Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge, Songs, Stories, Lessons, Riffs, Techniques and Audio Index for a New Generation of Harp Players (Includes ... book and 74 minute stereo CD Jamming Buddy)

Book Description

Here's a rich world of blues harmonica instruction and music for beginning through intermediate players.

Inspired by the idea that most music instruction literature is boring and irrelevant to most people most of the time, Rock n' Blues taches improvisational blues harmonica in a way that gets through the even the most instruction-hating, throy-phobic, eye-closed, "leave-me-alone-I'm-jamming" harp player. THE BOOK includes choosing your harp, first sounds, getting sweet tone, playing chords, playing single notes, basic blues riffs, I-IV-V blues progressions, bending, tongue-blocking, octaves and splits, vibrato, headshakes, mics and amps, positions 1 through 6 plus 12, reed tuning, famous cross harp melodies and more. The audio index tells you the key of harmonica you need to jam with the great blues recordings.

On THE CD, Jon plays every major harp technique over an easy-jamming, blues-band background for your C harmonica. Turn off the instruction to hear only the band. Turn off the band to hear only the instruction. This fully indexed 74 minute audio program will be a constant companion as you develop your tone and techniques.

THE HARMONICA is a Hohner Bluesband in the key of C, regularly retailing at $6. It is capable of sweet tone, bending and blues.

Customer Reviews:

Cheesy Story detracts from the message.......2007-10-06

This book contains some good information but the information revolves around a silly cheesy cave man / Adam & Eve story that really starts to become irritatingly annoying after the first page. In fact, the silly story is so irritating that it detracts from the real message and information. If you were to remove the story the information could be written in a book with far few pages and much less irritation. The accompanying CD is ok with its two channel ability but even that can be improved a bit.

Rock n Blues Review.......2007-08-23

I had previously purchased other instructional material by Jon Gindick, so I knew the guy was a good teacher, but this exceeded all expectations. I could see an improvement in myself after listening to the CD the very first time. The book is illustrated and specifically written for us "musical dummies". I would like to mention, however, that while the book is directed towards raw beginners, it takes a great deal of practicing to be able to Jam along with the CD. But, then again, that's probably the idea. If you were already that good you wouldn't need to be buying it. Overall, this is a great product.

Great Product!.......2007-05-23

Yeah--the caveman story line is a little tedious, but you gotta love Mr. Gindicks attempt at making it less technical and boring to study music. The material is great--the CD is wonderful--I've been getting better and better just playing the CD and jamming along--every now and then I even learn something new.

If you want to learn blues harp--this is a great place to start, in my opinion.

Ray

A Harmonica Book that Teaches the Fun Way!.......2007-05-15

If you're new to harmonica, or just want a few tips on how to improve your sound or technique, then this book is worth a look. John Gindick is a super teacher and this book is testament to that. Both entertaining and informing, this book has what the beginner/intermediate harp player is looking for.

Forget all the rest, buy this book.......2007-04-15

I have an impressive stack of "Learn to Play the Harmonica Instantly" books and none of them helped me in the least. This book got me playing the harmonics very quickly. The Caveman aspect of the book is a bit corny, but what the heck, why not? It's just Jon's way of making a unique approach to the music. If you really want to play music on your harmonica, buy this book. If you want excuses for why you don't play harmonica, stay with the others.

Average customer rating:

Continueing on with the tale
The Magic continues!
Well thought, well wrought.
Readable, but confused
Plot heavy

Harp of Winds
Maggie Furey
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553565265
Release Date: 1995-02-01

Customer Reviews:

Continueing on with the tale.......2004-07-17

Aurian can no longer rely on her magic and must fight in other ways to save not only her life, but her unborn childs. The settings are fantastic in this one, having the winged folk, and thier cities in the cliffs.

The Artifacts Of Power books are filled with one running main plot and several sub plots, making it an interesting and in depth series to read. However, by the end of the forth book all the loose ends are pretty much tied up.

