Jason Ricci and New Blood - Harpin Help

From the all-too-brief set at Harpin' Help 2007, this clip is of the jam coming out of "Driftin' Blues" just into the start of "I'm Just a Playboy", shot with a digital camera.

[@Monkeystalk]

This vid demonstrates many things that I admire Jason for: 1. Incredible Speed 2. Incredible endurance (My mouth gets tired after about for minutes of normal blues playing and he... well...) 3. Knocking out those strange notes at places were nobody expects them and nobody ever thought of placing them and totally freaking you out by doing so! See 5:35, for instance Only to mention a few things.

[@nazareth4372]

i can play silent night and a few simple tunes and i will never be able to play like this guy. but to all the brothers out there who are like me, just enjoy playing. peace and love to all my brothers.

[@Loraine70]

You got a new fan wow, and wow and then wow some more :-O That blues harp playin could out do any blues singer, soulfull, sweet and mmmmm mmmmmmmm mmmmmmmm......if i ever get a record deal I am sooo hiring you ha

[@toamille]

Very cool. Thanks for the post.

[@dandydharp]

Hi J, I've seen this solo live several times and listened to it countless times but I still feel the rush when you've apparently given it everything you've got and instead of taking a well deserved rest and sitting down, you kick off "Playboy" with the band in a big way. Safe travels. See you at Hodi's, D.Anderson

[@caseydc78]

Great video! Jason Ricci is one of the best harp players there is or ever was, and I've heard most of them. I've seen him perform a few different times, and he always blows me away. Guitarski is also an amazing guitar player. Great band. Always worth seeing.

[@Mazblues]

Steve Vai + Harp + Soul = Ricci! my opnion is that, my friend, is THE best solo I have ever seen amongst ALL music!!! simply stunning...

[@gjazz22]

Nice work your playing sounds like my own, a little Your all over the map, and giveing the people a great show, hearing you blow your head off. Im impressed... Five stars ***** bill from seattle ps I started back 67, and went to the first Ann Arbor Blues fest. and meet all the giants.

[@samzie67]

that was amazing, the next level of modern blues harp!

[@daviesbluz]

I just got back from The Busted Lift in dub. ia. Jason you are much more better live, I've been diggin your lessons and tunes here d a soooo glad you got to dubuque and that I was there. realy enjoyed Driften and Driften. Thanks you are an inspiration.

[@jasonricci]

This is seriously too sweet!!! I SERIOUSLY HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO HANDLE COOMENT LIKE THIS! Thanks so much for getting it and hope we can hang soon... J

[@DVESam]

Just recently discovered this incredible player. Have checked out many of his other KZbin clips and will surely go out and buy some CDs. He brings a whole new array of sounds and blistering technique to the instrument that is both original and mind blowing! Please come to NY soon and I'll gather my troops to go see you for sure. And thanks for being so generous about sharing your technique and equipment setup elsewhere on KZbin...very unassuming and shows a lot of class.

[@j0hnss0n]

You are so awsome! such a great insperation-source to me! thanks for posting all these videos! cheers from sweden!

[@blake46long]

O.k.......damn....especially right around the 4:00 mark...and I've seen JRNB a few times before....but damn...Thanks Snarkus!

[@RodHagwood]

Caught him in Florida. One of the best I've heard in years and years. If you get the chance, go see him. Worth a babysitter, trust me.

[@harpplant]

I see it a little bit different than my previous speaker: one day I am going to be that easy on harp as you are. But for now: Everytime I get the thinking that I'm a good harpist, I just have a look on videos like this and I get to practice... You are awesome!!! And an inspiration of course!!!

[@RobeeMan]

Fantastic!And it shows how important overblows are if you want a modern sound!

[@mcfctid2]

You are the King truly a harp player for the new millennium. I thank G-d you cannot be every where at once or i'd never work. very rarely do i exclaim out loud but when you came out of the heroics into a straight shuffle i screamed .FEEL,INVENTION,EXECUTION.sweet

[@PattiReichenbach]

Jason Ricci- Always incredible and untouchable!

[@jasonricci]

Most of it is in the first octave it's a pretty high harp (Eb) Thanks for watching! J

[@TheFolksinger]

terrific. five stars. just got an album (Rocket #9) from a Cairo Egypt blues concert (he wasn't there) and will spend time listening to it. Kudos!

[@IDSTARTAREVOLUTION2]

Hey Jason, I commented on one of your videos a couple days ago asking what harmonica I should get first. Anyway, I checked out this video - and I wanted to say you guys rock. I've been trying to find some different kind of music to listen to for a while, something unique. And this is just great. Thanks, man.

[@jasonricci]

Guess who m late has! Special 20 in c!

