Search - Gary Smith - Amplified Blues Harp Demystified on DVD

Excellent video on amplified blues harp!

Zvi M. Aranoff | Brooklyn, NY United States | 09/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gary Smith is the real deal. He's one of today's greatest blues harp players, and alas, not very widely known. He's totally cool and laidback (though a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera), he knows his stuff - and the result is a video which is a sheer pleasure to watch and learn.

This video focuses exclusively on amplified harp, and covers the following:

* An overview with of some of the best-known mics, amps & harps (a quick overview of Chromatic too), including Smith's recommendations, preferences and ample demonstrations.

* Harp techniques: correct embouchure, tongue blocking, tongue flutter warble, using the mic for effects. I wish he had more techniques.

* Playing with a band.

* Copying solos from the great masters.

* A tiny bit of blues music theory.

* Various tips.

He demonstrates many of his points, so you get a clear idea of what he's talking about.

In addition there are 13 jam sessions, in various styles. That alone is worth the price of admission.

His CD, "Blues for Mr. B" is one of my favorite blues CDs ever. It's available on Amazon. I only wish he'd record more!!

Note that the Amazon description indicates the video is 60 minute long. This is a mistake. The main DVD is shy of 2 hours + a 20min bonus section of his performance at David Barrett's Harmonica Masterclass. (The first 5 min or so the sound is out of sync with the audio, then the song is repeated.)"