It really doesn't matter what style/key/speed Howard plays, it always amazes you and makes you think 'How the hell does he do that and make it look so easy?' Amazingly tallented guy.
I am not an musician but I am an enthusiastic fan of all kinds of music. The blues harmonica has always led me around by my ear. The expressive sounds of the harp is never to be mistaken as another instrument. Thank you for sharing.
Howard, I love this story - it really does a great job of illustrating the challenge of missing notes or functionality of the diatonic harp combined with the real need to access those expressive bends and tone that is not available on a chromatic. The funky blues that came out of that experience is really unique and wonderful - going to the G for the 4 chord has kind of a modal sound.
I come across that too when I use to jam with other musicians . Certain keys have limitations but i find my way . Now this days I just watch and admire your work dang you can play funky bluesy and soulful at the same time right on
Love this video, Howard! This time you've shown not only what can be done, but also how you managed to find out the way, how you tried to find the possibilities from seemingly impossible places. I used to think "Out of the Box" was a show-off, now I know it's a box full of treasure to dig.
I totally agree with Marks Comments ! You obviously know ever conceivable note on harmonicas. I’m trying hard to learn as many as I can. I know it will take time , but I have got patience. I think the harmonica is a fascinating little instrument and can get some great bluesy sounds out of it. I’m also pleased I can play by ear so I can pick up riffs reasonably quickly ! Maybe not note perfect but I improvise and put my own little thing on it so to speak . Keep them coming Howard you are a legend and a really nice guy as well . Thank you so much 😊
That’s why I love harmonica. Because of you and youre amazing knowledge and virtuosity. Yet you remain humble. I love the soulful sweet sound you get out of the old tin sand which. Thank you very very much for amazing encouragement. Shalom
Those last three notes sound like the first three notes of the repeating harmonica progression in Black Sabbath's The Wizard (just a bit higher). Pretty cool!
Years ago, I wrote a blues tune in Am. When I started playing harmonica, I...of course...started with a C harp. I knew enough about Music Theory to know that the notes for Am _should be_ on the C harp _somewhere,_ and after a bit of experimentation, I figured it out. A few years later, my band did a cover of _Sound of Silence_ in Em. I "cheated" and used my C chromatic harmonica because it was just the easiest way to find all the notes of the melody. Imagine my pride _and_ frustration upon learning that what I had invented/discovered...out of necessity...were 4th Position and 5th Position respectively. I get the idea of learning to walk before you run, but in retrospect, it's surprising how many Blues players never learn...much less teach...beyond 3rd.
We love you Howard , hope you your soon . Many of us would love to attend a convention or whatever else to be around a true master . Thanks from Las Vegas
Hi Howard. I am a beginner harp player and I come from the guitar. And I was wondering how to bend from the 4th to the flat 5th with my harp. It seems you answered that question. Thanks a lot even if it is still too hard for me to master more than the 3 first positions (it is already a lot of work as a beginner). And thanks a lot for sharing the knowledge you have for playing harmonica by spicing your teaching with the great love and humility you have for this instrument .And also carry on with these small bits of humour you use all the time.
That is insane! BUT, I played it along with you, and Yes, it works. WhaZaa! Brilliant. I don’t know if my brain would’ve gone there, but, necessity is the one of the mothers of invention.
You know what's great about the harmonica. I have been playing it for almost 60 years and I can play all those examples, but I do not have the slightest clue what this lovely gentleman is talking about. I am familiar with the practice of picking up a different harp to see if I can play the trickiest bit on that one, but don't ask me how that works. I don't know, and frankly I don't care much. I believe every word of what Mr Levy says, but I wouldn't know a flat fifth from a pound of chopped liver. What's fifth position? I have no idea, but if you just play the example, I can copy you. I have been looking at the comments. What the blazes does "going down half a step instead of going to the 4 chord" mean? I have no idea, but I bet I could play it. I probably do so every day. So if you are learning harmonica and don't understand any of the technicalities, do not despair. Do not give up. If there had been video harmonica tutorials when I was learning in the 1960s, I would have quit in desperation because it all makes as much sense to me as algebra explained in Chinese. Instead, I took the advice of Sonny Boy Williamson (a.k.a.Rice Miller) who I met a couple of times in a South London Jazz Club. He said: "Just keep trying to play the same thing in the same key so that your ear don't get confused and keep playing it wrong until you start to get it right". I would put it this way. You've got ears. Use them. And be conscious of what you are doing. Never mind what it is called. If that noise you just made wasn't what you intended to play, figure out why and keep working on it. After all, nobody gave you a tutorial on how to whistle, but I bet you can do it great. Key changes and all.
