Canned Heat/Alan Wilson...Harmonica Review Part 1 .029
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Part 1 of a way too short overview of the great Alan Wilson's harmonica playing on the song: Boogie Chillun' #2 from the Hooker n' Heat album
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The way you smile and grin at Blind Owl’s solo I smile and grin when you play.
What you say about Alan is true.Might I also add that Alan was one of the most talented harmonica players and blues composers that ever lived.Furthermore, he was knowlegable about other music besides blues.This was demonstrated by his use of the tembura in the song "On The Road Again".
Alan Wilson........a genius and a sweet and sensitive human being......how Alan loved nature....Alan Wilson......may you rest in peace...we love you buddy....
The Owl was so great and didn't even know or care. His great love was nature and trying to restore boogie the way it should be done. He predates them all..ZZ Topp and so many more I forget at this time.RIP ALAN!
I'm glad there are others who revere Alan Wilson as much as I still do. He OD'd about the same time as Hendrix, Morrison, and Joplin. Her was a fellow member of the "27 club." But he didn't have the high (no pun intended) profile as the others so few, other than the die-hard Heat fans and the band members, noticed. And as good as he was on blues harp, he was even better as rhythm guitarist. Watching them live, back in the day, all you could do was stand there and quiver when the band started to smoke!
Hi Jason, I also like the "Owl" Alan Wilson, I think he was a true genius as a musician.....Good video!
Everytime I watch this video I end up grinning....Between the joy of Alan's playing, the fun you are having explaining it and the knowledge that I will work the rest of my life on trying to sound that good....it's a feel good trifecta. Thanks for sharing.
That's great that you love him so.If you listen to the part that gave you a little trouble it was Alans breathe control.Its the little things,if you listen to the trill's and how he slows them down to perfectly fit the tempo of the music.That's tough to do.Everything was exactly on the one.He used his breathe to increase volume,his tongue mixed with the draw vibrato tone made famous by Butterfied AND the vibrato that Little Walter usedwhich were distinctly different,both of which he incorporated in his playing,which was what he was kind of doing there where you noticed the difference in sound on the staccato.Alan was light years away from Little Walter.I love Little Walter.He's the reason guys like Alan and Butterfield and everyone who plays that style exist,but he couldn't touch Alan.NO ONE could touch Alans' tone,no one.And he was so damned melodic,the end of the solo on Boogie Chillen,right after,where I think you called it bugling,but that last riff is one of the most melodic,musical lines I've ever heard,harmonica or not.
I learned that whole album when it came out after he died.Took me about 6 months,but I learned everything he did,note for note.You know he killed himself becaue of the redwoods,took a sleeping bag and some lquor and some F40's and they found him in the morning.F40's buried a lot of my friends,almost me too.I've been playing about 45 years now and its really a treat to see someone who really cares about Alan's playing.He was a genius,nothing else to describe him.the stuff he did on the B side of their first album,the whole side of H&H with just him and the Hook.He was the first guy I heard use overtones on the lower register,first guy to modify his harp and use reeds on the higher register like a chromatic.He was waay ahead of his time,but like you said,he was always thinking,createing and improvising.He WAS Canned Heat,hell he wrote every single one of their hits.He plays piano on Goin up the Country,hell of a piano player,guitar player,slide player.True Reniassance man.Man good for you keep the faith.Oh and listen to this track byt John Brim and Little Walter called Rattlesnake.you'll appreciate how Alan took that even further.the phrasing,breathing,rhythmic full mouth chording
John Brim: Rattlesnake
Redwoods ?
@@jillsmcfarland2001
Alan as an Autistic loved nature. He was deeply affected by the destruction of nature.
RIP my Autistic brother.
Man i wish I had your knowledge , thank you so much for your input !
Highly fictional account of his death. Toxicology confirmed no alcohol in Al's system. Al, who was autistic, suffered from chronic insomnia and took Secanol to sleep. Never determined whether accidental or intentional.
