Cream classic from the late 60s, translated into simple blues harmonica
riffs, then performed by Adam Gussow as a one-man band.
AG.11 Sunshine of Your
Love for harmonica 2
The blues-rock classic by Cream, broken down into a series of basic licks for
blues harmonica. Adam Gussow is your guide. You'll need a C harp for this
one.
Tags: C-Harp
AG.12 wah
wahs
Harpist Adam Gussow shows you the difference between wah-wah, tremolo, and
fanning: three different ways of texturing your acoustic harmonica sound.
Tags: WahWah, Tremolo, Fanning
AG.13 Mississippi
woodshed session
A free-form practice session in which a harmonica player works some stuff out
in a one-man band context. With Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam.
AG.14 beginning harmony
First of a two-part lesson on basic harmony for blues harmonica players. With
Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. (The outro music is from the NEW Satan and
Adam album, to be released late in 2010.)
Tags: Harmony
AG.15 beginning harmony
2
Part 2 of a two-part mini-series on beginning harmony for the blues harmonica
player. With Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam. (The outro music is from the new
S&A album, to be released late in 2010.)
Tags: Harmony
AG.16 The Busking Life
1
What does it take to become a street performer? Blues harp guy Adam Gussow
shares a few stories of the busking life.
Tags: Busking
AG.17 Heavy
Harp
A video tutorial/advisory from Adam Gussow. How to play a lowdown blues harp
riff (on a B-flat harp), followed by some live action performance/woodshed
video with Gussow on amplified harp and percussion.
Tags: Bb-Harp
AG.18 Jeff
Newsom
An Idaho harp player who deserves to be much more widely known. Jeff spent
some time in New York City back in the late 80s/early 90s, which is where I
got to know him.
Jeff is currently battling Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and is unable to gig.
He could use some help. Here's a link if you'd like to donate to the fund
that his friends set up:
http://jeffreynewsombenefit.chipin.com/jeffrey-newsom-lives
....and here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?
gid=352596082230&ref=mf
If you'd like to purchase a copy of the CD discussed in this video, you can
do that here:
http://st
ore.benwinship.com/Jeff-Newsom-Friends-The-Henhouse-Tapes-
JN001.htm;jsessionid=5D2B2F22F6EA564F45626700DD9477DE.qscstrfrnt04
FROM JEFF:
"Lonely at The Bottom" was written by my friend and legendary guitar player
Mike
http://ww
w.facebook.com/l/98902gJ9BJRSq7weIODry1A1uA;Dowling .... http://www.mikedowling.com/
...... and his wife Jan.It has been covered by many.....
"Desert Horizon" was written by Norton Buffalo
The "Fishin in the Dark" tune is a very old classic that we used on Ben
Winships "Fishin Music II" CD
I'm playing a 30's National Steel Triolian on "Hot Tamales" (listed
incorrectly on the CD) as well as vocals and harp.
Mike Dowling sings on "Dead Presidents"
Ben Winship sings on "Call it Religion" as well as mandolin...
AG.19 [Does not exist? --vr ]
AG.20 Kick and Stomp
1
I'm pleased to announce the release of my first solo album, KICK AND
STOMP. It is available as a download, either as mp3s or, if you want, as
CD-quality WAV files. Here's the link
http://www.mod
ernbluesharmonica.com/kick_and_stomp.html
AG.21 Kick and Stomp
2
A second video tutorial coinciding with the release of Adam Gussow's first
solo album, KICK AND
STOMP. I'm using a Bb harp here.
The album is available as a download at the following URL:
http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/kick_and_stomp.html
Tags: Bb-Harp
AG.22 The New Delta
Jukes 1 - first rehearsal
Harmonica player Adam Gussow and guitarist Andrew "Shine" Turner (cousin to
Ike Turner) working up some material in Oxford, Mississippi. Turner was a
member of drummer Sam Carr's Delta Jukes. Gussow is the harp player with
blues duo Satan and Adam.
AG.23 The New Delta
Jukes 2 - first rehearsal
Harmonica player Adam Gussow and guitarist Andrew "Shine" Turner (cousin to
Ike Turner) working up some material in Oxford, Mississippi. Turner was a
member of drummer Sam Carr's Delta Jukes. Gussow was the harp player in blues
duo Satan and Adam.
AG.24 one-chord blues
How to make bluesy music on the harp with only a couple of notes and a couple
of key concepts. With Adam Gussow of Oxford, Mississippi
AG.25 lip pursing vs.
tongue blocking 1
First of a two-part series introducing beginning and intermediate players to
a central point of discussion within blues harmonica circles. With Adam
Gussow.
Tags: LipPursing, TongueBlocking
AG.26 lip pursing vs.
tongue blocking 2
Second of a two-part series introducing beginning and intermediate players to
a central point of discussion within blues harmonica circles. With Adam
Gussow.
Tags: LipPursing, TongueBlocking
AG.27 side-to-side
riffs on harmonica
Harp teacher Adam Gussow shows you how to play blues using side-to-side
patterns on descending runs.
Instant Naked Raw Brutal
Blues Harmonica - your first lesson
This could be your year to learn blues harmonica.
How to Comp
Harp-guy Adam Gussow previews the new Satan & Adam album, BACK IN
THE GAME, and offers tips on how to comp--accompany a singer/guitarist on
harp--without stepping on the vocals.