I am no where near your level of expertise. Frankly I'm wowed. Not sure what I will do with this but I do thank you for posting this. Certainly food for thought.
Nice story. Phenomenal thinking. I have a slight sense of pride, in that I understand what you’re saying, although I’m gonna study this some more to sharpen my skills. 🙏🏼
I love this song and can play it! how cool is to be able to say this. So is interesting that it came from that situation where you had to play an specific lick that was not possible for the harmonica. Cool video Howard you will definetily inspired other harmonica players. I teach harmonica and some people insist on not having to work so hard in playing keys where root notes are Eb or Ab. I have worked hard in these odd keys but there is a point where it gets frustrating.
@@HowardLevyland I just saw this video today from a WhatsApp group. First thing that occured to me was also the 3 overblow up to the C#. Worked pretty well!
Hey, I liked your video and Im tryna learn harmonica myself. I need your expert opinion. What type of harmonica was used in I've found a reason by The Velvet Underground. Not the remastered version, the original.
Hi Haward, You are truly a legend atvthe harmonica. I am struggling at blowing single holes on the harmonica. I know you have some videos on the topic. Any help will be much appreciated.
If you think this is great then check out his jazz playing...he turns a diatonic harp into a chromatic harp ...by bending all the notes in between.....best harp player alive..period!!!
A great way to go about musical journey. “How will I do this?” Instead of “I’m the greatest player in the world and THAT can’t be done!” Maybe that’s why you are beyond the best, a true treasure for the rest of us “blow out your brains” harmonica brats.
I’ve been playing harp for five years mostly at music jams and I still don’t understand the higher positions. I play in1,2,3,5 ; which I understand, but 12th ?
Any way you're gonna release that dvd as a download Howard? DVD's are out of fashion nowadays plus i don't want to have to send abroad for it. Great playing as always. Can you play all your material using an out of the box harp with some adjustments you do yourself or has it got to be a Joe Filisko modded custom?
@Henu Yes DVD's are old technology nowadays and no longer convenient for most people. Plus with a download you get it straight away and don't need to send for it. I'm in the UK and no place here has the DVD anyway. Amazon also don't have it.
Forgot to say a lot of places here don't even bother selling DVD's anymore as there's literally no demand nowadays. Everyone wants their stuff delivered immediately like with a computer download.
Thanks for asking, and as a matter of fact, we just made the DVD available as a download. You can check it out here: levyland.com/music-dvd As to your other question, yes, I can play all of this using an out of the box harp after I make a few minor adjustments, and I play Joe's harps about 95% of the time.
Elfman talks the same way and I play on a feel and then all this foreign language comes out of them sometimes you just got to play it feel it work it out it's like when you jam with different people some time you hit a lick and you go outside after the gig and you try to duplicate it and you can't and you don't even know where the f*** it came from it just pours out of you when you get that feel
Download "Out of the Box" DVD: levyland.com/music-dvd
Backing Track & Chart with tabs available: levyland.com/teaching-videos-free-backing-tracks
This is a result of a lifetime of harmonica playing.
It really doesn't matter what style/key/speed Howard plays, it always amazes you and makes you think 'How the hell does he do that and make it look so easy?'
Amazingly tallented guy.
Exactly. First time I heard him, I thought, hmmm, wonder what kind of instrument that is??
