The Happy Harper
6 posts
Feb 22, 2009
9:10 AM
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ADAM, THANKS FOR A GREAT 2 YEARS SO FAR!!
Hey folks as most of you know it's been 2 whole years today (I am pretty sure) of Adam's sweat, wisdom, knowledge, soul, awesome generosity and careful guidance.
I suggest we start this thread as a place to post stories, gushing praise, links to photos, videos, etc... however your spirit moves you to say happy anniversary and thanks.
I know everyone has thanked him as they post but thought this could act as a virtual happy anniversay card from all of us that want to get involved in saying it again!
This way if Adam wants he can come here and feel the love or, if he ever gets down and needs a pick me up, here it will be for him just like his videos have picked a lot of us up when we needed it.
So here goes....
ADAM!! You have been essential to putting me back on my harmonica feet after 15 years away from the instrument. I have found my love of the harp again and it has changed the way I feel on a daily basis. I am now busking with a guitar guy and having the time of my life despite being right in the middle of a very stressful time for me.
I am a new man and truly you are a large part of that.
Thanks and happy 2 years!
Jason
Last Edited by on Feb 22, 2009 9:29 AM
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oldwailer
526 posts
Feb 22, 2009
10:04 AM
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Adam--is it really two years already? I think I started studying your videos within a couple of months of when you started. Anyway, I still can't keep up with you and I always have new ones to watch--thank you for all you have done to put harp back into my life!
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Philosofy
148 posts
Feb 22, 2009
10:27 AM
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Adam, you've turned a hobbyist back into a student! Thanks!
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eharp
215 posts
Feb 22, 2009
10:49 AM
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2 years! and i still aint no better?!?
i guess i have to start practicing what adam is giving away instead of just enjoying the videos for their own value.
the cop one still busts me up!
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gorignak
16 posts
Feb 22, 2009
11:46 AM
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Adam,
I started playing Harmonica in January of 08. My X-Box 360 had just broken on me and within a week of not having it anymore, I realized how much of a waist of time it was. So I thought I would put my new free time into learning a musical instrument, I don't remember why, but I chose the Harmonica as my new hobby (I think it was the lack of maintenance never needing to tune it, and the easy learning curve. I was naive)
I had boughten have my first Hohner Blues Harp. I was struggling with single notes, and wondering how the heck I was suppose to play this thing? I can still remember my exact emotions when I discovered my 2 hole draw was "broken" haha. I thought I'd check on youtube and see if anyone has posted a "how to" on fixing the 2 hole draw. Then I found your videos. It was amazing, you fixed my 2 hole draw from 2400 miles away! And a year later look at me now, I almost got a full set of SP20s and I'm getting single notes, chords, octave splits, bends, throwing in some microtonal tonalities, counting bars, jivin, groovin, doing everything to make that Harp sing! (except overblows, still working on that one).
My family knows the music my brothers listen to, and I show them the music I listen to. They still can't believe a professional musician, and the Harp player from one of my favorite bands, has a website where you talk to others, help out with harmonica related problems, and go out of your way to post FREE lessons on youtube giving it all away, as you might say. Hell, you even set up a FREE meet and greet jam session in a hotel room YOU rented! And got other professional Harp players to come! I don't know any other genera of music were professionals would get together and do something like that. It just shows how much more class the blues scene has, compared to my brothers music, punk and alternative rock. And with other blues musicians giving similar help, it proves that to some people, it's about sharing the music, rather than being on the cover of Blender Magazine.
Whoo, talking about all this Harp, I need to go play now. Well, thank you Adam. The help and advise you give goes far beyond the confinement of two cover plates.
-David
Last Edited by on Feb 22, 2009 3:26 PM
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djm3801
40 posts
Feb 22, 2009
1:53 PM
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Adam,
This is an awesome resource. Thanks for it and for all you do in providing education. There are a few sites out there but I think this one has more meat in it and the contributors are part of the success. Your input is always on the mark.
Success to you,
Dan M
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snakes
112 posts
Feb 22, 2009
1:53 PM
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Happy Anniversary Adam. Thank you for being part of the team that helps make me a better harmonica player. I'll try to make a point of supporting you by making a purchase soon as it is the least I can do for your support of me. I still play the heck out of the DVD I got from you. Thanks and happy harpin.'
