Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 01:04:20 -0400 From: "Rick Beall" Subject: Mitch Weiss Uploads New Jam Every 2 Weeks for 2 Months at Bluesharp.org Wow!
Have you entered the jam at www.bluesharp.org yet?
Well,. we have some exciting new stuff happening! We wanted to make the Online Jam more like a real jam, so Mitch Weiss is going to upload a new jam to Bluesharp.org every Two Weeks for Two Months! This is just like a real jam but in slo mo!
The first new jamming song will be a knockoff of a blues/jazz classic. It's called "Workin' Song". There is a melody to learn on the head and the solos are done over a 16 bar blues using the same changes as the head (not a traditional 1,4,5 blues). We've got three versions to choose from!
The basic version is available in D or F.
The intermediate/advanced version starts in D and modulates to Eb. This shold be played on one harp.
We have Two advanced versions: One starts in E and cycles through F, F#,G,G# and ends up in A, and the other starts in Bb and cycles through B, C, C#, D and ends in Eb. Both should be played with the same harp. Get out those chromatics or sharpen up those overblows!
Mitch is really challenging us on this one. Who is going to step up and play one (or both) of the advanced versions on one harp?
Writing and arranging songs for Bluesharp.org isn't enough to keep Mitch busy. You should check out his always growing song list on mp3.com at http://www..mp3s.com/mitchweiss , including the current number one song on the funk chart - "Insane On The Train" or his classic jazz tune "Last Time Around". When I listen to "Last Time Around" I think that maybe if my heart was broken enough times, and I practiced harp long enough, I could write and play a song this good. Mitch has both a harp instrumental version and a vocal version sung by his daughter. This song is especially rewarding if you listen to the words, and it harkens back to the great jazz ballads of the 40's.
Also check out the words to Mitch's 'Blues For Peace' and decide whether we should send a copy of it to President Bush.
I have some special advice for the beginner/intermediate blues players like myself. "Workin' Song" is pretty jazzy, but hey: time to s t r e t c h! You can use this one to amaze your girlfriend. Do you think most ladies like blues? Nope! Turn the lights down low and play this.
So, stop on by www.bluesharp.org/jam.html and pull out your harp!
