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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Adam Gussow (Mr. Gussow)
Adam Gussow (Mr. Gussow)
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Violin Cat
59 posts
Jun 27, 2009
4:47 PM
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I was recently reading the Bharath topic and much was coming to my mind not so much about Bharath or even the subject but more about Adam and his individuality, intelligence, and philosophical exploration in music.
Most of you know Adam from here and youtube, and I'm not depreciating that medium as a source of knowledge and familiarity. As a matter of fact, in many ways actually, all of you and myself have gotten to know him much better through these internet communications than those of us who knew him prior to the internet possibly could have, short of living in NYC.
My point is I think of him differently than most people. I don't really see him as a teacher or a channel or website owner, not even as a great harp player but as a hero in my life at that time (95-2001) and now as well akin to or greater than my other heros at that time like: Butterfield, Wilson, Hummel, Estrin, William Clarke,Walter, Wells, Smith Piazza etc... Adam is one of my favorite players in the world and even though he may be one yours too, It has been different for me. I will explain more but let me say also I like many of you have developed as a result of this man's playing and more importantly thinking.
There was a magazine (now gone) called "Blues Access" and Adam contributed a series of articles over the years (available in the book "Journey mans Road" and there was this one very bold article that caused him some controversy and even threats I believe. It was a little less tame then the Barath one posted here and like that one named names. Without going into the content of this article I will say only that the the subject matter and opinions presented in this article have shaped my playing, persona and career as much as anything Adam, Pat Ramsey, Little Walter or anyone ever played on harmonica. Whether you agree or not with the musings of MR Gussow concerning Barath and others the point is Adam has brought to the table not only some of the most innovative harmonica playing ever heard in blues but has ushered in a more intelligent, unapologetic intellectual and philosophical paradigm to blues music in general and I am living proof. He has always refused to dumb anything down in his speech, teachings or writings in a genre that sometimes likes translate "Dumbing Down" into "Soul".
To be alive and playing as a kid growing up in his early early twenties when this guy was on the circuit was INCREDIBLE! We use to take acid and listen to Satan and Adam all night! Adam was a hummingbird darting in and out of ryhtms like a ornothological Maceo Parker, Satan is a spiritual genius, misunderstood and often dismissed as crazy or rambling. His words from the living blues article/interview (That featured as well Adam on the cover)(first white dude ever on the cover) were rooted and worded in true, original thought, that I consider akashic in nature and fundementley part of the true, secret religion of the earth and mankind which is too old and to powerful to name. These dudes were my heros! The lyrics, the beats, the harp was insane at that time! There was nothing like it at all any where! Go buy the record "Mother Mojo" off i-tunes NOW! This was the music/soundtrack of the best time in my life.
The point of this rant is that I think some of us may take this greatly accessible individual slightly for granted sometimes. With the ease of the information age and Mr Gussow's kindness, willingness to share and the fact that he is no longer really touring as a pro may sometimes lend itself against his great stature and rightful place as an intellectual and monster player, influencer, mentor and musician almost if not unequaled by anyone yet (Im coming close) lol.
I have never gotten over or ever taken one compliment Adam has granted me over the years with any ease. It is still wild, crazy and bizarre to hear or read one of your heros praise, however because of that article and it's moral that I referred to in Blues Access, I never hero worshipped (Aside from trying to learn every lick in private), I never comprimised my own development or assumed that the greatest had spoken for the last time, I immitated, assimilated, then metaphorically "Killed my Fathers" and innovated quite naturally and by accident and on purpose but ultimatley as a direct result of Adam's thoughts and musings both literary, musically and in person.
I have no words to thank you MR Gussow...I love that you wrote the Barath thing (My opinion on the subject is pointless) this is about you my hero, my friend, my mentor, the great Thunky Funky Thang, the nerdy intellect of a professor, the soul of a drunk homeless blues man, The OCD of an obcessed serial Killer, the fire of an occultist, and the passion of a great, romantic french, poet! I salute you sir and as your Master once use to call out after one of your great solos I say "Thank you Sir"!
Jason Ricci
"The Same Air We all Breath"- Sterling "Satan" Mcghee
Last Edited by on Jun 27, 2009 5:08 PM
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superchucker77
169 posts
Jun 27, 2009
9:23 PM
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Well said Jason. Well said.
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Brandon Bailey
Superchucker77's Youtube
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Kingley
113 posts
Jun 28, 2009
12:13 AM
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Great post Jason!
But lets not take you for granted either my man!
Pre internet I had heard of Satan and Adam, but never heard their music. The same applies for a lot of players, who thankfully have been bought into my ears via this marvelous technology. Dennis Gruenling, Jason Ricci and the incredible Carlos Del Junco to name just a few.
I have also been fortunate enough to cyber chat with people like Jason. Through events like that and Adam's YouTube videos and this site, Overblow.com, Tenhole.com and of course HarmonicaSpace.com, I find that my musical ears and ideas are being broadened and my musical palette is widening (albeit slowly).
Jason and Adam have shown me new ways to approach my instrument and given me a different perspective on learning. One video in particular by Jason on YouTube has opened the door and allowed me to begin playing overblows.
In one of his posts on HarmonicaSpace he spoke of the importance of the of practicing scales. Something I had neglected to do for a long time. Now I practice them everyday and the difference is incredible.
Adam in his YouTube videos opened my ears on things such as the way to approach learning. One thing he does extremely well in my opinion is to point out the little nuances in techniques. I had been using a lot of these nuances for years in my own playing, but was never even really aware that I was doing them until Adams videos.