I asked Alan what techniques he used to bend certain notes on his records, which I was absolutely unable to hit. He laughed and told me the secret - he would unscrew his harmonicas and shave the reeds.
thats deep !!
WOW, that's pretty rad
Old Broom excellent
This is probably the coolest and best I've seen. Great job!
Great advice from the past... Simple, but not easy...
When I started playing the harmonica, I didnt know any harmonica players except for the Owl. I still find him very underrated...
Also scrolling through your old vids for some nostalgia! Keep up the great work!
Jason... YOU got big ears man. I am a massive Alan Wilson fan, and you've nailed it... "Something else died too" Much agreed there, Canned Heat died when Alan did in my mind.
Hey, much props from this fan, I loved your playing and I love the fact that you've incorporated the Blind Owl into your lessons. Thanks man, and have a great weekend!
I have learned tons from your lessons, they are fantastic!
I can't count how many times I've watched, listened and followed along to this song. Still learning after 2 years.
I still have this vid you did, Jason, and still love it!!
Thanks Jason, for giving Alan the recognition that he deserves. If he can hear your playing he will be overwhelmed by your approval and admiration..... I have that Hooker n' Heat album and have worn out a mess of them and tapes trying to figure it all out.... D and G. Thats the ticket .
Thank you, you made me smile and want to pick up my harmonica again edit: just realised this is 15yrs old! Al gorythm where you been?!!
😆 tell me about it!!!
Thanks so much for your tribute to Alan, who we miss so much to this day, and for your deep knowledge of the blues, and thanks for your own great harp skills. ☺️
I swear he was partially imitating John Lees voice in some of that solo so good hard to believe it
I bought this record after about a minute and a half into your video. Thanks for sharing this great, great cut and for breaking down Mr. Wilson's harp! That riff at 8:30 is beyond tasty and I KNOW you're feeling it!!
These cats are the reason I get up every morning. God bless.
Man I love your passion. I’m the same way. I bore people I know but I don’t care.
That’s what Blues is. A feel thing. You either gots it or ya don’t.
Hey, I know this is an old video, and you may be aware of this, but there’s a video on UA-cam called “Alan Wilson Harmonica Lesson” in which he tells his student that he lip-purses. The student asks if he uses his tongue and he responds “I fake it.” It’s an interesting artifact in general. Great video man, thank you.
Yes thats awesome!!!!
Most people don't know Alan Wilson played Trombone in School! I can hear Trombone parts in his playing.
This video shows just how great a musician you really are, Jason. You're a player that, as is said, comes up once in a generation and will leave a permanent mark on the history of music and so forth, and one can imagine the future harp pros doing videos in which they dissect you're amazing playing. And still you keep on listening to other musicians with genuine respect and awe, and simply look up to them. So outstandingly good and yet so humble. That, if something, is inspiring!
Jason, great vid. Blind Owl is definetly underappreciated today. Keep em coming. Mike
And ya know whats super cool about this? Is that he pulled that out of his head for that take.I know damned well that wasnt,if not the original,but pretty close to the original track.they might have slapped the switch in harpsIf you listen well,the tempo of his breathing was in perfect time.He also had two types of vibrato on the draw.One was just with his breath the other was the deep guttural Butterfield style draw,which alan actually did even better.What you have to realize about Alan was his timing was purely impeccable,just like Little Walter's.that's what separates them from all the rest.When it came to the rhythm of his breathing.And I think I've said it before,less is more,he didn't complicate the delivery,everything was rooted in the one.And I misspoke about Little Walter.there wouldnt have been an Alan Wilson without Little Walter,not the harp player at least.Little Walter's inluences are all over Alan's playing.Listen to the B side with just him and John Lee,its just a late 60's version of LW.Alan was a little trickier with reeding his harps,overtones and changing keys,but,he paid Little Walter the highest compliment.Imitation is the highest form of praise
Jason knows every nuance of that solo! That's how you know he lives and breathes it.
