[Harp-L] RE: J. Geils

[Dan <billybudd1313@xxxxxxxxx>]

In response to below, and this thread in general:
   
  1. J. Geils Band's first album is one of my favorite "blues" albums no matter what the band says (rock shcmock)
   
  2. I thought "First I look at the Purse" was a low F harp then high F on the solo.  (Maybe I've got the wrong song in mind)
   
  3. To the fellow who asked about Whammer Jammer and said it was way over his head but he's trying anyway:  I think that's the right attitude.  We all have our own ways, of practice, and there's a time for slow concerted work for all of us.  However, sometimes, I believe you have to just go B__ls to the wall and shoot for the top.  Good job.
   
  Dan G.
   
  Message: 24        
   Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 17:24:10 -0000
   From: "Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re:  [Harp-L] RE: J Geils

Johnny Bishop wrote:
> As for J. Geils I too really like the first album, but when the 
> Live Full House record came out it was an eye opener!
> Serves you right to suffer baby...HA!

I've always thought that the Live album was a great tutorial for 
aspiring harp players.  It has some 3rd position rhythm chugging 
("First I Look at the Purse", rhythm part is 3rd position on a Bb 
harp, solo in second position on an F harp), a huge amount of 2nd 
position stuff, including "Homework" which has no harp solo, 
and "Cruisin' For Love" which is in 1st position, and has a great 
solo.  

Aside from split intervals/octaves, Dick uses just about every 
technique you need to know -- tongue flutters, warbles, blow bends --
 all with very precise execution in a very high octane setting.  It 
was always my benchmark for what a "harmonica sideman" should be.  
Too bad there aren't many (any?) opportunities like that out there.  

I saw the J. Geils Band when I was only 15 years old, and 
immediately went home and started buying Marine Bands and a Fender 
tube amp (though I couldn't afford the blackface Princeton Reverb 
Dick was playing through).  

-tim

Tim Moyer
Working Man's Harps
http://www.workingmansharps.com/