The Magic continues!.......2004-01-09

This book is not as good as Aurian, but it is still brilliant. the action moves at a quick pace, but not so quick as to leave you running to catch up, and as usual the descriptions Maggie Furey gives us to explain the events are colourful and vibrant. The book is very easy to follow, even if you haven't read the first one, but who would read a sequel without reading the starter anyway? I loved it.

Well thought, well wrought........2002-10-25

This the second book in The Aterfacts of Power series (following Aurian, and followed by The Sword of Flame and Dhiammara).

After their harrowing ordeal in the blinding desert of glittering gem shards where they recreated the Staff of Earth, one of the lost Artefacts of Power, the Mages Aurian and Anvar find themselves victims of yet another treachery.

Aurian, now several months pregnant and so bereft of her powers, ends up in the stronghold of the Tower of Incondor, prisoner of Harihn, Prince of the Khazalim, whereas Anvar is taken hostage by Blacktalon, High Priest of the Sky Folk, in the high-peaked city of Aerillia. Both are in league with Miathan, who covets Aurian's child, on which he's put a terrible curse.

Shia the great cat might be their only hope.

In this second volume, Maggie Furey takes the opportunity of Aurian and Anvar's confinement not only to develop background characters such as Vannor and his daughter Zanna, Parric, Forral's former horsemaster, or the Nightrunners, but also to introduce the reader with a whole cast of new characters, among which the winsome shapeshifting Xandim Chiamh and Shiannath, therefore letting the story unravel gently, without slowing the pace of action.

And all the while, the mountain is watching...

Readable, but confused.......2002-02-13

Really, the title of my review says it all. I bought the book (actually, the books, since I bought books three and four as well) while browsing in a secondhand bookshop, and mainly because I liked the jacket illustration (I am referring to the English version, which personally I like better than the American one), so I had no preconception, and added to that had not read book one (and couldn't obtain it in France) so I was not in the best of minds to pick up in the middle of the story. Well. I did like the characters-most of them, at any rate.
But two things really account for the score. First, the story. It's not that it's particularly bad, but there's too much in it, too many subplots that get you confused, don't get you very far-when you think about it very little of import actually happens because the story is spread out between so many characters (add to that an annoying tendency of the author-but then it's almost inevitable when you deal with several strands of plots- to cut off at the most interesting moment. that's fine by me, keeps me reading, but the thought of having to wait for fifty to seventy pages before Mrs Furey gets back to them was almost more than I could bear).
Point two, the stereotypes. It's not enough that the plot is somewhat redolent of a typical quest fantasy, and that the main characters on the good side-particularly Aurian and Anvar-are so much the clichéd heroes that they become bland at times- but the villains are really too much of a caricature to be believable. And some scenes are so naive (like the one between Anvar and the Cailleach) that they make you shake your head.
I'd like to add that despite that, I'm in the middle of book three, and I must admit that so far Mrs Furey seems to have made an effort on the cliché side, at least as far as the villains are concerned, but this, coming after the second book, I am afraid, sounds even less believable than the Dark-Lord-villain.
The subplots problem has remained the same. I think it's a good light read, and she does have talent for creating memorable characters-but the ones you keep in mind are, I think, more the secondary characters than the main ones.

Plot heavy.......2002-01-18

Too many plots and sub plots in this second of the series. Getting hard to keep everything and everyone straight. Would have been better keeping all the subplots in a separate book and just getting on with it. It's too much like reading more than one book at the same time.

Average customer rating:

Learn how to bend notes on your harmonica
Could be great.
After three weeks I can bend one note.
The book that learns you how to bend

Bending The Blues (Harmonica)
David Harp
Manufacturer: Musical | Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0918321115
Release Date: 1998-12-31

Book Description

Master the most important harmonica technique with this handy guide containing beginner's instructions + hot bending licks and blues scales for average and advanced players.