[@flashwtaylor]

Jason, this is and isn't on topic but I had to tell you today I found out you're going to be coming here to the Mt. Baker Blues Festival in August (Western Washington state). I told the wife today that we will absolutely be there. I'm so friggin' happy about this! keep on jammin'

[@maestro48239]

wow! that was friggin top notch blues! so intense all the hair on my arms stood up!

[@Owlish11]

I think that just about sums it all up-nothing else needs to be said- thankyou Mr Ricci ! Why havent I found this video before?

[@TheFolksinger]

I will definitely check it out. Thanks.

[@TedBurke]

Ahhhh,that's how it's done...very nice.

[@jasonricci]

your hearing it!

[@CARDObluesharp]

YES (2022)... Greetinngs from argentina!!! (Argentina is waiting for yuo!!!)

[@baolinliu]

im am just shocked how good he is, unbelievable.......

[@aross001]

better than ever man, kickass! come to San Francisco!!!

[@tFatWoman]

It's fantastic. Congratulations Jason and thanks for your music. When're you coming to argentina?...I've been taking lessons of harmonica for a year and I can say I love this instrument and music in general. And u r a great musician. G

[@antoniocarlosfarias]

this guy make me feel push my level now.

[@ElizabethGS]

DVESam: Occasionally, Jason and the Boys come to Terra Blues downtown NYC...depends on 'where' in NY you're talking about. They've played upstate as well. Terra works for me. Keep track of his gig list (on his website). But don't bring too many people to Terra..last time it was SRO and we could barely get in the door! lol - at least for the first set - of course he's still going strong until the wee hours :) You HAVE TO see him in person. Their Live shows are brilliant.

[@kimosbon]

Awesome sums it up!

[@HarpDr]

Ok, so I've always said that John Popper plays too many notes...I still do. This however, this....Jason definitely played many more notes, but...but this WAS so much more!! Each note had "IT" behind it. Incredible tone, breath control and definitely an incredible composition! Thanks for sharing!

[@winespodeeodee]

Wat een verschrikking elke keer weer, de Walter Trout van de harmonica

[@salsacow]

Dude, You give me chills. Salsa Cow

[@DownwardSlideBlues]

Thanks, Jason, for that thoroughly intimidating exhibition of your blisteringly quick playing and crazy breath control on those sustains. I fully would have expected to you have an embolism after a solo like that, but somehow you STILL had gass left in the tank. Someday I'll have to catch your act live. Any chance you'll be touring through Ottawa any time soon?

[@Allpacallpa]

He must be the hell of a great lover!

[@jasonricci]

I'd love to go!!!

[@Monkeystalk]

He definately is!! :D That gem sounds somewhat irish. As soon as I get a Eb harp I'll figure it out!

[@samzie67]

ive sent an email to jules holland in the uk to ask if we can have jason on the show. lets hope we get an answer soon. samzie

[@brettsbluesharp]

The Jimi Hendrix/Charlie Parker of blues harp!

[@Electrified00]

too freaken right!

[@jasonricci]

Eb diatonic mostly being played in Bb cross....thanks J

[@Pipighnio]

Some say Smurfs are blue, man o man you bleached them away. Jason-san you are the blues...

[@cliffyuno]

NIIIICE

[@dayne8705]

Must say, that was one hell of a deal.

[@dayne8705]

Holy God. You, my friend, are a virtuoso. Now, How many souls did you have to sell to satan before he taught you that?

[@ElizabethGS]

jarejewl: I've no doubt you mean well, but IMHO (and as a long time friend of Jason's), playing his music in any octave other than those he chooses would make him sound like other players, and not Jason Ricci. He has a superb ear for what works. He's been doing this a very long time. As good as this video is, nothing's quite like being at his Live shows. Come out to see him. You won't be disappointed.

[@mcfctid2]

Let me know when in Vegas, I'll be there work and or money permitting.

[@Panvil]

I'm walking around with the thought of "overdrive/distortion on harmonica" - is that possible?

[@dayne8705]

Nice

[@gjazz22]

I put you in my faves I hope it draws some links Bill

[@Panvil]

oh, right.. lol :D

[@reptonised]

6:00 when the band kicks back in seriously wow !

[@slashiiboy]

hollyshit he's making love with the harp!!!

[@detroitbluesguy]

I posted a Comment that's ok here isn't it.. just cuz it was'nt what you wanted to read is your problem I still believe less is more when it comes to the blues harp.JC

[@johnnycardy]

I think it is Bb, on an Eb harmonica

[@lazur1]

As a highly proficient player fronting rhythm section, or trading longer phrases with another lead instrument, all you say is true. Nonehtheless, the great bluesmen tend to play less notes and in shorter phrases, leaving room for similarly sparse contributions of the other players, a 'weaving' of the musicians, if you will. The best Chicago blues is collective improvisation. No one would claim to play old style New Orleans jazz it, but it's been forgotten by the heirs of Chicago style.