He has imagined himself being alan
Playing it with canned heat in his mind
I know
Ive been there
And yet he still can't play it. That's not detracting from Jason; he's amazing and I know he won't take this the wrong way. It just goes to show how good Alan was. It sounds easy but it's incredibly difficult and technical. I've heard many players, including myself, attempt it and feel like they've nailed it. However, when you listen to the recording later you realise it was nowhere close.
One of my favorites albums too. Drifter is amazing, Blind Owl’s harmonica on that track... Oh boy
That cat on the harmonicia that s the cat he is ! Double album had it on vinyl !
I now have a first pressing of that record. Fell in love with Al and Canned Heat few years back. You made me realize even more how much of a genius Alan was when I first watched this video. Every now and then I get the feeling to go back and watch some videos on them and I guess rn is one of those times.
Beautiful!
Thanks for this Vidéo ! You are amazing Ricci !
Thank YOU ❤️
Mean old world is my favourite alan wilson harp song. Absolutely brilliant
Got the album cover on my wall. I guess you just threw some more blues on it. Such a moment immortalised in that picture. Thank you
I love you, man, for loving Alans music! really. I read your artical as well. Well done! I mean, I feel a living person talking to me wile reading that. And eh...cheers!
Awe Love back at you!
The harp switching and then from about 6:06 on - the staccato, lip pursed, ''bugling'' - ''ain't no burning hell'' hotter than Blind Owl when he was lit. GREAT video!
Jason, you are fantastic on this video!! I am angry it took me so long to find this. Al was everything you said: a heavy cat...whom I continue to adore. When he died all the heat went out of Canned Heat as well as the cerebrality and original genius. You got it right: "When Al died, something else died." Where can I hear your band???
Hey Jason, it's heartening to hear such a passionate appreciation of the late great Al Wilson -- gone but not forgotten, and one of the underappreciated musical heroes-chroniclers-archeologists of the blues revival. Al, with his deep love of old growth forests and nature and roots music, may've been just a little too good for this world.. Don't let the few strident pipsqueaks get you down, there's a lot of love out there for you, brother. Dogs bark and the caravan passes. Peace, and thank you for so generously sharing your knowledge.
Everything you say about Alan Wilson is true.What a genius he was.A few months ago I was in London on a vacation.Brought to mind Alan`s "London Blues" experience.I have some thoughts on that experience if you`d like to hear them.
Sorry I missed your reply. I'd love to hear what your thoughts are about Alan and music.
My favorite record of canned heat too! I get goosebumps every time I listen.
The Blind 🦉 has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame
I have that same album. I used to listen to it all the time when I was a little kid. Alan was an excellent player. Great tone and style/phrasing. So sad that he went so soon. That was the best version of 'Boogie Chillen' ever.
Love your enthusiasm, knowledge, technique and respect shown. Thanks
Thank you!
Th blind owl did rule hard!
Jason I love your enthusiasm for music and the harmonica I love when I can see that in someone else and know I'm not alone in it myself...
Hey there Jason... I am working on this awesome song and just found your video. This is a great breakdown you did here! Classic Alan!! 🙂
Awesome video man
To legends rolled in one awsome hope your surgery went well god blessevan uk
Whenever I hear you play, I hear a little bit of the blind owl in there! Like Al you inspire me.
Alan wherever you be.That was too good for a novice like me to appreciate fully but i had goosebumps and tears,sure can get emotional when the music goes right through you.Thanks to Jason for that piece of heaven.
Enjoyed this video because of your passion for the music. A pleasure to see the younger generation appreciating the music I understand.
Hey Jason.How ya` doin` buddy.Great to see how many people are inspired by
your Alan Wilson video.I still say: Alan Wilson was the greatest harp man ever-even better than Little Walter.What a genius Alan was.
Awesome overview of a CLASSIC band with a CLASSIC guest! WOW! I too bought this album after seeing your review. Fortunately I saw the Heat with Spirit, Cactus and 2 other bands in DC in '73. What a show....
