Hendrik Meurkens - Jazz Phrasing for the Chromatic Harmonica

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Description: In this “Jazz Phrasing for the Chromatic Harmonica” lesson, virtuoso harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens shows you how to apply jazz language to the chromatic harmonica. Hendrik explains the technical hurdles involved in phrasing jazz solos on the instrument and how to overcome them using some of his own techniques. If you want to be taken seriously on the harmonica in a jazz context, this harmonica masterclass is for you.

Topics Covered: Chromatic Harmonica, Jazz, Phrasing, Technical Difficulties, Legato Lines, Masking Breath Changes, Medium Tempos, Fast Tempos, Tonguing, Jazz Language, Etc.

[AerRider]

Thank you. I really appreciated the camera angle from the side where you show the mouth movements you use to mask changes (wind direction, slide, movement to adjacent holes).

I took a few lessons from Bonfiglio in the early 70s and he taught an articulation that he learned from Cham Ber, which he called “biting” — just a very slight opening and closing of the jaw on each note. He said it was the best way to minimize pitch changes, which is essential for classical music.

I always enjoy your playing.

[alessiopelusoflauti]

Hi great artist.
Can you tell me what kind of microphone do you use in videos?
And for the midi bases, what do you use?
Thank you very much
Alessio
Italy

[BS-temn]

If you think that’s impressive you should see him eat a snickers

[andrewcampbell]

Yes, legato and the blow / draw There are more and more chromatic players appearing on the jazz scene now . Perhaps, the listener's ear will bend more to accomodate the choppiness while at the same time jazz harmonica players will be working their butts off to phrase like sax players . It might be something akin to the way we accept digital sound now, not to mention drum machines .