Howard Levy - HOHNER Masters of the Harmonica

Howard Levy is an acknowledged master of the diatonic harmonica, a superb pianist, innovative composer, recording artist, bandleader, teacher, producer, and Chicago area resident. In 1970 at the age of 19, he started playing the diatonic harmonica as a fully chromatic instrument, which opened new possibilities for an instrument that had been limited to playing Folk and Blues.
Equally at home in Jazz, Classical, Rock, Folk, Latin, and World Music, the two- time Grammy Award Winner is a favorite with audiences worldwide as well as a recording artist sought after by the likes of Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Paquito D'Rivera, Styx, Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, etc.

[@chrishumphries1516]

Howard, you are a treasure for the people who love the pocket piano..✌️

[@stickman33]

I knew a harmonica player named Bruce from Philadelphia back in the early 1970's who could play chromatically on a diatonic harp. I remember he was jamming with a jazz pianist who stopped in surprise and said "Those notes aren't on the harp!" Until a few years ago I'd never heard anyone else who could do that.

[@vale9488]

i'm in love with my golden melody ...

[@digitalboomer]

Best in the world, if there is such a thing. Amazing.

[@dgunde13]

The GREAT HOWARD LEVY - My College roommate when he took up this instrument....... Never stopped playing it.......He's a little understated in his pre- 18 yr old career as he played the great Bach organ music and a bunch of other instrument, in fact, whatever he picked up he somehow mastered in a few weeks. Congrats and Kudos and much respect Mr Levy..... Kind regards Douglas Gunderson, violist, pianist, organist, guitarist etc.......

[@user-uc5wb9hj7x]

I would like a better understanding of "custom harmonica" by your definition, Howard. I get the "mongrel" reference and wonder if there are reed and valve mods as well. I am interested in insight and lessons from a master . You Howard Levy or someone like you, if such a one exists. Amazing chromatic work on a diatonic 10 reed thanks for this post. G_or_g

[@rustyc8994]

dgunde13 7

[@rustyc8994]

dgunde13 ‘’::;;;/////= =rssusty

[@musamor75]

Howard is a true genius. His immense ease is very daunting. He is a great authoriy on the instrument, while managing to remain amusing, witty, and just plain bloody talented. Bravo Maestro. A friend of mine- PIerre Charrial in Paris, first introduced me to this exceptional musician. One of God's chosen angels.

[@dan32113]

what Levy said is the answer to his craft, "i worked real hard!" thats how you get good. As the great golfer, Gary Player famously said, the harder I practice the luckier I get!

[@uripmargono946]

Howard is a harp.player from other planet.

[@ross-carlson]

@6:25 I don't really think non-musicians can appreciate how incredible that progressive chromatic lick he's playing there is. I've played saxophone for 35 years and for me/us that's not easy but it's not hard as the saxophone is a fully chromatic instrument and the harmonica, at least what he's playing there, is NOT. Mind blowing.

[@bits-of-bass]

Just watched this section and then read this comment. You are 100% correct. Absolutely stunning!

[@kpra.2pro590]

YES I WAS BLOWN AWAY

[@velvamerrick846]

I love your Harmonica playing!!! I started playing harmonica when I was 17 years old, back in 1971...I am self taught... I have been playing Harmonica for 45 years... My stage name is: Velva Hot Lips on Harmonica... I now live in Santa Fe, N.Mexico...8-13-16

[@garyskiller4675]

Gary skiller is the best.

[@jimmyofaden]

Howard is the best there ever was/is.

[@HarmonicaJamz]

What he said about how harmonica is a FEEL more than anything was inspiring

[@GentileFineArt]

40 years of playing, and this guy just turns it all upside down. SUPER

[@ez420clinic]

i have been playing the harp for 40 years, I really enjoyed this video, i am going to practice...harder than ever.....Ed

[@sonnyjohna]

The Harmonica player of the .....Praise GOD for his gift.

[@andyginterblues2961]

Listen to Howard's recordings with Be'la Fleck, the jazz banjo player! Truly unique!

[@kpra.2pro590]

8:14 wow !! even the guitarist ! i rarely hear that stuff

[@sheilabarron7206]

Haven't heard about Howard Levy for along time He is such a Great Harp player Thank you for the info ✌️♥️

[@Kbjrm4]

A musical magician with the harmonica

[@landztranz]

Yeah!!! I started 5 years ago, at the age of 56, and I've come a long way -- and have every intention of becoming very good, on both diatonics and chromatics!

[@chipperP]

landztranz Inspiring!! Keep rocking it!!

[@OnceTheyNamedMeiWasnt]

How good are you now 3 years on?

[@landztranz]

@@OnceTheyNamedMeiWasnt I'm in two bands.

