I am learning Orange Blossom Special and an online article about the song on Harp Surgery talked about lateral jaw movement technique for the fast runs. Apparently Charlie McCoy taught Brendan Power the technique. Does anybody here use the technique and if so can you explain it ?
I found a clip that explains it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAjaJvj9DcU
You don´t have to use your jaw. This young man does really play fast and moves his head in stead of the jaw. But i really think joeal master that technique to.
Hmmm. Something new to try. Keeping the jaw relaxed and moving fast will take some practice, of course. OK. Remember to start out slowly, and gradually build up both speed and accuracy. Another challenge.
Most people, I believe, can move their lower jaw from side to side, or laterally. Assume harp embouchure, stick the harp in your mouth and try it. It's really awkward at first, but with practice, becomes a useful technique for getting around the instrument. I don't really employ it much myself, but you've inspired me to revisit it. I recall seeing a Youtube video of Howard Levy interviewing Brendan Power, and this is part of the discussion.
Yup, leading with the lower jaw is what I do. It was something I learned instinctively from my first days of playing. Charlie McCoy had nothing to do with it (I'm not sure how he plays, actually! But it sure works).
There are several different and equally valid ways to get a string of notes happening on harmonica: keeping your head still and moving the harp, keeping the harp still and shifting your whole head, leading with the lower jaw (as I do).
And that's just variations for pucker style. I guess they are similar for U-Blocking and Tongue Blocking. Then there are the added factors of how the harp is held, and at what angle...
There are great exponents of every embouchure and method of moving around the harp. You can't say one particular approach is absolutely superior. It's really up to the individual to choose what suits them best.