This man is an fantastic story teller. It’s amazing to listen to him
I love that you have a shelf with boxes of harps all categorized by key. I just have tons of harps stored in old sneaker boxes.
4:12 so so true! We learn that fast at the beginning. Cant jam with everyone…
I am not an musician but I am an enthusiastic fan of all kinds of music. The blues harmonica has always led me around by my ear. The expressive sounds of the harp is never to be mistaken as another instrument. Thank you for sharing.
Mr.Levy, thank you. There are many reasons I appreciate you. It's too much like a grocery list! 🎶❤️
A master of the art. Of the harp. Beautiful. Man..👏🎸🌟
Thank you Mr. Levy. Im a student of Jason Ricci and he always speaks highly of you.
I took some lessons from Jason. He is quick to credit other musicians. What a great guy.
Howard, I love this story - it really does a great job of illustrating the challenge of missing notes or functionality of the diatonic harp combined with the real need to access those expressive bends and tone that is not available on a chromatic. The funky blues that came out of that experience is really unique and wonderful - going to the G for the 4 chord has kind of a modal sound.
Well said!
I come across that too when I use to jam with other musicians . Certain keys have limitations but i find my way . Now this days I just watch and admire your work dang you can play funky bluesy and soulful at the same time right on
Love this video, Howard! This time you've shown not only what can be done, but also how you managed to find out the way, how you tried to find the possibilities from seemingly impossible places. I used to think "Out of the Box" was a show-off, now I know it's a box full of treasure to dig.
I totally agree with Marks Comments ! You obviously know ever conceivable note on harmonicas. I’m trying hard to learn as many as I can. I know it will take time , but I have got patience. I think the harmonica is a fascinating little instrument and can get some great bluesy sounds out of it. I’m also pleased I can play by ear so I can pick up riffs reasonably quickly ! Maybe not note perfect but I improvise and put my own little thing on it so to speak . Keep them coming Howard you are a legend and a really nice guy as well . Thank you so much 😊
That’s why I love harmonica. Because of you and youre amazing knowledge and virtuosity. Yet you remain humble. I love the soulful sweet sound you get out of the old tin sand which. Thank you very very much for amazing encouragement. Shalom
Simply extraordinary, I'm in awe. You've set some incredibly high benchmarks, thanks for sharing this wonderful story
My pleasure!
I really enjoy your enthusiasm! Thank you, Howard, for another inspirational video about our beloved harmonica :)
Those last three notes sound like the first three notes of the repeating harmonica progression in Black Sabbath's The Wizard (just a bit higher). Pretty cool!
What an interesting and entertaining story Howard!!!!!!! love your videos!
Limitations unleash creativity!
Years ago, I wrote a blues tune in Am. When I started playing harmonica, I...of course...started with a C harp. I knew enough about Music Theory to know that the notes for Am _should be_ on the C harp _somewhere,_ and after a bit of experimentation, I figured it out. A few years later, my band did a cover of _Sound of Silence_ in Em. I "cheated" and used my C chromatic harmonica because it was just the easiest way to find all the notes of the melody. Imagine my pride _and_ frustration upon learning that what I had invented/discovered...out of necessity...were 4th Position and 5th Position respectively. I get the idea of learning to walk before you run, but in retrospect, it's surprising how many Blues players never learn...much less teach...beyond 3rd.
We love you Howard , hope you your soon . Many of us would love to attend a convention or whatever else to be around a true master . Thanks from Las Vegas
Wow. Beginner here, loved that riff!
Impossible made possible and in style. Thank you for sharing. Best !!!
My pleasure!
Hi Howard. I am a beginner harp player and I come from the guitar. And I was wondering how to bend from the 4th to the flat 5th with my harp. It seems you answered that question. Thanks a lot even if it is still too hard for me to master more than the 3 first positions (it is already a lot of work as a beginner). And thanks a lot for sharing the knowledge you have for playing harmonica by spicing your teaching with the great love and humility you have for this instrument .And also carry on with these small bits of humour you use all the time.