[@OnceTheyNamedMeiWasnt]

@@landztranz Great. I started 2 years ago and said to myself I have every intention of being as good as I can be on the diatonic. That's why your message resonated. It's going good so far; but just trying (without success yet) to crack open that overblow as we speak... Best of luck on your journey! 👍

[@chipstern]

An absolute unique artist and master musician.

[@markwathen8438]

Will bring it up today great stuff 👍 Master Howard Levy.01/28/2021.. January 30th is the anniversary of the Marine band hohner 1896

[@tobd69]

His humility is what impresses me the most.

[@dumpygoodness4086]

his warm rich VOICE is what grabbed me here! and yet he never uses it?? (I thought his voice was going to be nerdy!) His CHILL demeanor is also very striking.

[@bethwilton8075]

Howard inspired me through his videos to purchase my new B Flat Horner Special 20. It's very different than my Super Chromonicas or the Butterfly I learned on when I started not very many years ago, but recently I discovered Howard on You Tube which has been of tremendous benefit. Just wanted to share my gratitude and excitement about Howard& Harmonicas.Thanks!🎶❤️

[@charleswojciechowski3042]

Wow; so accomplished!

[@irishbeerchamp]

I just want to say for the people who disliked this video, clearly you don't play harmonica.Well spoken, and spot on Howard Levy, you are a master of your instrument.

[@wobbsorc]

It's never too late.

[@xldh44]

1 dislike?!!! what is not to like?! He's a genius!

[@noerivera9159]

Wow is all I can say….Esteban Jordan did the same thing with the accordion 🪗…truly amazing is all I can say…

[@ClayAlchemist]

Invisible instrument--summed up what I have been trying to say for years, it's just such a beautiful thing.

[@Momz0r]

WOW! I am doing research because I nee to sell my Hohner sextet harmonica and stumbled on this......amazing!! Makes me want to play again!

[@MrCrusherbob]

HOWARD IS A WIZARD. He's an absolutely one of a kind maestro of the diatonic. I used to think Corky Seagal was the only master of "classical" diatonic. Not so since I've studied Howard Levy's sound. Joe Philisco tuned harps are a must have.

[@donnyob123]

Best I've ever heard on diatonic!!!!!

[@jeanlouisnguyen3977]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@KaiTiura]

Howard's comment on the ability to learn how to bend a note being an "invisible" technique makes me think of sucking spaghetti off a fork... if you can suck spaghetti from a fork, you can bend a note on a harmonica. Howard Levy, I have only recently found, is one of our absolute masters of the harp. And obviously a nice guy, as noted to me by a friend who is in the know and a like talent. Very happy to have found out about Howard today. Just not sure why it took this long to hear of him...

[@Prabhath_the_Dawn]

Wow, its so inspiring to hear from one of the legends in Harmonica players' history :) Cheers from Bangalore, India.

[@MiltonGuedesOficial]

AMAZING!

[@stalkingwolf2421]

Highly informative regarding musical theory. Very needed. Jammed on bass with local dudes, but knowing octaves, arpeggios, root notes...so over looked by aspiring musicians.

[@pratanubanerjee6329]

CONGRATULATIONS...GREAT..BRAVO...TERRIFIC..

[@nuu735]

i can say anymore than great for this man.. well .. well

[@markrbaldridge2703]

Great video, how inspiring.

[@stevepethel6843]

Love your honest human truths explanations...also that jazzy bluesy fast version of Amazing Grace was so awesome...thanks for great lessons inspiration God bless you even more in your life and gifts and performance and instructional gifts to us.

[@vincentl4691]

6:25 changing keys on an A flat blues harmonica by bending on the fly. That is sick.

[@2007antopaul]

wonderful

[@bluspider200861]

Only been playing 3 yrs. I really enjoyed this video. After trying alot of different harps I'm stuck on the Horner chromatic,

[@CrossBonesAlex]

Harmonica from outer space ;-)

[@bertwerbrouck]

true words of a true master of the instrument. He just took diatonic harp in outer space, and it's not just playing everything in every key fast. He found a lot of effects I don't even have the slightliest idea of how it's made. And his tone is just... bam. He's a true influence to many others masters and regular guys like me, making this tiny 10-hole "fake instrument" a life-working real instrument. Genius.

[@harmonicajohn]

An invisible instrument. Howard is such a cool guy

[@rcav8or]

Amazing Grace...it's here on the tube, also

[@abrahamgamboa]

my friend, new teacher and mentor/coach "u my boy" kkkkk yes I have practiced the harp many times while driving on a hwy in Brasil in 5th gear smooth.....thanks man!!!!

[@detroitbluesguy]

That's so great..A ten hole Toots!!

[@detroitbluesguy]

Love you

[@Guitareben]

Ear, co-ordination, and intellect can all be increased simply through practice. You are the barrier stopping you achieving his levels of awesome. You indeed won't be able ever get that good, because you fool yourself into believing that talented people have some form of innate ability, and this acts as your excuse for why you aren't that good, putting your mind at rest. Everyone who is good at there instrument practised and played it lots. Every time. Read about the 10,000 hour rule ^^

[@burningthunder19]

I started playing at 18....but i still got a ways to go before I get that good!

