I learned this from Pierre Beauregard way way back. It was part of the Cambridge Harmonica Orchestra’s repertoire, and it was the first song I learned to change key on without changing the harp. Let me hasten to say, I only learned the melody - not where Howard goes with it.
Great video! I got a spunky version of Sweet Georgia Brown on my channel youd probably like. It's me playing harmonica and my dad playing the fiddle. Kinda neat!
You have would have fit perfectly into the ensemble with Wynton Marsalis, Mark O’Connor and Frank Vignola, featuring alongside them and the rest of the band.
I love Louis Armstrong singing and this old music reminds me of him. Very hip to teach us how these songs and changes originated. Also cool for how jazz chord progressions evolved
Amazing presentation, cover and performance tips, you are a musician's musician Mr. Levy and a divine harmonica player needless to say. What is little known is that in the 1949 cover of this American classic by Brother Bones and His Shadows used by the Harlem Globetrotters from 1952 onwards, what appears to be an organ playing in the background is actually the Novachord, the world's first polyphonic synthesizer, produced between 1938-1942 and invented by none other than the genius Laurens Hammond himself. Happy New Year!
One of my favorite songs, it was challenging to play on the upright with a bow, but Grappelli put that tune in my head...I just wanted to play it on violin. I never knew this story!👏
Found a piano tutorial in Ab. So Howard likes 11th position. Harmonica choice for 11th position is the 2nd of the song key. Bb it is! Thank you Howard.
Not sure which harp I like best. But what stood out to me on the Bb harp version is 1.) at different times it sounded distinctly like a trumpet solo, a trombone solo, a clarinet solo and a sax solo. 2.) the Sailor's Hornpipe lick on the second verse over the G7 was clever. Thanks Howard.
I never would have suspected that song would have such rich, complex chords or that it frankly would even be a tune that a serious jazz musician would even consider playing, but I have a whole new respect for it now - especially with those amazing solos. The G harp sounded like you had a lot of control over bending more notes, while the Bb was a wilder, more free sound - loved them both.
Thank you, Alberto, Glad you enjoyed it! To answer your question- I don’t use harmonica tab. I just think of the notes I’m playing and in my mind I see them as a piano keyboard. I will tell you that the first note I play using a B-flat harp is 2blow…
Download free backing track: levyland.com/teaching-videos-free-backing-tracks
Holy Cats!
I learned this from Pierre Beauregard way way back. It was part of the Cambridge Harmonica Orchestra’s repertoire, and it was the first song I learned to change key on without changing the harp. Let me hasten to say, I only learned the melody - not where Howard goes with it.
Holy shit that’s amazing riffing on any instrument but on a Harmonica Holy WTF !!!
Just like that! Nothin’ to it. About as frustrating as watching Chet Atkins play the guitar.
Fascinating. I always thought it was about a brown bourbon brewed in Georgia.
I've been trying to play your version on the harp since that VHS tape.
Oh wow- I made that in 1992 at Levon Helm's house in Woodstock. Glad it was helpful for you!
Great video! I got a spunky version of Sweet Georgia Brown on my channel youd probably like. It's me playing harmonica and my dad playing the fiddle. Kinda neat!
Wow!!! They should have featured you on an episode of “Boardwalk Empire! Thank you for the history and great playing!
Hah- and thanks!
You have would have fit perfectly into the ensemble with Wynton Marsalis, Mark O’Connor and Frank Vignola, featuring alongside them and the rest of the band.
why doesnt my youtube feed provide me with this guy,. im in!!!
I love Louis Armstrong singing and this old music reminds me of him. Very hip to teach us how these songs and changes originated. Also cool for how jazz chord progressions evolved
I remember the version with Jethro! One of the earliest tunes I heard you play (and made me want to hear more...)
Wonderful history, amazing playing , fantastic informative video! Thanks!!
Gracias Howard. Volve pronto a Argentina por favor
Amazing presentation, cover and performance tips, you are a musician's musician Mr. Levy and a divine harmonica player needless to say. What is little known is that in the 1949 cover of this American classic by Brother Bones and His Shadows used by the Harlem Globetrotters from 1952 onwards, what appears to be an organ playing in the background is actually the Novachord, the world's first polyphonic synthesizer, produced between 1938-1942 and invented by none other than the genius Laurens Hammond himself. Happy New Year!
Thank you for that amazing information, and Happy New Year!
Sir, that was simply amazing!! So fun to watch you play this one!
One of my favorite songs, it was challenging to play on the upright with a bow, but Grappelli put that tune in my head...I just wanted to play it on violin. I never knew this story!👏
Wonderful information. Personally I would have guessed that it came out of New Orleans.
Thank you for all you do!
Found a piano tutorial in Ab. So Howard likes 11th position. Harmonica choice for 11th position is the 2nd of the song key. Bb it is! Thank you Howard.
FANTASTIC AS ALWAYS...WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE BEST HARP PLAYER I"VE EVER HEARD...AND THE STORY WAS ..SOOO COOL ...
Super! And who doesn't love this swingin' tune? Thanks, Howard!
Magnificent , very nice to listen!!!
Endless thanks for sharing.
Grande maestro, un placer oirte,, como siempre una autenica delicia 👀👍✌
Absolutely fantastic! Love both! Always a favorite tune!
11th is the choice, do it myself this way. deep love to you Howard
Get my flappers out. Like that quote with the Bb
bravo howard you are a great inspiration for me tanks a lot
Yeah, Howard!
Thank you, my friend! I love this tune.
Not sure which harp I like best. But what stood out to me on the Bb harp version is 1.) at different times it sounded distinctly like a trumpet solo, a trombone solo, a clarinet solo and a sax solo. 2.) the Sailor's Hornpipe lick on the second verse over the G7 was clever. Thanks Howard.
Glad you caught one of my quotes! And yes, sometimes I imagine that I'm playing other instruments, so there you go...
love it so much , the licks are fantastic!
I never would have suspected that song would have such rich, complex chords or that it frankly would even be a tune that a serious jazz musician would even consider playing, but I have a whole new respect for it now - especially with those amazing solos. The G harp sounded like you had a lot of control over bending more notes, while the Bb was a wilder, more free sound - loved them both.
Thank you- well said!
Enjoyed your narrative too!
Master Harper Howard
That was too good. Could you share the song's tabs?
Thank you, Alberto, Glad you enjoyed it! To answer your question- I don’t use harmonica tab. I just think of the notes I’m playing and in my mind I see them as a piano keyboard. I will tell you that the first note I play using a B-flat harp is 2blow…
Sweet!
So great Howard! Thanks for this.
Glad you enjoyed it!