Adam graciously once critiqued my playing for me at my request and was brutally honest about a couple of points which I had never noticed myself. I now am totally aware of them and can strive to improve those areas.
I don't know if I'll ever completely "Kill my Fathers" as Jason did. But at the very least my playing has and will continue to improve immeasurably, thanks to the encouragement and advice of people like Jason and Adam.
I for one will never take them for granted and am more grateful than I can express in words for all their help, encouragement and music.
Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2009 1:09 AM
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jonsparrow
537 posts
Jun 28, 2009
1:04 AM
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im a man of few words.
thanks adam an jason for every thing. you guys kick ass yadda yadda an so forth.
Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2009 1:04 AM
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snakes
276 posts
Jun 28, 2009
2:21 AM
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We live in a special place. We have this forum, we can go see music when we want, we can worship as we like, and we can get hammered if we like. Life ain't perfect, but we are above the pavement and not dodging bullets. I am very grateful that I live in a place where I can discover the harmonica and then so readily acquire one to learn on. I am even more grateful for any person that takes the time (whether remunerated or not) to assist me in my goal of improving my playing skills. Thanks Adam and Jason and Grant and several others who offer assistance via some other media. Hopefully someday I'll play good enough to make you proud. Anyway, I'll be having fun.
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jonsparrow
540 posts
Jun 28, 2009
11:55 AM
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if it wasnt for the internet i dont think i would be playing harp right now.
edit: actually if it wasnt for adam an jason i wouldnt be playng harp right now.
Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2009 11:56 AM
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ChrisA
26 posts
Jun 28, 2009
11:57 AM
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As a former guitar player permanently sidelined with wrist injuries, the availability of such quality videos from Adam Gussow and Jason Ricci has revived for me the passion for blues music that started to sort of fade away with time. Thank you very much. An honourable mention also to Buddha and elkriverharmonica for the technical videos on harp set-ups.
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kudzurunner
547 posts
Jun 30, 2009
9:24 AM
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Thanks for your very kind words, Jason. One of the most interesting parts of this whole journey for me is how the people who learned from us end up teaching us. I'm having a fun struggle, these days, figuring out a few of your licks from that video I shot of you at Rooster's. I'm man enough to admit that the Amaizing Slow-Downer comes in handy! But everything still comes down to what's in your reflexes, your musical imagination, and your heart, and all we can really do is the best that WE can do, using all the help that the world and our friends have provided us. I'm glad it works that way. Keep on keeping on......
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Violin Cat
69 posts
Jul 01, 2009
2:05 AM
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Damn! I thought you hated my post! I was so worried you were pissed at me too. Thats funny...I get emotional sometimes when I write about music or other things I love. Thanks for finally easing my mind a bit! And thanks for the kind words vback...If it makes you feel any better, your very right about it com ing down to musical imagination, there are some players (Your self included) on some tunes that no matter what the speed of the lick ie slow vs. fast, I just cant seem to get the phrasing cause I don't think or feel the way they do...very interesting and wonderful
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kudzurunner
548 posts
Jul 01, 2009
8:57 AM
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Jason: Nah. I was greatly flattered. I didn't think it was becoming to be the first to reply, so I let others weigh in.
Hey, I just sent you an email (jason at jasonricci dot com). Please reply, if you haven't done so yet. You'll understand when you read it.
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ness
34 posts
Jul 01, 2009
9:31 AM
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Dayum - I think we got us a thread going here without any threats of violence, STFUs, name-calling, whatever. And one of the participants even worrying about being unbecoming! Nice :^)
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mickil
305 posts
Jul 01, 2009
12:14 PM
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"I think we got us a thread going here without any threats of violence..." That made me laugh.
I gotta throw in my twopence worth here.
Last night, I held my own for 5 numbers with just a harp, a good wooden floor to tap on and my voice. There's no way that would've happened without Doc Gussow's vids.
Thanks, Doc.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
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oldwailer
800 posts
Jul 01, 2009
6:26 PM
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Very cool Jason!! Great post, and thanks to Mr Gussow, Buddha, Jason, and Dave and everybody else who posts here--even the assholes! (uhyuk, yuk)!
This is a great forum!!
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Patrick Barker
349 posts
Jul 01, 2009
9:32 PM
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All that I've learned that is specific to harmonica has come from your (jason, adam etc.) great youtube videos and listening to CDs. You guys inspire us to be modern and to stretch ourselves past our comfort zones in an attempt to create our own unique styles and become truly modern players. Thank you!
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"Without music, life would be a mistake" -Nietzsche
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simonwoo
1 post
Jul 01, 2009
10:40 PM
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hi, Adam, this is from China.
Last year I start to learn harmonica. After learning two month using a book(in Chinese), I was able to play some pop and simple Irish songs. However, I found it's very hard to go further. No meter what... I just can not get the feelings to play. So I dropped the harp in the next half year. I see your videos from youtube this year. Guess what happens to me? Your lessons are so good that I suddenly find my ways. I play harp follows your every lessons. Three month later, I am listening my recordings of harp songs. Finally, I've got through the bottlenecks and made my break.
Thanks for your kindness lessons.
Last Edited by on Jul 01, 2009 10:42 PM
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ZackPomerleau
321 posts
Jul 01, 2009
10:42 PM
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Jason and Adam are like the greatest thing to happen to electric harp.
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