Customer Reviews:

Learn how to bend notes on your harmonica.......2007-10-03

Great book to learn how to bend notes on your harmonica. Was recommended to me by others.

Could be great........2006-08-27

This book could be great IF it had a CD with it.

After three weeks I can bend one note........2003-02-18

I was a total absolute beginner when I met this book. After three weeks of practice following this book, I can draw-bend one note. I am still improving. This book is concise but very helpful for broad range of harpists from beginners to semi-professional. I am grateful for David Harp for this wonderful text.

The book that learns you how to bend.......1997-11-08

If you are a beginning blues harp player, this is the book that you must have to learn how to bend. My bending has improved very much after reading and practising this book. Also a friend of mine uses the book and his bending is improving too.

The Wind Harp (The Mountain Song Legacy #2)

Average customer rating:

Anxiously Awaiting Book 3!
Book 2 of the Mountain Song Legacy
A beautiful love story
Peace in the Valley
How can you go wrong with a big dog in the story?

The Wind Harp (The Mountain Song Legacy #2)
B. J. Hoff
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0736914587

Book Description

B.J. Hoff’s unforgettable characters from A Distant Music reunite for an even more gripping, dramatic episode in The Mountain Song Legacy.

When Maggie MacAuley returns to the small coal town of her childhood, she has no intention of staying. Her life is in Chicago now. There’s nothing to keep her in Skingle Creek...

...nothing but the discovery that a man who has lived most of his life for the children of Skingle Creek is no longer the hero of Maggie’s childhood but seems destined to become the love of her life.

In Maggie’s quest for independence, she finds her greatest strength in sacrifice...and in her struggle to heal her family, she finds her heart renewed by love.

Customer Reviews:

Anxiously Awaiting Book 3!.......2007-02-19

Well, once again, B.J. Hoff has drawn me into a story right from the very first page, and kept me up half the night reading because I didn't want to put the book down!

The characters in this book are brought to life in a style that only B.J. Hoff could accomplish. They will become a part of you that you don't want to leave for the real world. The story line is wonderful, and it will leave you anxious for the next story in the saga.

This is a MUST-read for every B.J. Hoff fan, as well as those who might be new to her stories. I've passed it along to all my friends, and we all agree - we can't wait to get our hands on Book 3!

Book 2 of the Mountain Song Legacy.......2006-12-19

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (12/06)

Maggie MacAuley has returned home to Skingle Creek in Northeastern Kentucky in 1904, on leave from her teaching job at Hull House in Chicago. With her father seriously injured in a mining accident yet still determined to work, a brother who wants to quit school to work in the mines to provide for the family, and a mother trying desperately to stop her husband from destroying himself, Maggie quits her position in Chicago to remain in Kentucky to help her family. As fate would have it, Jonathon Stuart, the school principal, offers Maggie a teaching job at the local school. As a child, Maggie had always had a crush on Jonathon when he was her teacher, and their age difference is not that far apart since he was just a young new teacher at the time.

Maggie's married sister, Eva Grace, returns home with both upsetting and exhilarating news that she hesitates to share with anyone except Maggie. Jonathon and Maggie also visit the home of little Huey and his sister Selma, two students at the school who are prone to being absent, and Maggie is appalled at their discoveries. Little Huey is being physically abused and refuses to talk. And to top off the list of problems, Maggie finds herself falling once again for the school principal, but Jonathon and his secretary, Carolyn Ross, are often seen on Sundays in his horse and buggy. Carolyn is obviously smitten with Jonathon, and she is about his own age, unlike Maggie.

Dr. Gordon, the new female doctor in town, helps Eva Grace, Huey and Selma, and can possibly help Maggie's father, Matthew, but the stubborn man says he will never allow a female physician to examine him. How will Matthew ever approve of a possible relationship between his young adult daughter and her former teacher, Jonathon, if a female physician is too unheard of in his eyes?