[@GaitaGospel]

Faz até parecer fácil cromatizar assim, referencia mundial na harmônica ,👍 congratulações, do Rio de Janeiro 👍

[@harmonicajohn]

I see the piano keyboard in my mind as a reference point

[@unklbuk1]

What is silly is your comment. This is a man who is a MASTER at what he does and enjoys every second of it. Sounds to me you are just envious and jealous of this mans accomplishments......get over it, maybe someday you will find yourself.

[@Deljeanne1]

Greatttttter

[@kutakentey]

beast mode

[@phelanmcdonald1635]

Very nice Howard. I have been playing harmonica since age 11 almost 60 years ago. Unfortunately, I never learned to read music. I play by ear. My Forte is the chromatic. I play crisp clean notes. I play rock, pop, jazz, and traditional and folk tunes. The first songs I learned was Oh Suzanna and Moon River. I also can play blues on the Hohner special 20's. I have yet to learn the diatonic scale and want to learn to bend notes better. I love joining in with other musicians. One of these days, I want to have somebody help me do a video recording. I might not be the best of the best, but I'm pretty good!

[@jimmyofaden]

@fatgonzo Hey man. I picked up a harp when I was 16.. I'm 54 now and I still learning. Listen to what you like to hear and try to play it. Levy says people close they eyes and go inside to play harp. I agree. I started at a party one night, never put it back down. It does help to plunk about on a piano ..because the notes for harp are there too. Heres a good referance.. " Champayne and Reefer.. Buddy Guy and the Rolling Stones. live < Sinister minister is ...beyond incredible , < Bella Fleck

[@tnysteph]

Man you are so good. I am trying to learn. I know nothing about music theory. Having fun trying to learn. I play by u blocking but trying to learn to pucker. Tons of stuff to learn.

[@Silverdaay]

Okay, thank you :)

[@theboheeka]

I would like to see him play "The Black Page".

[@JamesScottGuitar]

That would be AWESOME !

[@JPaulHawthorne]

Thanks to Bela Fleck & the Flectones for showing me this guy on Facebook!

[@gnamp]

Yes- certain things can be improved. Now, I didn't say that 'I' needed to be concerned about any of those things- in fact the main things preventing me from getting this good are that I have neither the patience nor the desire to. The piano is my thing- and at this stage in my life I have no intention of limiting myself in any way. I avoid self-fulfilling prophesies. Practice is very important- but it's not everything. cf Adam Gusso and Sonny Boy Williamson.

[@rodrodriguez460]

I can drink soda using a straw!

[@Basis213]

Wow at 11:30 didn't know that was possible on a harp!

[@InweTaralom]

This guy's a better musician than my dad. He only plays stuff that's written; he can't improvise to save his life.

[@Drewster58]

@harmonicajohn Yeah, that was cool and a great tip. I've always been a guitarist and when I'm thinking about music, figuring out harmonies and finding the ones nobody is singing but could, or choices of ways to grab certain chords, I'm thinking intervals and to keep melodies in tune (a hell of a lot less than Mr. Levy) I think treble clef written out per guitar, an octave higher than they sound, but notes and where they are on the fingerboard. I also carry a couple harmonicas around always.

[@Wacokid48]

Glad you checked it out Howard ! It's a miracle instrument to me and those that "feel" the instrument are truly blessed. Hope to make a record with you one day ! lol !

[@gnamp]

I'll never find myself- I am hopelessly adrift on a sea of thwarted ambition and jealousy. Seriously though- I feel certain I could never hope to be as good as this guy- but I'd sure as hell know to show more humility than this guy if I was. You can't tell me you didn't find this remotely cringey? Probably not because it sounds to me as though your mouth is full.

[@fatgonzo]

@jimmyofaden Thanks for the tips. I am hoping to get good enough to go busking if not this summer, at least in 2013. It's fun to play with the guitar having the harmonica in the neck stand, but not knowing harmonica, it takes so much concentration that when I focus on either instrument, the other one suffers. Anyway, learning to better myself and have fun so I'm not really worried..just hopeful that I can learn fast. =)

[@oldschool7207]

A great harmonica player. Not sure I’d like to drink a beer with him......

[@onethumbpicker]

Chromatic harmonicas can be bent, but not to the extent that diatonics can be. But on a chromatic you don't need to overbend, since the sharps and flats can be accessed by using the button. I have some instructional vids on my channel-not by me-I'm studying the chromatic as well. Some of the vids include tabs.

[@toddzillathakilla]

now a hohner costs 44 dollars

[@kylewhitehead1684]

Yep, and the quality isn't really better, either. At least not on the Marine Band. It's a travesty.

