"Goliath's Shuffle"
"Goliath's Shuffle" is a 12 bar bluesshuffle in G played on a Hohner Crossover in C (2nd pos).
I used different embouchures, mainly using tongue block (on both sides) and sometimes switching to pucker (to overblow 5&6)
It's an original composition although a couple times I tipped my hat to Walter Horton. In fact this song is dedicated to Big Walter and at first the song was called "Goliath's Tone" referring to Horton's huge tone.
I used a small Fender Champ, which screams as hell but has no body, and was accompanied by an amplified acoustic Stella guitar (slide), a Fender bass and a drummer who banged his drumkit.
It was recorded live during one of our band's rehearsals in an old Jazzclub. (Normally the Jazzclub only allows New Orleans Jazz and they're not very fond of electrified bluesbands. They don't even like Bebop but they do serve salt peanuts).
Form :
Head
Harp Solo
Harp Solo
Harp Solo (trying to create some tension by leaving some holes so the guitar and drums can play fills)
Break
Harp Solo ("C Jam Blues" quote, don't know why I played it but I did)
Head + End
I've had big fun playing this song and really like the overall mood and groove.
My regards
Steven Troch
Comments
Judging
CH1 - Head grabs your attention right away / nice sequence on the IV7 / Nice V-IV-I and I like that you came back to the A in the turnaround
CH2 - I like the low rhythmic work here / again, nice V-IV-I and A in the turnaround
CH3 - Nice change of feel / again, nice sequence on the IV7 / Nice V-IV-I again
CH4 - Nice augmentation of your head for this AA AA B Chorus Form
CH5 - Nice... love the break here / nice high-end usage here, it was really welcome
CH6 - I like the C Jam Blues quote here... it essentially gives you the opportunity to start a second section of the song... if you do this live you can use this as away to extend the song (more soloing before the head).
CH7 - Head... I like the clean break for the ending
Fantastic... exactly what a classic blues harmonica shuffle instrumental should sound like! Well done!
I agree with everything Mark
I agree with everything Mark said. I'm generally not a fan of overblows when they're inserted in an otherwise traditional setting, but for the most part, you make it work. Next time though, place the mic in a more advantageous spot.
Thank you Mister Estrin,
Thank you Mister Estrin,
Like the ideas here!
Good execution of licks & you certainly can play. I like the drummer-you just need to put the mic closer to the harp amp when you recorded it. This is an original take of BW -a tough thing to do but you pulled it off! It's got the vibe. Nice flutter & overblows in there too! The head works as well.
Thank you
Thank you mister Hummel.
I hate drummers
Great playing Steven! But where did you find this drummer? He's way too loud in the mix IMHO and he bangs like a maniac. He sounds like Michael Mass... As always, you have great texture with no non sense lines that work. Dig, bro...
You hate Fred Below?
Hey Sunnyside Bob,
Thanx for the comment. It's not really the drummer that's banging loud, it's just the way it was recorded during one of my band's rehearsals. It was recorded for personal use, we record most of our rehearsals. But because I liked this take's overall groove & feel I used it for the contest. We're probably gonna record it in a "proper" studio next fall. By the way , who's Michael Mass?
Michael Mass
The drummer of this german combo...
http://www.myspace.com/crazyhambones
(Hope this is not a breach of netiquette here!).
And thanks for reminding me the great Fred Below.
See you in Trossingen.
Seriously!
The more I listen the more I like this-I really want to download and learn it -fantastic! -its so catchy & I love the head!
Thats a realy swinging
Thats a realy swinging recording! Great! In the best traditions of West Coast harpmans :) I like your usage of overblows it adds a really jazzy feel!
Great Goliath
This is great-very exciting & lively.Also because I love Big Walter too & I can hear him in this too.Great submssion Friedharper!!
Rocks!!
Solid raspy tone with strong head lines. Each chorus has a definite theme feel to it with the techniques and melodies you use. COngratulations on this one!!
Now that's the Sh%^, the tune
Now that's the Sh%^, the tune not only sounds good to listen to but feels good too, that type of groove always strikes a nerve with me. You played the hell outta the harp brother, wrenched it real good- shazambadamnba!!!
Very good!
Really like the Hortonesque vibe you've got going on there Steve. Catchy head and a great laid back groove throughout. Great harp licks and excellent accompaniment from the band. I would have liked the harp to be a shade louder in the mix, just to cut through with a touch more oomph but it's a cracking instrumental all the same!
I really like this - I think
I really like this - I think it's a great example of tasteful playing: you've got plenty of very strong melodic ideas and you play them confidently without cluttering them up with too many fills. Awesome track!
Thanks jodanchudan
Thank you for your comment.
All the best,
Steven Troch