I enjoyed "The Wind Harp," for B.J. Hoff created characters with depth and personality, and their adventures kept me enthralled. I feared I would have trouble following the story line since I had not read the first book in the series, but that was not the case at all. "The Distant Music" precedes this book and "The Song Weaver" will be released in the fall of 2007. You will likely want to read the entire series, as I do, if you enjoy historical romance. The "Mountain Song Legacy" is a definite recommendation. This book is appropriate for all ages of readers.

A beautiful love story.......2006-10-14

Maggie MacAuley has given up her position as a teacher at Hull House in Chicago and has returned home to Skingle Creek. At first she regretted her decision, but unlike her sisters, Eva Grace and Nell Frances, she has always had a love for Skingle Creek. Even the grimy layer of coal dust covering everything doesn't bother her.
There's trouble at home. Maggie's Da has been injured, working in the mines. He's in constant pain, her mother is older, frailer, and her fourteen year old brother, Ray, is rebellious. Maggie gets a job teaching at the Skingle Creek School, working with Mr. Stuart, her beloved former teacher, mentor and friend. Then Eva Grace comes home and Maggie isn't sure of anything anymore
B.J. Hoff creates characters who live in the heart of the reader. I've never been to Skingle Creek, but I know it and I know the people who live there. Her writing style has all the melody and grace of an Irish harp. She never disappoints.

Peace in the Valley.......2006-10-09

There's an old gospel song titled "Peace In the Valley." BJ Hoff's latest book puts me in mind of that song. The Wind Harp does not depend upon "sensationalism" to create its moving story; like a cup of ice-cold water on a hot summer day, or sitting under a big old tree by a gently running stream, The Wind Harp draws the reader in to sit for a spell. They are refreshed, and never want to leave. As always, BJ's hallmark characterization is supplemented by her skilled depiction of both the light and dark sides of life, presented with a beautiful simplicity that made my heart sing along with the story.

If you're after a book that leaves you feeling good about life, or feeling hope about life regardless of circumstances, or just feeling refreshed after reading a wonderful story--don't miss The Wind Harp.

How can you go wrong with a big dog in the story? .......2006-09-24

BJ Hoff continues the story of Maggie and Jonathan, who must endure their share of trials before reaping their reward. Though this novel is historical, BJ Hoff deals with issues that are completely contemporary . . . and I loved the big dog! Kudos to the author for charming us again!

Blues & Rock Harmonica Made Easy (Harmonica)

Average customer rating:

"Made Easy" means "Made Easy": great deal for seven bucks!
great method, poor content
TOO BAD A TREE DIED FOR THIS DRECK!
Informative, Instructional, and Inspiring!
SUPERB book for the beginner!

Blues & Rock Harmonica Made Easy (Harmonica)
David Harp
Manufacturer: Musical | Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0918321859
Release Date: 1993-12-31

Book Description

Everything you need to know about basic harmonica technique including how to hold it, how to play it, and how to read harmonica notation. Learn how to improvise classic blues and rock harmonica like a pro!

Customer Reviews:

"Made Easy" means "Made Easy": great deal for seven bucks!.......2007-07-03

I don't understand what the previous two reviewers are complaining about. I do not play any instrument. I wanted to learn how to play harmonica with my 9-year old daughter. We picked up this book, looked at the pictures, and started to play. Then we did what the book said ("read the boxes first, come back later for the rest...") and learned how to play more. Within 30 minutes, we were eeking out "when the saints come marching in". Awesome!

Seriously folks, if you know how to read music, or have some background in music, this may be too basic. But for seven bucks, less than the cost of a movie ticket, my daughter and I are learning how to play harmonica. WoooHooo!