Going down a half step instead of going to the 4 chord! NEVER thought of that!
Astonishing. Sit back and listen to this complete mastery. Brilliant, thank you.
That is insane! BUT, I played it along with you, and Yes, it works. WhaZaa! Brilliant.
I don’t know if my brain would’ve gone there, but, necessity is the one of the mothers of invention.
You know what's great about the harmonica. I have been playing it for almost 60 years and I can play all those examples, but I do not have the slightest clue what this lovely gentleman is talking about. I am familiar with the practice of picking up a different harp to see if I can play the trickiest bit on that one, but don't ask me how that works. I don't know, and frankly I don't care much. I believe every word of what Mr Levy says, but I wouldn't know a flat fifth from a pound of chopped liver. What's fifth position? I have no idea, but if you just play the example, I can copy you. I have been looking at the comments. What the blazes does "going down half a step instead of going to the 4 chord" mean? I have no idea, but I bet I could play it. I probably do so every day. So if you are learning harmonica and don't understand any of the technicalities, do not despair. Do not give up. If there had been video harmonica tutorials when I was learning in the 1960s, I would have quit in desperation because it all makes as much sense to me as algebra explained in Chinese. Instead, I took the advice of Sonny Boy Williamson (a.k.a.Rice Miller) who I met a couple of times in a South London Jazz Club. He said: "Just keep trying to play the same thing in the same key so that your ear don't get confused and keep playing it wrong until you start to get it right". I would put it this way. You've got ears. Use them. And be conscious of what you are doing. Never mind what it is called. If that noise you just made wasn't what you intended to play, figure out why and keep working on it. After all, nobody gave you a tutorial on how to whistle, but I bet you can do it great. Key changes and all.
Love your honesty and astounding insights...God continue to bless you and thank you always
Yup, I played my harp in my high school jazz ensemble for the dances.
Thanks Howard. So good and so true. I've heard it said the harmonica is a simple instrument to play simply and a challenging instu
Played along with you in the tail of the video sounded great!! Stay in touch!!
I am no where near your level of expertise. Frankly I'm wowed. Not sure what I will do with this but I do thank you for posting this. Certainly food for thought.
You are absolutely correct I hear exactly what you're saying thank you
good anecdote, good moral, and great tune.
🤜🤛 merci pour cette vidéo 👍(Seine et Marne) FRANCE 🖐️
Nice. I love your book.
Well this just made me a Howard Levy fan. Looks like i have a LOT to learn now (finally). Thank you Howard.
Thank you!
Great story and insight into the harp! Thanks Howard!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Howard thank you for a great video...as always, amazing!!!
I like your shirt.
Thanks so much for sharing this story. Very interesting and inspiring. ❤
Thanks for sharing, this was an interesting video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice story. Phenomenal thinking. I have a slight sense of pride, in that I understand what you’re saying, although I’m gonna study this some more to sharpen my skills. 🙏🏼
Cool- thank you!
Thank you, Howard
I love this song and can play it! how cool is to be able to say this. So is interesting that it came from that situation where you had to play an specific lick that was not possible for the harmonica. Cool video Howard you will definetily inspired other harmonica players. I teach harmonica and some people insist on not having to work so hard in playing keys where root notes are Eb or Ab. I have worked hard in these odd keys but there is a point where it gets frustrating.
Marcos, thanks for watching! It was a turning point for me when it happened in ~1996.
Thanks Howard I play myself blues that gives me good ideas
Have fun!
Found it!!!!!!!! What a player.
read you said Ab is your fave key harp. mine too.
I love your vídeos 😊
You can do it if you bend up the 3 hole overblow. Or use an E harp, bending up the 4 overblow
Yes, that's true. Not sure about the sound though...
@@HowardLevyland yea that 4 draw bend certainly is sweeeet
@@HowardLevyland I just saw this video today from a WhatsApp group. First thing that occured to me was also the 3 overblow up to the C#. Worked pretty well!
What position would that be? Flat relative minor?
