Month: June 2008

Reviews - Shows 

James Wheeler’s Blues Jam – Rosa’s Lounge, Chicago 19th June 2008

The Good Doctor 0 Comments , , , , ,

Chicago – Rosa’s Lounge

If you’ve never tried it, go! Don’t expect anything grand like Buddy Guy’s Legends, this is more like going down to your local. Perfect in my opinion. Get some rest beforehand and plan to arrive between 9.30 and 10.00 pm local time (yes that’s six hours behind the UK….!). If you are a musician, take your instrument and sign up at the door. You’ll get in for free and Tony will call you up once the house band has finished its intro set (around 40 minutes). And don’t be nervous – this is a really cosy, cosmopolitan, genuinely friendly establishment. Everyone will speak to you and Tony will make you feel very welcome. The jam carries on till 2am officially, but with jet-lag and time difference I was totally knackered by around 12.30am…I guess others were too as the crowd started to thin. (more…)

Harp Tips 

Soloing

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So you joined a band and it’s your first rehearsal or maybe your first live show. At some point the rest of the guys look at you and nod: time for your first solo. What should you do? Don’t panic, Mr Mainwaring, you have plenty of options.

Do what comes naturally

Just pick a harp in the right key and go for it. Sometimes it’s the best option! Trust in your natural musical abilities.

Follow the melody

Pick up the melody line during the song, repeat and build on it during your solo break.

Follow the rhythm

Pick up the rhythm during the song and vamp over your solo break.

Follow the chord changes

Perhaps the most satisfying for you and the audience. Avoid retreating into trills and effects. Get musical. Play off draw 2 over the 1 chord. Use some blow notes over the 4 chord (try blow 2 or 4 and work off them). Find the patterns around draw 1 or 4 when playing over the 5 chord and the turnaround at the end of each bar sequence. Use light and shade – start quietly and build tension – especially in a slow blues. Work melodies, blues notes, moods, patterns, stops, licks and effects; but pay attention to the chord changes. The result is an accomplished musical contribution. (more…)

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