Re: [Harp-L] Alfie's theme

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Nov 23, 2010, at 8:09 PM, Rick Dempster wrote:

> While on the subject Joe, and it's not the first time I've asked  
> it, how does Stevie do that pizzicato 'spitting' thing? Don't think  
> I've heard anyone else pull it off.
> RD

You hit the nail exactly on the head Rick. It IS a spit thing.  
(without the liquid). Stevie chooses keys that, while maybe not the  
easiest, are chosen for effect. Something where he can slap the  
slide. chip notes, chip the corners of holes, do the ptooie ptooie  
thing, etc.
I would say that Wizard Winslow probably knows more about his style  
than anyone. Slide man Slim is also a wealth of info as pertains to  
him. I don't do the 'spit-pluck' too well as I am a tongue blocker.  
You need to purse your lips up really tight and then flick your  
tongue against the inside of your lips. Sort of like when you use  
your finger in your cheek to make a champagne cork  
sound..........only without the finger.

Jo-Jo

> > > > joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx> 24/11/2010 3:15 >>>
> It IS Bb major as played by Stevie (on a C chromo). Originally
> written in C, you can also achieve Bb by using various other keyed
> chromos. I have it from Buckeye 2005 as Bb played on a C Chromo. Most
> other players I know play it in C.
> smo-joe
>
> On Nov 19, 2010, at 8:46 AM, michael rubin wrote:
>
> > On page 14 of the New Real Book Volume 2 is Alfie's Theme.  The first
> > chord (which repeats many times throughout the tune) is Bb-.  When I
> > see a dash after a chord, I think it means minor, so I would play  
> > a Bb
> > Db and an F.  However, this really doesn't sound like the song.  Bb
> > major sounds much more like it.  Is this a misprint?  Do I
> > misunderstand the chord symbol?  Or am I just mishearing a very key
> > element of this classic song made so popular by Stevie Wonder when he
> > played it on the harmonica?
> > Michael Rubin
> > Michaelrubinharmonica.com