Hey, I liked your video and Im tryna learn harmonica myself. I need your expert opinion. What type of harmonica was used in I've found a reason by The Velvet Underground. Not the remastered version, the original.
He's the greatest ever on the harp
Wow!
I've started my journey at 24 , still am 24. But damn do I feel like a kid and when I grow up as a solid player I want to be like you
I dig it!! - Kel
The overdraw at 6min. 😳 How?
Hi Haward,
You are truly a legend atvthe harmonica. I am struggling at blowing single holes on the harmonica. I know you have some videos on the topic.
Any help will be much appreciated.
If you think this is great then check out his jazz playing...he turns a diatonic harp into a chromatic harp ...by bending all the notes in between.....best harp player alive..period!!!
Amazing video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Daaaamn! You got a new subscriber.
A great way to go about musical journey. “How will I do this?” Instead of “I’m the greatest player in the world and THAT can’t be done!” Maybe that’s why you are beyond the best, a true treasure for the rest of us “blow out your brains” harmonica brats.
great story! been there!
Thanks!
Music medicine 🎼
Jazzy Blues🎶🎶🎶
Howard was there no pdf music for the Bb blues in the out the box dvd? I just noticed it.
Hey Gary- I improvised the Blues in Bb and in C on the spot. So the pdfs are for the tunes I composed :)
@@HowardLevyland Thanks Howard that clears it up for me.
B harps are really popular in Japan for some reason.
I’ve been playing harp for five years mostly at music jams and I still don’t understand the higher positions. I play in1,2,3,5 ; which I understand, but 12th ?
Any way you're gonna release that dvd as a download Howard? DVD's are out of fashion nowadays plus i don't want to have to send abroad for it. Great playing as always. Can you play all your material using an out of the box harp with some adjustments you do yourself or has it got to be a Joe Filisko modded custom?
I agree. Download format would be awesome. Folks dont have dvd players anymore. I would buy it right away as download.
@Henu Yes DVD's are old technology nowadays and no longer convenient for most people. Plus with a download you get it straight away and don't need to send for it. I'm in the UK and no place here has the DVD anyway. Amazon also don't have it.
Forgot to say a lot of places here don't even bother selling DVD's anymore as there's literally no demand nowadays. Everyone wants their stuff delivered immediately like with a computer download.
Thanks for asking, and as a matter of fact, we just made the DVD available as a download. You can check it out here: levyland.com/music-dvd As to your other question, yes, I can play all of this using an out of the box harp after I make a few minor adjustments, and I play Joe's harps about 95% of the time.
@@henuvilen2623 Agree, too! We just made the DVD for download! Take a look here: levyland.com/music-dvd
F ing brilliant Howard ! Makin it happen.
Key of C 2nd position
Will it work if you use a COUNTRY TUNED harp?
Elfman talks the same way and I play on a feel and then all this foreign language comes out of them sometimes you just got to play it feel it work it out it's like when you jam with different people some time you hit a lick and you go outside after the gig and you try to duplicate it and you can't and you don't even know where the f*** it came from it just pours out of you when you get that feel
I heard this video and threw out all my harmonicas. Im done. Howard Levy is God
Howard, I'm trying to ask anyone to do a lesson of 40 days & 40 nights by Muddy Waters. Could you help me
But, what is the difference wheter you play it on D or on B harp?... Besides the fact that you are bending on different hole...
Sir : in order to help a poor soul low talented friend, would you be kind enough to give the key of the harmo before starting? Cheers Sir!
Sir : why so many harmonicas in the boxes? Broken?
League of his own. Period.
Sounds like you are hanging out with Danny Elfman I've had a hard time jamming with him
Damn funny
it's personal, I prefer the chromatic
Now I know the purpose of 9th position 🙂
give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime...and you DID it1 tnx
That's the plan!
....give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and he is out drinking beer in a boat.
@@allencarroll6304 )))))))
geneyus
Nelson Rangel's journey! Try it!
Amazing how you worked that out.
Thank you, Howard