P.S. you need a 10 hole harmonica to use this book. This is the most common kind of harmonica. If you would prefer, the same author sells some kits that have a harmonica, book and CD all in one. Red, White, And the Blues Harmonica is one example for about thirteen bucks.

great method, poor content.......2006-07-16

The one thing I would say about the author is that I like the method of how he teaches: his method of tablature, etc. It is very easy to follow and so forth. However, what he teaches is a different story. As another reviewer noted, there is a LOT of 'filler' and stuff that don't much apply to learning the harp, and you learn so-callled 'popular' riffs that don't sound like anything. I honestly don't feel like I've learned much at all from this particlar book.

TOO BAD A TREE DIED FOR THIS DRECK!.......2006-03-04

The author has definitely mastered the art - of the SCAM, that is. This book, and I'm assuming his other opuses on harmonica operation as well, has so little actual usable information in it as to make it a TOTAL WASTE OF PAPER. Unless you're stranded in a Forest Service outhouse and the roll is empty. Not only does he blather on for pages and pages saying absolutely NOTHING, but he introduces his inane "system" and constantly plugs his other publications. And by the way - I'll bet his real last name isn't "Harp." It's probably Shylock. Or Gump.

Informative, Instructional, and Inspiring!.......2003-10-06

... Man, if you want to learn how to play harmonica in no time, just get this book. Play along with it on every page as you read through it. Just do what David Harp says, and you will be playing blues and rock on your harp quickly - and you will feel good about what you're doing. This is a REAL EASY book to understand and follow. It's like David is right there talking to you!

... As he says on page 10: "Don't get discouraged, ever. If you're a total beginner and feel a bit clumsy and boggled, just relax, and keep the harmonica in your mouth as you read. You'll get it! If you're a more experienced non-blues or rock player who feels "stuck," just remember that all players get into ruts, and a little instruction is a fine way to climb back out."

... Trust me, you don't need to know ANYTHING about music or harmonicas to be able to benefit from reading this book. It is EXCELLENT! It is so easy and simple! It's a shame more people do not teach what they know the way David does. I wish I had a person like David teaching me MATH in this same way when I was a kid. I would have been an astrophysicist by now! ... YOWZA! - The Aeolian Kid

SUPERB book for the beginner!.......2001-08-25

I've been tooting simple melodies on a harmonica for years, and decided to actually learn jazz/blues harmonica for fun. Tried another book first and became frustrated at the teaching technique. Picked up THIS book and was able to play decent sounding chords & licks within minutes! His instructional style is excellent, building on popular chord combinations and licks that we've all heard in popular music. Once I was able to create some self-satisfying "joyfull noise", it was easy to keep going to refine the noise into something better. Another great thing is that his chord combinations match those on my Suzuki Q-Chrd, so I now have some auto-accompanyment. I HIGHLY recommend this book to ANYONE who ever thought about playing a harmonica. I also bought his Music Theory book several years ago and highly recommend that as well. Harp is an excellent teacher!

How to Whistle Like a Pro (Without Driving Anyone Else Crazy)

Average customer rating:

Good book for the beginner and the experienced Whistler.
Out of Date
Surprisingly Excellent Book!
Learn how to whistle, right here!

How to Whistle Like a Pro (Without Driving Anyone Else Crazy)
David Harp , Jason Serinus , and Don Mayne
Manufacturer: Musical I Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0918321603

Customer Reviews:

Good book for the beginner and the experienced Whistler........2003-08-21

I have read this book and have used it to teach people to whistle. I had the pleasure of receiving my copy from the author him self. David did a great job this is the book to learn how whistle. Unless you have a pro whistler handy to give private lessons. I am a two time Grand Champion Whistler this is the book to start with.

Out of Date.......2003-03-27

This book comes with a RECORD! I haven't had a record player in a decade so the usefulness was limited. It could be terrific but without a record player I will never know.

Surprisingly Excellent Book!.......1999-04-24

Being a full time professional whistler, I was surprised at the excellent insight into the art shown by David Harp. He may not be a full time "pro" but you would never be able to tell it by reading this well done book.

