LLMT 413 - Continuing Blues Harmonica: The Harp Styles of Sonny Boy Williamson

Blues aficionados know there were two harp players called Sonny Boy Williamson- the original and the imposter. In this class you'll learn the stories of both legendary men. Study their harmonica licks and lyrics to gain insight into the extraordinary life of these bluesmen. Discover which of their tunes helped launch the British invasion and American blues-rock movement of the `60s. Listen to a library of representative recordings, and learn some of the advanced techniques used by both Sonny Boy I and II. We'll also watch videos of Sonny Boy II in action. Prerequisite: Students must be able to bend notes freely in holes one through six on a diatonic harmonica. Bring a C, A, D and F diatonic harp and (optional) a model #364 or 365 Marine Band in the key of C to class.