Harmonica Madness 1: summer
woodshed, playing hard with precision
First in a series of seven videos, one per day, on blues harmonica topics: a
way of previewing a special harmonica teaching/performing event in New York
City in the summer of 2011.
Your host, Adam Gussow (of Satan & Adam) will team up with "how-to-play-
harmonica.com" guru J.P. Allen, Hal Walker, and guitarist Robert Ross at the
Jalopy Theater in Brooklyn on Saturday, July 30 from noon to 8 PM.
This event is co-sponsored by the Long Island Blues Societ, the Garden State
Blues Society, How-to-Play-Harmonica.com, ModernBluesHarmonica.com, and
Harmonica411.
For more information, please visit the website:
http://www.shop.harmonicamadness
.com/
Harmonica Madness 2: Clarke, Norcia, Guyger, stagecraft, and the Bucks County
blues
Second in a series of seven videos, one per day, on blues harmonica topics: a
way of previewing a special harmonica teaching/performing event in New York
City in the summer of 2011.
Harmonica Madness 3:
grooving with Buckwheat Zydeco
Third in a series of seven videos, one per day, on blues harmonica topics: a
way of previewing a special harmonica teaching/performing event in New York
City in the summer of 2011.
Harmonica Madness 4:
grooving with Buckwheat Zydeco (continued)
Fourth in a series of seven videos, one per day, on blues harmonica topics: a
way of previewing a special harmonica teaching/performing event in New York
City in the summer of 2011.
Harmonica Madness 5:
grooving with Chris Botti
Fifth in a series of seven videos, one per day, on blues harmonica topics: a
way of previewing a special harmonica teaching/performing event in New York
City in the summer of 2011.
Harmonica Madness 6:
grooving with Chris Botti (continued)
Sixth in a series of seven videos, one per day, on blues harmonica topics: a
way of previewing a special harmonica teaching/performing event in New York
City in the summer of 2011.
YouTube Blues Harp
Summit - the Gussow/Shellist Event
Preview of a blues harmonica event in Boulder, Colorado on January 14, 2012
featuring Adam Gussow and Ronnie Shellist.
If you're interested in attending this event, you can find out more at:
http://youtubeharmonicaclini
c.weebly.com/
Modern Blues Harmonica -
Carey Bell
A lesson on the Chicago blues harp mastery of Carey Bell (Harrington), one of
a handful of great players who worked with Muddy Waters. Your host, Adam
Gussow, offers an appreciation of Bell's style and shows you how to play a
few of his riffs. You'll need a diatonic harmonica in the key of A to play
along.
Tags: A-Harp
Modern Blues Harmonica:
overblows!
A video exploration of a controversial technique that has slowly entered the
blues harmonica vocabulary over the past two decades, thanks to the efforts
of innovators such as Will Scarlet, Mike Turk, Howard Levy, William Galison,
Larry "The Iceman" Eisenberg, Carlos del Junco, Chris Michalek, Jason Ricci,
and your host, Adam Gussow.
Tags: Overblows
Modern Blues Harmonica:
Busking 1
Have you ever wanted to become a street blues harmonica player? Have you ever
wondered what life as a street musician--a busker--was like?
This video is for anybody who has ever walked through that door, or wanted
to.
Tags: Busking
Modern Blues Harmonica:
Sanford and Son Theme and fox chase rhythms
A lesson on how one player incorporates old-school rhythms--train chugging
and fox chases--into a harmonica adaptation of the "Sanford and Son" theme
song. With Adam Gussow.
John Lee "Sonny Boy"
Williamson, harmonica legend: a lecture/demonstration
Sonny Boy Williamson? Many people--even those who aren't harmonica players or
fans of the blues--have heard of him. But there were TWO great harmonica
players named Sonny Boy Williamson, and many people don't know much about the
first one: John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, native of Jackson, Tennessee.
At the invitation of Sonny Boy archivist and gravesite preservationist
Michael Baker, University of Mississippi blues scholar and harmonica player
Adam Gussow visited the Jackson-Madison Country Library in May 2011 to give a
lecture/demonstration on the artistry of John Lee Williamson. Gussow's
researches into the publishing history of Williamson's songs not only make
clear that confusion about the "two Sonny Boys" exists at the highest level-
-i.e., where the money is being made--but suggests that Williamson's primary
music publisher, Arc Music, has evolved a startling and hilarious way of
drawing attention to his most widely covered song, "Good Morning Little
School Girl."
Modern Blues Harmonica:
Southbound 1
First of a mini-series of blues harmonica instructional videos previewing
tracks from SOUTHBOUND
, the new album from Adam Gussow. This track, "Southbound," a remake of
the Allman Brothers original (a Dickey Betts composition), features Gussow on
vocals, harmonica, lead guitar, and percussion; Jerry Jemmott on bass, Bryan
W. Ward on rhythm guitar, and Bill Perry on keyboards.
Modern Blues Harmonica:
Southbound 2
Promo video for SOUTHBOUND
, a new album of bluesy, funky Mississippi-based harmonica music by Adam
Gussow. This video features conversation about a Jimmy Reed blues, "You Don't
Have to Go." Gussow uses a Bb harp.
Tags: Bb-Harp