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geordiebluesman
146 posts
Feb 22, 2009
1:59 PM
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Hey Adam,What can i say that could express my gratitude for the last two years? Well i think the single most inportant thing to thank you for is guiding me towards becoming a musical person,I have always hung out with musicians and creative people and although i got credit for my comic verse and painting all i ever really wanted to do was to join in with the music makeing, Sitting round a camp fire with my biker buddies drinking beer smoking the odd spliff and playing, Well now that dream is starting to come true and that's mostly down to you my man! So thank you and i promise to play a drunken stoned tune in your honour whilst scorching my trousers on an open fire at the earliest possible oppertunity!
Last Edited by on Feb 22, 2009 2:00 PM
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Blackbird
44 posts
Feb 22, 2009
2:19 PM
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I think it was somewhere around 2004 when I bought a harmonica in the key of C, and Jon Gindick's de-facto bible (Rock 'n Blues harmonica) followed soon after because there wasn't as much about harmonica playing on the internet back then.
I didn't have a woodshed (and still don't!) and I know my progress suffers for it. It must've been in the summer of '07 that a friend told me about Satan and Adam as some good harp music to listen to and learn from. Lo and behold, google took me right to Youtube where Adam had just started to crank out these free lessons. I was still a struggling beginner back then, and his offerings didn't sink in with me as valuable for a few more months. I still worked to find the time and place just to get some clean notes, chords, and figure out the mysterious bends, and then went back and started catching up on Adam's lessons which began to change my harp playing. Everything that didn't translate as text in Gindick's book began to make sense when I could see and hear it on video. It still lacked the interactive Q&A that I wanted at the time (which was briefly solved in a short workshop by Grant Dermody that year) but all of the things Gindick wrote suddenly began making sense. Re-reading his book, and going with Adam's videos as they came out so frequently that first year gave me all the theory, reference, and information I ever wanted to figure out how to play these crazy things. And the education keeps going with each video.
I still struggle with progress to master all of the theory and practice ideas. I play at bus stops between buses, sneak in a quiet lesson or two in the apartment (and I hate to have to walk on eggshells to play - it feels wrong) and long for that place where I can go nearly any time to learn and improve - turning years of stumbling into weeks or months of progress.
Without Adam's dedication to teach us all he knows, and give it away, I'd have given up a long time ago. I trusted in his free videos so much I began to buy his lessons for sale and jam tracks. They do add the in-depth extra stuff they promise, and have been helpful for very reasonable prices. Short of attending a Gindick jam camp (I'm saving my pennies! Come back to the Seattle area, Jon!) or lessons locally with Grant, I can't think of a resource that has taught me more than Adam's video lessons and discussions about the harp, blues, and music theory. There is no greater generosity than giving your time and knowledge away for free to spread it to others in an effort to build and spread the art and craft of playing an instrument and understanding it.
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kudzurunner
288 posts
Feb 22, 2009
4:32 PM
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Thanks, guys. I've got a cool video I'll upload in the next day or two, by way of celebration. It's been a wild and unexpected ride for the past two years; I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I keep thinking I've said pretty much all I've got it in me to say in the YouTube videos. Maybe it's time to pull the plug, I think. Then I hear some more cool harp music and I see a way of sharing something, explaining something, and the madness starts all over again.
I still haven't done a video about Kim Wilson or Little Walter, by the way. I'll do that soon.
I"m racing out the door but will write more when I've got the chance....
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Leanground
49 posts
Feb 22, 2009
4:40 PM
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Thank you Adam,
What a wonderful gift you've given to all who are willing to work for it.
all the best
Mark
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snakes
113 posts
Feb 22, 2009
7:24 PM
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PLEASE do the Little Walter AND the Kim Wilson videos. I'll buy - I'll buy!
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tookatooka
128 posts
Feb 23, 2009
4:21 AM
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I can only second what has already been said Adam. A heartfelt thanks for all you have done to make so many peoples lives that much richer and rewarding.
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When I'm not blowing, I'm drawing.
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Preston
147 posts
Feb 23, 2009
5:11 AM
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Thanks Adam,
Couldn't be where I am at today without you!
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dewey.deloe
39 posts
Feb 23, 2009
9:33 AM
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Thanks Adam!
