Music
BLUES HARP FOR THE MUSICALLY ILLITERATE
By Kenneth Williams
"C" HARP REQUIRED
CLICK TO LISTEN:1. INTRODUCTION
2. MOUTH POSITION
3. FIRST SONG
4. SINGLE NOTES
5. CAMPTOWN RACES
6. MORE STRAIGHT HARP
7. HAND POSITION
8. MORE TRADITIONAL HARP
9. BENDING
10. SWING LOW
11. SURGEON GEN. WARNING
12. DOMINANT
13. RIFFS
14. HARP CHOICES
15. 12 BAR BLUES
16. HELPFUL HINTS
17. TONGUE BLOCKING
18. DEMONSTRATION
19. WHAT A FRIEND
20. AMAZING GRACE
21. WILLIE BROWN
22. BABY, PLEASE
23. TRAIN SOUNDS
This CD is funeral music. No, I’m not kidding, it’s music for funerals. Plans call for this CD to be provided, as a public service, to area funeral homes to be used if and when a family requests harmonica music be played at a funeral. Our understanding is that most all other music, like guitar, etc, is available for funeral homes to purchase and play through the sound system of the funeral home. However, there doesn’t seem to be a ready source for harmonica music. Hence, this “Heavenly Harp” CD. Feel free to click on any of the songs and listen, or download it if you see fit, but let me warn you, it’s mighty soothing music. Nevertheless, a number of people have requested a copy. Just don’t operate heavy machinery as you listen to this…you might go to sleep!
CLICK TO LISTEN:
1. HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
2. HOW GREAT THOU ART
3. AMAZING GRACE
4. MY GOD AND I
5. WERE YOU THERE
6. COME, THOU FOUNT OF MANY BLESSINGS
7. PRECIOUS MEMORIES
8. WHAT A FRIEND
9. SWING LOW
10. FURTHER ALONG
11. I SAW THE LIGHT
CLICK THE SONG TITLES TO LISTEN
OR
TO DOWNLOAD THE RINGTONE TO YOUR COMPUTER: RIGHT CLICK THE SONG TITLES BELOW, SELECT SAVE TARGET AS, CHOOSE THE FOLDER YOU WANT IT SAVED TO AND CLICK SAVE.
1. BABY, PLEASE DON'T GO
Buddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield), raised in Clarksdale (MS), recorded this blues classic in 1953.2. MY BABE
This blues riff is from the song "My Babe", written by Willie Dixon and made famous by Albert King. "My babe don't stand no cheatin'...."3. RAILROAD BLUES
Every harmonica player has his own version of the Railroad blues, but the best known is probably that one made way back in 1929 by blues harp player Freeman Stowers.4. YOU GOTTA HELP ME
Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller), one of the most influential bluesmen ever, first recorded in Jackson, MS in 1951. His magical harmonica accompanied his unique and captivating vocals.5. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND
Another magnificent harmonica introduction by the great Sonny Boy Williamson, II, of his song "I can't Understand" on his "Keep It To Ourselves" C.D.
6. WILLIE BROWN BLUES
One of songs in the blues-cult movie "Crossroads", from the mid-'80s. It's about a young guitar player in Chicago locating the great guitarist, Willie Brown, in a local nursing home. The harp was played by the great Frank Frost from Helena. He's one of only 2 people I've knowingly allowed to play one of my harps (other than grandchildren that were too fast for me).7. BLUES RIFF
This is a typical opening harmonica riff made by an early bluesman. I can't identify what it opens for or who played it, but it's a great blues riff. The last part of the riff is a good demonstration of the technique of "tongue blocking".8. AMAZING GRACE
This is one of the world's greatest songs, not just Christian songs, but all songs. Known-and sung-by millions around the world.
9. BIG RIVER
The only Broadway Musical featuring a musical opening by harmonica, "Big River" is a wonderful stage play written by the great Roger Miller. I've been blessed to have played the harmonica part twice for this fantastic play about the life of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.10. KEEP ON HARPIN'
This is from the world's greatest country harmonica player, Charlie McCoy. It appeared on his "Nashville Hit Man" album in 1978. Charlie continues to dazzle audiences all over the world with his harmonica.11. LONG WAY HOME
This is rather a weak effort of replicating the fantastic opening on the '70's song by the group Super Tramp. The ONLY 8-track tape remaining in my musical collection contains this song.12. SHENANDOAH
An American classic from the early 1800's, "The Wild Mizzoureye" reached it's greatest popularity aroung 1840. It continues to be a staple in American Music.
Copyright 2010 Kenneth Williams ALL RIGHTS RESERVED