Jason, awesome stuff,and gott a love Cannned Heat@
Hi Jason..THANK YOU SO MUCH for the effort you put into this.
I'm some Midwestern old guy, ALWAYS loved Canned Heat, but just what I got in the vanilla media, I knew NOTHING about their extreme talent until thanks to UA-cam and you...I've recently gotten back into everything C.H......can't get enough....want more...want to educate my friends..(mostly young, never heard of C.H. or Alan)
I love your attention to Alan's ability, nuances . Thank you for your time and effort. I love to show my coworkers (youngsters) the fabulous music that has existed. (Even say...Anna netrebco (sp?) Barcarolle) ..they ACTUALLY listen, so I must be bringing them good things...but YOU are bringing things that mainstream-me never heard of until internet...Thank you friend....long live Alan and Bob in appreciation of their talent!
Awesome Interpretation. Blues forever!
Love this video!! I found canned heat late! Knew couple of there songs when heard them.then gave them a proper listen .And when I heard that harp! I was like I need to buy a harp! lol love canned heat up there with a my favourite bands now!!
Alan and the Canned Heat inspired me to play blues harp and slide. I've got 2 different versions of the Hooker And Heat session,and now I'm going to have to get them out. Great video!
awesome! canned heat is one of my favorites. thanks for the video.
Excellent lesson, Jason. And you are so right about the power of listening! Jon
Alan Wilson aka the Bind Owl was also one of the best most original rhythm and slide guitar players. He was also one of the greatest blues historians. These guys were unbelievable live. They introduced all us young white guys to the REAL blues. The great Harvey Mandel was also in Canned Heat for a time. Great video and DON'T FORGET TO BOOGIE!!!
Hi Jason, Thanks for sharing this amazing video and song and turning me on to Alan Wilson. He was absolutely brilliant.
Very Nice!
Thank you so so much my friend for the dear and kind words. The real thanks go to the Blind Owl (Alan). Love
J
he was so awesome,,,,,,,I dont know how he follows me but he do
Dude! This is great! So coool!! I dig your passion!
It was nice to see another musician as passionate as myself. Cheers.
2024 and I still miss him like it was yesterday.
Great video. I am a minor leaguer on the harp and followed a lot of blues & rock over the years. I had this Hooker & Heat album since the late 90s or so, and thought the whole thing was near perfect blues album. But more recently I got more into Canned Heat, and really saw what an amazing harp and guitarist and vocalist that Al Wilson was. Simply Amazing.
It's nice to see a tremendous harp player, such as yourself ,give credence to my thoughts on how great the Blind Owl was on Harmonica.
The Playbody Mansion One the Road Again harp solo by Alan was the hardest hitting scariest blues solo I ever heard it was beyond badass his phrasing is the best
When this cover was shot, Alan had just passed away. That is why they had his picture on wall, and they were dressed in black.
You are a talented harp player yourself. Love to listen to you, too!
you are great man, I like how you apreciate music, and your playng is incredible and you inspire all of us
great vid, jason! sounds like YOU, TOO were big fan of al wilson & canned heat! as teenager, was my introduction to harmonica (& BLUES!)
started carrying one in my pocket, & it's STILL THERE!
A frustration of mine, as a jazz listener out here on the west coast is that I have no one to share with. Example: who is as good a listener as ME? I can never say, "listen to this (Allen, e.g.) you'll love it". Jason, I love your enthusiasm and understanding of Allen's music. I'd love to sit down over coffee and share........."Jason? Listen to this!" Five stars!
Hey Jason that's an amazing review, you really know your stuff! I bet the Blind Owl is more famous now than when he was alive. God, I can't believe it is so long ago, where did the years go?