[@jasonricci]

Just one

[@Monkeystalk]

Does anyone no what key he's playing in?

[@lazur1]

Zack: 1/Levy plays any chromatic tone, any scale, any chord progression, any key, on ONE Marine Band. That's a bit beyond playing a lot of notes real fast on a 3-chord blues,(& often on just 1 chord), don't you think? 2/ "Howard's doing it now, TOO" ? "It's not like when you were young"? HOLD ON! Howard -mastered- his concept by '76, (probably earlier; that's when I first heard him),THIRTY-FOUR YEARS AGO. (Jason was 4.) I haven't heard heard anything that even comes close since.

[@Allpacallpa]

Jason is a Vela Pulsar

[@detroitbluesguy]

Go to funky harmonica Paul Lassey.. as a Frenchman you will appreciate this guy..sorry bout being a NOISE..just got my thoughts.Are you a good harp player? JC

[@standardride]

no problem

[@dianeroblinmusic]

He reminds me of a hyper Sugar Blue. Got the chops and some fine techniques but less can be more at times. The late Paul deLay oozed total emotion. Anyway, good luck to him.

[@DarkV2490]

only in the literal sense

[@detroitbluesguy]

I meant to say Jason is NOT to far behind him and if he does'nt party himself into a early grave like paul did he might be able to have a real long career.JC

[@sachetsofrelish]

F***ing hell!!!

[@detroitbluesguy]

Maybe..what do I know..the kids have all the answers.JC

[@ElizabethGS]

..and with his 300 days + on the road, how do you know he doesn't play what you call 'some real blues'? You have no clue about this band, do you, or Jason's origins with Junior Kimbrough? This is one taped video out of a 4-hour set. Eh...as if you know anything about harmonica ;)

[@danwilliams8695]

Cocaine is a hell of a drug! Moon cat shred

[@clrn2mt]

Jason, do you sing too? What? Won't you be my neighbor?

[@lazur1]

This section, at least, is -not- a song. It's more correctly a 'cadenza', an extended improvised solo section. Originally a classical device, it was popular with the 'heavy' rock acts of the late 60s early 70s, when even the bassist & drummer got solos. Now it's big w/biues artists. I also prefer songs, crisp punctuating riffs, & solos built from shorter phrases, that allow the band to accent, highlight,& interact . But you can't argue taste.

[@jasonricci]

Yeah man 6 minutes at the END of the show. Not how I OR we play all night.

[@detroitbluesguy]

Just dig out a Little Walter record and you'll see what I mean..you'll hears songs not a flurry of notes.Goodbye JC

[@T0bb5]

Im pretty sure a normal human would have already blacked out from such irregular breathing

[@stupoo]

Why

[@snarkus]

because.

[@detroitbluesguy]

I don't hear a song..just scales.JC

[@standardride]

this guy blows.... his harmonica... he he

[@sjziro]

That's not even possible is it? Summovabitch!

[@lazur1]

A great player, but BLUES as I learned to love it: Muddy, Walter, Span..was INTERACTION: Everyone playing their asses off TOGETHER: Short phrases w/lots of 'holes' for the other guy to get his ideas in, listening to each other , mingling ideas, a communal sound,never just a band 'backing up' the star or the soloist. I actually feel SORRY for JR's band, playing the same generic riff OVER & OVER, so that the audience doesn't get their attention diverted from JR showing us how great he is.

[@jasonricci]

You know I don't normally, almost never, comment back to stuff like this but you're talking about my boys now...At ANY show and on EVERY record my boys get more solos, even bass and drums than any other band leader I know almost on the road...that's why our tunes are so long...there's tons of call and response, songs with NO HARP and just because someone caught the tail end of a once in the night, encore on a video clip doesn't mean this is how I, we, or the band sound all night. Additionally people tend to just video the fancy, fun, busy stuff of me, like ALL the time then cats like you tune in to six minutes or LESS of a three hour show and say some sweeping, broad, judgemental comment based on a cell phone vid at the END of a 15 minute tune.... My boys play a lot, I depend on their solos, interaction and showmanship every night. No matter who I'm with it's always a band. Thanks for watching all the same. PS. We're going off the Paul Butterfield's version of this song with the 10 minute solo harmonica cadenza t the end...

[@detroitbluesguy]

We're both right..and Butterfield was great and Jason's to far behind him.JC

[@lazur1]

that's: " ...jazz -without- it.." Sorry.

[@Truform10]

He's ok..... A little soul. distortion is a big factor to this solo. he needs to learn to take his time a play some real blues. pretty much just a show boater. eh. its whatever

[@jasonricci]

Yeah man 6 minutes at the END of the show. Not how I OR we play all night.