I started playing about two months after Adam's first video came out.
Saturday night I played in a jam session and everyone there except me has played professionally. After it was over i got lots of compliments but one of the guys who plays in Branson came up to me afterwards and said something like this: "You are like playing with a seasoned pro. You already know when to lay out and you never stomp on anyone. You play tastefully and are very courtous. That is how you always get invited back" <- All of these are things I learned from Adam.
He also mentioned about how many players cringe when a harp player shows up.
Thank you Dr. Gussow for taking the time to share those "off topic" stories and advise!
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Down the road I got to go
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mr_so&so
37 posts
Feb 23, 2009
9:55 AM
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A big thank-you from me too, Adam. People have said that there is nothing like a face-to-face teacher, but I think you've proven that you are an effective teacher through Youtube. Even though we've never met, I do consider you my teacher. I'd even go so far as to say you've made Youtube better in the process.
Steve
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Thunderfromheaven
20 posts
Feb 23, 2009
10:09 AM
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Thanks from me, you posted your lesson DVD out to New Zealand when I requested it. I have read your draft book and although we have never met I also consider you my teacher.
When do we get a lesson from the new truck?
Thanks, Mike
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cm16600
74 posts
Feb 23, 2009
11:05 AM
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Stopped playing harp for almost 10 years,got bored, couldn't figure out more stuff by myself . And there it was, Adam's youtube videos,how amazing ,,,since then i've been practicing almost everyday .
Adam, i am so thankfull.!!
chris
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mickil
44 posts
Feb 23, 2009
11:41 AM
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Thank you Adam. Like so many people on here, I'd just given up because I could never figure out how to do that stuff that you would call the 'machine language' of the harp. I always just sounded OK, nothing more.
Then I needed to play again. I mean, I really did have the Blues, and I needed an outlet to help keep me on track. You know, the old story: guy meets girl, girl kicks guy in teeth, etc.
Well, I bought a few harps, and I did some searching, and I stumbled across your lessons. Since then, in just a few months, those lessons have transformed my clichéd, tired old licks into something that even I like the sound of, and at the same time, they've turned what was once disappointment and frustration into obsession and inspiration.
My heartfelt thanks to you.
Mick
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
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harpnoodler
45 posts
Feb 23, 2009
12:14 PM
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Thanks, Adam. Your gift for explanation and the sharing, not just of your harmonica technique, but also of yourself and your philosophy of music and harp may get this stuck-in-intermediate-twilight player to the next level in time to get the walkers drumming at the rest home. (And I can soak my harps next to my teeth!)
We may never meet, but I also consider you my teacher.
With gratitude, roshi.
Andrew
Last Edited by on Feb 23, 2009 12:14 PM
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DavidC
18 posts
Feb 23, 2009
12:17 PM
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Just to add my word of thanks for the help, support and encouragement that your lessons have provided over the last 2 years. I would have given up in frustration a long time ago if not for the resources you have provided.
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birdman
58 posts
Feb 23, 2009
12:24 PM
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Adam, dont think i can add anymore i think its already been said , but thanks man you rock
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Jaybird
59 posts
Feb 23, 2009
3:37 PM
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Congratulations Adam,
I learned alot from you these past 2 years. Thanks!
Jaybird
PS. How 'bout a lesson on "Busking"?
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RyanMortos
85 posts
Feb 23, 2009
3:41 PM
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Happy anniversary Adam!
Unfortunately I haven't been practicing for 2 years but for the couple months I have your lessons (purchasable or not) have been the single best source for my education and practice. Keep'em coming, I'm ready for all there is to learn.
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~Ryan
PA
Ryan's Tube - Containing [0] uploads and counting...
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Fredrider51
44 posts
Feb 23, 2009
4:17 PM
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Happy anny Adam
It is like my birthday also... Jan 25 07 i went to jon gindicks camp in dallas and started my harmonica path to i dont know where .. then when i came back i found you and have been watching you and others but mainly you.. i even found a way to have you be our guest in philly and everyone loved you.. now we even have a harmonica club here in philly ..so here i go i have to meet some dude i met in a bar and we going to play and he asked to accompany him .. i am have fun with this
THANKS ADAM
fred akins
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Zhin
123 posts
Feb 23, 2009
9:00 PM
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Happy birthday MBH!
