Daniel James

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Chicago Shuffle Verse 2 - V Chord Jun 19, 2014

 Hello Rick,

This is an attempt at the first and second verses. I notice some of my bends are off, but wondered if you had any other feedback.

Daniel James

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Jun 19, 2014

Hi Daniel - You're right - some of your bends are off a little. You're also missing the 3 draw transition note on the I chord in the first verse. There are a couple other small details, but overall I gotta say - Pretty darn good!  

 

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Chicago Shuffle Performance & Introduction Jun 16, 2014

Wow! What a great tune! Rick you are my new King of Cool.

Will you be talking at all about your amp, mic, and settings?

Daniel James

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Jul 31, 2014

Hey Daniel - The mic is an Astatic JT-30 with a 151 crystal element. The amp I used on this piece is an old Fender Champ. It doesn't have any settings - It only has off and on and volume, all on one knob - 

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Chicago Shuffle Verse 2 - I and IV Chord Jun 11, 2014

Hello Rick! Thank you for another marvelous series of lessons and for sharing your many gems of how to be a musician and performer. I am not only learning so much from you, but I really enjoy your entire lessons. You have such an engaging AND entertaining style.

I do have a question about this specific lesson. I'm sure you answered it, but I wanted to make sure. This part of the song is all lip pursing isn't it? It has a lot of bounce and punch, so I keep thinking you are tongue blocking. But during part of the lesson you mention you are doing it with your lips for added articulation. Am I hearing you correctly?

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Jun 15, 2014

Hi Daniel - I'm real glad you're enjoying/getting some benefit out of these lessons. I am lip pursing on the first two holes in this section. At one point during the lesson, I demonstrate the section tongue blocking just to show that it can be done and that it can be made to sound nearly identical using either technique. When I'm lipping, I'm "slipping" the 1 draw in for an instant as I'm about to play the 2 draw to simulate the effect of tongue blocking.  Thanks again and feel free to ask me any time you'd like some clarification.

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Mean Old World Backing Track May 21, 2014

 An attempt at the intro and first fills. Watching it, I notice I lack fluidity. But it is so much fun!

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Getting Out of Town Outro Apr 14, 2014

Rick I've heard others say that at times when you play, you channel Sonny Boy II. I really enjoyed this past lesson because you helped me understand a part of his playing that I've been unable to figure out on my own. If you have a piece that could help with other facets of his sound that would be wonderful.

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Getting Out of Town Outro Apr 13, 2014

Rick thank you so much! What an awesome lesson that was packed with so much information on technique, making music, and getting soul into playing. Of course your music was amazing, but I also love your style and method. I learned/and will continue to be learning for some time-so much. Thank you!

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Apr 14, 2014

Thanks Daniel - I'm really glad to be able to pass along whatever tips I've picked up or developed over the years.

I'll be doing another series here at Sonic Junction real soon - I haven't totally settled on what the content of the next lessons should be - suggestions anyone?

 

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Getting Out of Town Verse 3 - I and IV Chord Mar 28, 2014

It is WAY cool man! Thank you so much!

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Getting Out of Town IV and V Chord to Finish the 1st Verse Mar 23, 2014

Rick you are awesome. Thank you so much. I am learning so much, enjoying the new playing (and have always wanted to learn how to play Bye bye bird), and enjoying your lessons!

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Getting Out of Town Introduction and Performance Mar 09, 2014

Oh Man! Those are some AMAZING Blues! Thank you for that Rick!

Dan

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 09, 2014

Thank you Daniel! Keep working at it - You'll be surprised what can happen once that groove is embedded in your brain!

Daniel James
Daniel James commented on: Getting Out of Town Chord Foundation and Dynamics Feb 24, 2014

This is awesome! I've been wondering about this facet of Sonny Boy's playing for years. Thank you!!!

Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin Sep 09, 2014

Hi Daniel - Join the club! I'm still wondering about it! I'm able to approximate some aspects, and in my own way I can do something like what he did, but they definitely broke the mold when they made Sonny Boy! 

 
Login popup sm Login popup banner

Member Log In

Forgot your password? Click here

New To Sonic Junction?

See Sign Up Info >

Popup close
 
Login popup sm

New To Sonic Junction?

Try 2 Lessons Free

Popup close