Merry Christmas to you! It's been a crazy year in so many respects. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to taking a break. In my world that means playing more harmonica. Yesterday, I had a bumper video recording session and made 3 connected episodes for my series on Tongue Blocking.
These new videos continue the idea of bringing together the individual techniques I've covered so far so you can move around the harp, deploy effects such as octaves and bend notes. To do this I've taken the scale and rhythm covered in my last video "Bringing It Altogether 2" and constructed a tune from them . Two of the videos provide a step by step explanation of the head and the other is a take of the tune itself. The tune reminds of one of my favourite harp players the late, great William Clarke who I've already referenced in this current video series. Especially the octaves in the 2nd part of the head. So I've named the tune "Bills Blues" in his honour. Fittingly simple I hope you agree. Give it a listen and let me know if it reminds you of him.
Beginners will struggle to play this tune. The 1st part of the head is certainly within reach if you are an intermediate player but you will definitely find part 2 challenging. There's one phrase in particular which requires expert levels of timing and control - (video 2 at 0.58 ). Whatever your level though, there will be something for you to work on in this tune if you have been practising and progressing the exercises in this tongue blocking series.
Before sounding off, I wanted to say that last week my YouTube channel passed a 1000 subscribers. It's a small number compared to some other more establish harp players on YouTube but I am delighted to reach this milestone. My thanks go to everyone who has been taking an interest in my music, videos and this blog.
I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.
Bills Blues:
Walkthrough Part 1:
Walkthrough Part 2:
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