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My Videos
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EddyLizard2
27 posts
Feb 23, 2009
9:20 PM
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Happy birthday and many more to come!
Lots of thanks for sharing and explaining!
You're THE teacher, really!!!
Last Edited by on Feb 23, 2009 9:25 PM
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Miles Dewar
190 posts
Feb 24, 2009
2:03 AM
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Yep, Thank you Adam for all of the hours....all-nighters and jaw cramps that you had supplied me with. If it wasn't for you, i would have never thought about picking up a Harp. Happy 2nd Year and Good Luck with the rest.
Just make Sure You Keep Harpin' Brother.
-Miles
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---Go Bears!!! (Richard Dent for Hall of Fame)---
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Tryharp
104 posts
Feb 24, 2009
2:38 AM
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Thanks for another year of efforts on your part to help us learn to play the harp PROPERLY. Very much appreciated.
Tryharp
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the frozen canuck
3 posts
Feb 24, 2009
11:23 AM
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happy anniversary adam ,thanks for the insparation to go futher & play better,your the Best . from the frozen north A BIG THANKS
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DanP
23 posts
Feb 24, 2009
3:27 PM
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I want to also say happy anniversary and add my thanks. I've learned a lot from this website and I've been playing for 20 years. I still have a lot to learn about the harmonica (overblowing, for example) that I think you and others can teach me.
Last Edited by on Feb 25, 2009 11:39 AM
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DutchBones
79 posts
Feb 24, 2009
4:02 PM
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Thanks Adam for the endless hours of inspiration and dedication you give us. It is very, very much appreciated. Life without you wouldn't be the same (hope my wife doesn't read this)
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DutchBones Tube
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bernmurd
1 post
Feb 25, 2009
9:23 AM
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in the first few videos he had one on vibrato. I just got it. I've been watching and learning since. I don't know if I'll ever pick up my bass again.
thanks,
Bernie
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harmonicanick
156 posts
Feb 25, 2009
9:37 AM
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we are all giving it up for you, Adam, on this anniversary,for your wonderful resourcefullness, eloquent manner and passion for our little instrument.
Regardless of age, ability or experience you have succeeded in inspiring people.
Keep on,
Nick in Uk
Last Edited by on Feb 25, 2009 9:38 AM
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SPANKY
3 posts
Feb 25, 2009
9:51 AM
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adam , thanx for doing so much to keep the blues and blues harp alive and kickin' .ya' know years from now a bunch of great musicians are going to look back in fond and grateful admiration of you and all you've done to move this genre forward. you may not be the first to post a free instructional video on youtube , but in my mind you are one of the most selfless and most dedicated. you do truly inspire and encourage others to do things that they wouldn't be able to easily do on their own if at all.that is in my opinion one of the marks of a truly great teacher .
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BlueWB
1 post
Feb 25, 2009
1:16 PM
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Dear Adam,
everything what people say to praise your work is not enaugh. May anyone think, this world with all their problems is true, then he should take a look at what you´r doing. You are one of the important philosophically innovators and that is what it makes: It makes the world go round. Love thats freeflowing for no price, but a lot of praise. There is something growing ´course of your work, that delighted a hole movement from this time on. Can you imagine the sequals? Me, i hope that you got further ideas what to give surchers on their way, but for me it is already work enaugh to do with all your lessons, and someday, maybe in a few years, i´ll be able to do all these overblows and rythmic parts and feelings and own created riffs! I am soon 55 years but not old, because harmonica keeps young and its the perfect thing to make musik when you get older. To all the young: keep on doing it. What you can do in time is more than you can imagine.
Thank you, Adam
Hope to see you sometimes!
Wolfgang
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GermanHarpist
103 posts
Feb 25, 2009
4:34 PM
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Just wanted to add my name to the list. There is really nothing more to say.
Thanks, Adam!
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http://www.youtube.com/germanharpist
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Stéphan
8 posts
Feb 28, 2009
5:50 AM
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Hello Adam,
You have doing something absolutly unique on youtube.
I think that nobody have doing that before.
And it's something you can be proud !
I don't understand all of what you said cause I usually don't speak english : but you can believe me, your work is a good reason to try to remembered my old english school lesson !!!
Continue and thank you !
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Stephan.
MyTube
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