[@michaelpaul2353]

So the price more than doubled in 5 years..... Stock Up! Not on Wall Street stock, Hohner has outperformed Wall Street!

[@bertwerbrouck]

Determination and passion will always be able to overcome life. Listen to petrucciani playing piano with his little fingers, Reinhardt playing with 3 left fingers, Isaac stern tearing the shit out of a violin with his truckdriver fingers. It's a true lesson. Those guys are examples, not just exceptionnal musicians. For example not that I have the "talent" of these guys, but hours and hours of pratice got me overblowing (with control) after 4 months and my "given" breath abilities were just awful

[@stevepethel6843]

S0 true

[@JohnMcCracken116]

Howard is a genius. A monster piano player and harmonica player. Scary.

[@landztranz]

Howard's great!

[@user-wp6eh1gi4z]

Great player, but can he play "She'll be coming round the Mountains when she comes"

[@Voltanaut]

Dude, $2.50 in 1969 inflates to less than $17 in modern US currency. Hohner harps are at least 3 or 4 times that nowadays.

[@Muzikman127]

Made in Germany- Germany is a lot more successful today than it was, and it’s reflected in the price of labour and the currency value (deutschmarks then, euro now). Not saying that explains all of it, but I imagine it explains a lot of it

[@TheOptionist]

Damn! ... I am nineteen...

[@tubetone74]

Carey Bell did the chromatic thing too.

[@kpra.2pro590]

hearing jazz chromatic licks on that thing jfc

[@gnamp]

Well- they may have the 'hope' of being this good- but think of those who lack the necessary intellectual ability, lung-capacity, hearing or co-ordination required to get this good. Sadly, that's life. Practice isn't everything; Inherent ability counts for a good deal. But you're right, if you have none of the major barriers that would prevent you from achieving your potential (in any aspect of life), you have no excuse for not doing just that. Cowardice and laziness are harder to overlook.

[@darlingharbourmassage370]

but can you play "the boys light up"...

[@gnamp]

maybe. But he has set the bar rather high- You know, there are people who practice very hard every day who have no hope of ever being this good- but it could be that they are approaching it the wrong way. I think it's probably best not to limit ourselves- even by the standards of the masters and instead make the thing our own.

[@bertwerbrouck]

Can anobody tell me what's the name of the song or performance around 0:50? Thanks

[@b4lor]

invisible instrument!!!

[@Guitareben]

What do you mean there are people who practice every day with no hope of being this good? Anyone can achieve this level, they just need to put the work in. Howard levy doesn't have some form of harmonica genes in his DNA, he just practised lots. Anyone who practices lots at ANYTHING gets good at it ^^ Sometimes I think people, are just trying to make excuses for themselves not being as good as they could ^^ :)

[@cyberbio17]

Hi, I want to know if its possible to bend on Hohner chromatica 64? I have never bend before and the only harmonicas i ever played before are either chromatic or tremolo ones. Sorry if i sound ignorant about this instrument because i really don't know much about this instrument at all, other than it seriously needs more people to be aware of this.

[@Dr.Pepperdave]

Yes, it is possible to bend on the 64 but harder. Nice thing about it, you shouldn't have to bend many notes to get the sound that you want

[@jeffbowers01]

If you play U block don't try and learn something different. I like the U block too and was told if that feels natural, just go with it.

[@Silverdaay]

What it the name of the song he starts at @9:55 ?

[@sepultura7771]

Amazing Grace

[@fatgonzo]

This kind of excellence makes me feel so inferior. Just picked up the harp a month or so ago and I'm 32. But I know a few other instruments so maybe it's not too late to learn. That's good advice that becoming a pro needs work and not just talent.

[@Trollozaur]

@CrossBonesAlex Implying an alien can play like this :P

[@nilaysarkar4032]

is that a sp20??

[@jakehawthorn]

Nilay Sarkar I believe so. I saw him years ago with Bela Fleck and he was playing a Sp 20.

[@adriburgoisburgois6175]

Alguien que lo traduzca al castellano!!!

[@polpotsdog]

He appears to also be his own biggest fan, confidence is great, arrogance is ugly.

[@jimchumley6568]

Doesnt seem arrogant to me at all and arrogant people dont share what he does in the harmonica they usually keep it to themselves

[@jimchumley6568]

+Jim Chumley Guitareben Not true at all! Howard Levy and Jimi Hendrix are and were both prodogies. Same with average, good and great vocalist. No matter how one practices they still cant sing and the same comes with musical ability. What you are saying is not true, i teach harmonica and Howard Levy is and will always be in another class

[@jamesmares4206]

timmy toms I don't sense any arrogance. The guy is just really talented

[@Plazmattack]

Someone's jealous

[@zarbi10425]

what's the song and show at 0:49, please?