William Clarke

One of the most influential (to those in the know) contemporary harmonica players ever was William Clarke. Now, guys like the Walters and the Sonny Boys (and others) came before him and really laid the foundation for Clarke to build upon, but William Clarke took what they created (a unique roll within the Blues for my favorite instrument) and built upon it in a new way that connected the Blues and Jazz through the voice of the harmonica.

He learned his craft from George "Harmonica" Smith but ultimately developed a very personal style. His mastery of the harmonica was unique; his note selection and phrasing were so creative and individual, his tone and style all his own.

If you're interested in Blues Harmonica and haven't heard of William Clarke, you can learn a little more about him...
here
here
here
and here

Rick Estrin's Instructional DVD

Rick Estrin's new DVD Revealed! Secrets, Subtleties & Tricks of the Blues Harmonica is a must-have for any harmonica player that has already acheived a degree of facility on the instrument.



On the Disc, Estrin opens the Kimono and gives ALL the cool secrets away. And he does it while demonstrating a depth of musical vocabulary on the instrument that is staggering, along with a very entertaining and humorous delivery.

I HIGHLY recommend this disc for ANY blues Musician!