These are a couple of my favorite videos of yours. I was a fan of Canned Heat before, but I never knew about the Hooker 'n' Heat album until I saw these 2 videos. Went right out and bought the CD and it hasn't left my cd player since. I'd love to see a series of breakdown videos, where you just go through, pick a part of the solo and break it down. Each vid would be a different part of the solo until you've gone all through it. Keep it up. And get New Blood to play in St. Louis!!!
Keepin' the Heat alive! Thanks for puttin' yourself out there bro, you rule.
It's cool to see you geek out Jason.
Thanks for the passion
Jason great job! What a way to study the harp. Glad i came across your YT. I'm going to send this to my band.
Jason your are an artist wow .........
I agree my generation.love this band
can you make more videos on canned heat and Alan Wilson specifically you’re clearly very passionate
i've only being playing harp for around a month now(24/7 to be honest) and this was one of the songs that made me want to get into it. I've always loved the blues and have been playing the drums for a long time but i'm so happy i picked up the harp.
Cheers for a great video man
respects to alan
benny
Canned Heat and Paul Butterfield exposed me to the harp when I was 16 at the Woodstock Festival.
This solo is truly one of the greats, and I remember spending hours mastering it.
These are classics.
Hi Jason just heard of the great blind owl still play on the road on the way to work busing thanks for sharing
what was the adam gussow vid can send a kink cant find it love your enthusiasm for the blues in particular hooker n heat its a great album
Jason this record has been a major influence on my playing too. I love to boogie. The really cool thing is I often get to play [even toured 4 times]with James T. [a prolific songwriter & an excellent boogie style slide/guitar/crankin' harp player]. He spent ten years with Canned Heat & has created around 10 independent albums since living on the north east coast of Australia.
what a great record to pic - i played it today & had a blast with my new HG30 amp put it on full blast on the stereo with the sun blazing outside & it blew my socks - goooood stuff - thanks for the tips - more feel than chops that suits me for now - thanks
Mzo 2021, saludos desde la Ciudad de México.
Yes, I agree...first time I head this I lost my mind. I showed my friends, you know the avenge seven fold guys and the... ....well... they just didn't understand. And still don't.
I really haven't been able to move forward since I heard this. Basically I believe I have head Gabriel and can now die and go to heaven.
gosh, I love your passion & love. lotta goosebumps.
GREAT video, Jason. Love the hair too, btw.
This is Canned Heats best record ever,better than their first. Alan was one of the best harp players to ever play the instrument.The stuff he does with John Lee alone is some of the best work ever,John Lee loved him. He was the first guy I ever heard use overtones in his playing in "On the road again".Alan had it all,his tone was phenomenal and he truly understood how important it was with an instrument like the harmonica.I dont of any player that had a better sound than Alan
On the road again is playing in my mind 24/7 since the first time I heard it ..... I hope like hell it'll never stop and stay with me after death.
Good vid, Jason. Al Wilson was terrific, both on harp and Guitar. understated genius.
Thanks, Jason. Probably my favorite Heat record.
Sure you could play some of it (The part where he switched) on a Low F but you wont get those same inflections Alan got here because of the bends that are idiosyncratic and intrisic to 3rd position. Glad I contributed to the sale of a canned heat record!
J
Great job Jason! I would love to see you interpret his solo in On The Road Again. There is that one note that that I cant find. Is it an overblow? I heard he may have specially tuned his harp for that.
Awesome Record,Awesome player!!!
Top vid Jason, thanks.
I'm a real novice into the harp, but really inspired by your vids. I have a novice question: you chanched from D harp to a G harp if i'm correct, but if i try to play along, the D keeps fitting in better...
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Johnny.
Jason, Very interesting comments about the importance of being a great musician by being able to play off the others in the band. Thank you for pointing that out. I'm interested in hearing other mentors you've been influenced by.
Cheers, G.
His call and response work with Hooker on Burning Hell might be the best harp/singer interaction I've heard.
Do you know which harp and in which key Alan Wilson used during Boogie Chillun'? I want to buy a new harp and definitely want this sound :)