Hello, I'm Lee Sankey. Harmonica Thinking is my blog about, well yes, the harmonica. I have been gripped by this amazing instrument since I saw James Hunter (then playing as Howlin' Wilf) playing in the basement of Gossips in Soho, London in October 1988. I was 18. I was so taken with the sound I went and bought a harp the next day and have never looked back.
I have been fortunate to have been able to pursue several of my passions professionally, including music over the last 22 years. I formed my first band called the Cool Grey 5ives while studying Industrial Design at University and in 1993 I won the UK's National Harmonica League's annual blues harmonica contest. In the same year, following graduation, my intention was to pusue a design career but my mind was changed following the experience of touring Canada with Grammy winner Alannah Myles.
In 1997 I formed the Lee Sankey Group going on to release two critically acclaimed albums ("My Day Is Just Beginning" in 1999 and "Tell Me There's a Sun" in 2003) through my own label. My group toured all over Europe playing world class venues and festivals such as Ronnie Scott's (London), The New Morning (Paris) and the North Sea Jazz Festival. I have been graced with some incredible musicians in my band including Ian Siegal, Matt Schofield and David Midgen. I stopped touring in 2004 to focus on my business career however my passion for the harmonica, guitar, songwriting and music in general remains undiminished. I try and play everyday.
I regularly post videos to my YouTube channel which include live performances and blues harmonica lessons aimed mainly at intermediate to advanced players.
I am currently writing a book about a new theory of the perception of musical instruments involving insight from some of the worlds leading jazz and blues musicians, many of whom are heroes of mine. It's entitled "Brainstruments" and you can read more abou the project here. My other interests include design, technology and business. I write the occasional piece on these topics at my personal blog www.leesankey.com.
Feel free to email me at info@leesankey.com
