The Sourcebook of Sonny Terry Licks for Harmonica [Paperback] Review

I heard Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee at the Second Fret in Philadelphia. Sonny set the blues harp bar so high that no one has been able to touch it. If it ain't Sonny Terry, it ain't blues harp.

The author, Tom Ball, has done a superlative job of dissecting Sony's harmonica licks, and presenting the techniques clearly.The included instruction CD is comprehensive, and is worth listening to even if you never pick up a harp.Tom does not baby those who already have some harmonica experience, but he does include a section in the book for beginners, also.Those who are already blues harpists (or wannabees) can dig right in.

The book uses the same key throughout, so you need only invest in one harmonica to follow the instruction. Almost all of the blues licks are played in the key of E on a key of A harmonica (called "cross-harp" style).

Tom's style is clean, which is appropriate for instruction.Sonny's style is earthy; it says that you really have to live the blues to play the blues.I remember, as a kid, checking out acoustic guitars in a store, looking for a guitar with a deep, rich sound, full base, and chords that blended into an integrated sound. Another customer, who was an instructor, was shopping for an acoustic guitar that had clear notes that sounded distinctly from each other.The analogy holds for blues harp technique.Tom Ball, whose technique is excellent, will teach you how to play Sonny's blues licks.Sonny himself, on the other hand, will teach you how to feel the blues.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Sourcebook of Sonny Terry Licks for Harmonica [Paperback]

Product Description:
"Sonny Terry has got to be explained to the people or his art will go over their head. By understanding Sonny Terry, you will learn how to enjoy and live in the real people's music that is on a train that's bound for glory." - Woody Guthrie, 1946.This book/CD pack pays homage to Terry and his infamous playing. Besides 70 famous licks from Sonny, this pack gives you some quick harmonica lessons, information on Sonny's style, a discography with key chart, and a bibliography for future research. The CD includes each lick played out by the author.

Buy cheap The Sourcebook of Sonny Terry Licks for Harmonica [Paperback] now Get 22% OFF