Learn how to whistle, right here!.......1998-02-10

For anyone that has even a passing interest in whistling, this book is a must-have. David Harp is an experienced teacher, and he covers everything: mouth physiology, music theory, techniques for improving your current whistling, and information on his favorite practitioners of this portable music. I consider myself an experienced whistler, and I learned a lot from this entertaining and enjoyable book.

Cold December Winds: A New Collection of Old Christmas Carols, Arranged for Lap Harp

Average customer rating:

Cold December Winds: A New Collection of Old Christmas Carols, Arranged for Lap Harp
Suzanne Guldimann
Manufacturer: West of the Moon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0966766431

Book Description

Twenty-five medieval, Renaissance, and traditional Christmas carols from throughout Europe and America, arranged for harp. All of the pieces can be played on a lap harp with a range of just two and a half octaves, or on a larger harp. They can also be played on flute, violin, guitar, or any melody instrument. The book includes lyrics, historical notes, and is illustrated by the author. The pieces are in the key of C, or in sharp keys. All of the pieces include fingerings and chord symbols.

1947 Harps in the Wind the Story of the Singing Hutchinsons

Average customer rating:

1947 Harps in the Wind the Story of the Singing Hutchinsons

Manufacturer: Macmillan Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000E8FX4Q

Concerto in G Minor, Three Sonates and Famous Largo for Oboe and Piano

Average customer rating:

Concerto in G Minor, Three Sonates and Famous Largo for Oboe and Piano
G. F. Handel
Manufacturer: Albert J. Andraud
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JVGLCQ

Product Description

Transcription by Albert J. Andraud. For piano or harp, with oboe insert.

David Harp's Instant Blues Harmonica: Zen & the Art of Blues Harp Blowing

Average customer rating:

Highly recommended - makes it easy to learn the harp
A Great Method!
Buy this book!

David Harp's Instant Blues Harmonica: Zen & the Art of Blues Harp Blowing
David Harp
Manufacturer: Music Sales Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 0918321980

Book Description

Learn how to play the Blues Harmonica in no time. Comes with an 80 page guidebook including songs and a 70-minute self guided CD

Customer Reviews:

Highly recommended - makes it easy to learn the harp.......2006-01-23

I highly recommend David Harp's book. He makes it easy to go from a harmonica-owner (which is what I had been for years) to a harmonica player.

I try to learn a new instrument every year on my birthday. Last year, I decided to finally get serious about the harmonica, and ordered David's book.

His teaching style is simple, friendly, and to the point. It's encouraging to keep going when you feel like you're learning something new and constructive in each chapter.

This books will teach you how to pick the correct key harmonica to play along with a group, or with a recording (if you want to play blues, you need to play the harmonica a fifth up from the backing band--so if the band is playing in C, you need to play the G harp...count up five letters from the band's key).

And then it teaches you how to play the blues scale up and down the harp in that key (that is essentially all you need to be able to start improving and jamming in the blues style).

Throw in a few extra techniques, such as note-bending, and slides, and you'll be sounding a grizzled bluesman in no time.

It really is amazing how quickly you can get yourself up and running with this book. In January, I was hesitant to play my harmonica while I was alone in my car, and by March or April, I was blowing solos with musicians I admired...and getting compliments.

Grab yourself a copy of David Harp's book today, and you'll be bending the blues in a just a couple months yourself.

A Great Method!.......2001-10-09

David Harp offers the averge non-musician an easy-to-learn and fun-filled method for learning the blues harmonica. I was blowing the blues in almost no time! Get yosef' a harp and start playing the blues rat now!!

Buy this book!.......2000-03-27

I have been humming/singing/whistling the blues for 25 years or more now, and have had a harmonica for most of that time. Until now, it was painful honking and squeaking when I play. Only a few months after using this book and cassette, I play in the local pub with a group of friends. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. If the blues is in your blood, but you can't quite get beyond that, this is the book for you. Just get it!....you'll see!

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