Harmonica Links

When I started playing, almost 30 years ago, the only way to gain harmonica knowledge was to buy records, and attend local blues gigs, hoping to see good players. I was fortunate to meet some great players early on, who mentored me, and showed me how to explore the harmonica world. Also, Chess reissued many of their classic 1950’s blues recordings at that time. I was able to buy these at greatly reduced prices in bagain bins. My Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II and Howling Wolf double albums are now cherished (and much used) treasures.

The Internet opens the world of harmonica to all of us (this course being an example!). Becoming harmonica literate is now far easier. Below are links to harmonica players and harmonica resource sites. Work through these slowly, and absorb the wisdom they contain.

Links to Players

Mike Stevens is a prolific and very highly regarded Canadian player, specializing in Bluegrass and other styles. He has performed with many Bluegrass greats, including Jim and Jesse, and has authored the instructional book “Bluegrass Harmonica”, distributed by Hal Leonard.
Brendan Power is probably the best known player of Irish harmonica, due to his album “New Irish Harmonica” and his work with the Riverdance show. However, he plays a wide variety of styles, as his web site indicates. He uses altered tunings extensively, which enable stunning ornamentation for his Irish playing on chromatic harmonicas. His approach to Irish styles is outlined in his book “Irish Music on the Blues Harp,” and is highly recommended
Matyas Pribojszki is a wonderful Hungarian player who plays blues, even though he is from Eastern Europe.
Jason Ricci, from the USA, is considered to be one of the most exciting new players in the world. His music is based on blues, however his style is totally unique.
PT Gazell is from Nashville Tennesse, in the USA. His playing is based more on country music than blues. His is a pioneer in bluegrass harmonica, and has recently released a stunning jazz CD.
Howard Levy, from Chicago, is considered the most advanced harmonica player in the world. Follow the link and you will understand why.
Shtreiml are a Canadian band, featuring Jason Rosenblat on harmonica. The band is influenced by traditional Jewish music.
Mark Hummel is considered amongst the greatest of the current generation of American blues players.
Adam Gussow is a well known blues player who has created a wonderful series of YouTube harmonica instruction videos.

Links to Harmonica Resources

Seydel are the world’s oldest harmonica factory, in Germany, now producing high end harmonicas and accessories
Band in a Box is the metronome for the 21st century. In particular, it helps build the technique to enable a beginning player to join with others. Essentially you can set a backing band to any speed (or key), then slowly increase tempo while gaining familiarity with a new tune. I have used this software extensively for practice, and cannot recommend it highly enough
Pat Missin is a well known source of harmonica information. In particular, his site has a detailed overview on harmonica tuning(s).
A complete set of harmonica resources by player and author Glenn Weiser. Glenn is the author of the excellent “Irish and American Fiddle Tunes for Harmonica “