Re: [Harp-L] U blocking

[Matthew Smart <matthewsmart@xxxxxxxxx>]

Im sure people will argue this, but I think u blocking is a pretty good 
way to go if you cant tongue block. The tongue is on the harp, making it 
easier for octaves and side to side work. I have found that many players 
that are self taught sometimes naturally go this way because they have 
trouble getting single notes. The tone is good because that rounded 
tongue creates a sound channel. I learned this from a local atlanta 
player that was actually mentored somewhat by Little Walter. He said 
that walter showed him the u block method and now he does a combo of 
tongue to side tongue block and u block on the lower notes. So, yes 
apparently Walter was a u blocker or at least quasi u block/tongue block 
player according to this. He is quoted in the Little Walter book talking 
about this. It may explain his confounding tone and sounds. I went to a 
seminar once with Mark Hummel and I remember him saying that he didnt 
think Walter tongue blocked! Who knows. Perhaps the u block is the 
explanation. Of course Im not an expert and I know many well known 
players would disagree. Im just sharing what I have learned over the 
years. Getting Walter's sound is confounding for most!


On 8/14/2012 2:55 PM, Tony Stephens wrote:
> Because no one talks about u block and you can not find info at YouTube on this it was driving me crazy. Was I learning all wrong? Then I ran up on Robert Hale. He helped me come to terms with u blocking. Mickey Raphael said in an email use what works for you. I still want to pucker and TB, but u block is fine too. This may help another person out there, I hope so anyway.
>        Thanks
>
> Sent from my iPhone