Red-Haired-Freedom-Jazz-Dance Boy in 7 | “Seven Things in 7”

This is a mashup of a traditional old-timey fiddle tune and a modern jazz classic by Eddie Harris. Miles Davis’ 1965 recording made it a must-play tune for jazz musicians. I feel that there is an overlap between Mixolydian fiddle tunes brought from the British Isles and angular Mixolydian jazz tunes like Freedom Jazz Dance- they both swing and have a ton of drive.
Here, I explore the common ground and the differences, taking the harmonica into unusual intervallistic territory with lots of 4ths.
The backing track that I played is all percussion- no bass and no chords gave me more freedom to “take it out”. You can get it here: levyland.com/teaching-videos-...
The harmonica I use in this video: Bb Hohner Marine Band with Special 20 reed coverplates customized by Joe Filisko
“Red Haired Boy”: Traditional, late 19th century
“Freedom Jazz Dance” by Eddie Harris, 1964
About “Seven Things in 7”: Odd time meters can be tricky to play in at first, but once you get familiar with them, that will change- each one has its own symmetry and swing. For me, 7/4 and 7/8 are two of the most comfortable odd time meters to play in. So I came up with this playlist showcasing different styles of music, all in 7/4 or 7/8. I hope you enjoy them and maybe give it a try yourself.
► Howard’s harmonica books- Rhythms of the Breath, Vol.1+Vol.2: levyland.com/book-rhythms-of-...
► My Harps and Gear: levyland.com/my-harps-and-gear
► Howard’s online harmonica school: artistworks.com/harmonica-les...
► Website: levyland.com/
► Facebook: / howardlevyfanpage
► Instagram: / howardlevyland

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Wow, far out and intense! When I closed my eyes and listened to this, I realized that I may not have identified the instrument as a harp if it just came on the radio - made me think a little of some jams I have heard fusion bands do. Were you using a modal scale relationship?

[@HowardLevyland]

Thanks! The fiddle tune is mixolydian; FJD uses all 12 tones and has very angular intervals. My improvs included those elements and more.

[@herbster22]

I really like seeing you display these styles of playing , usually I / We think of Howard Levy as playing a certain way, but this is totally something else. LOVE IT!!

[@magnusvidell8588]

Beautiful maestro!

[@cambowood1661]

Sizzling!!

[@jeffsimslmt]

That’s crazy Daddyo.

[@juank503latino3]

Unbelievable! Great stuff, keep doing this, please 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@HowardLevyland]

Thank you!

[@drtone]

Magnificent!

[@tedpowers2045]

Wow That’s awesome Hot tone and playing. Using what effects?

[@funwithmadness]

Ha! At the time I watched this (great job, by the way), there were 7 likes. :)

[@markwathen975]

🎼👍✌️

[@jeffsimslmt]

Uhh... not my cup of tea, but I suppose it’s innovative. Maybe too much echo effect.