When You Don't Feel Like Playing? (Part 1)

[@DanielArmstrong-jr3cg]

I tell all my harp playing brothers about you, you are not just a great Harmonica player but a great teacher and encourager!

[@notes7799]

Hang in there Jason. The great Jazz musicians play through the changes. I think that's a metaphor for life. Keep playing through the changes in your life. Bill Wilson wrote, "This is a design for living that works in rough going." Healing & grieving take time. Lean into the discomfort. Today's pain is tomorrow's power. I'm praying for you my brother. Keep the faith. ~ Greg Gordon 🎵

[@jasonricci]

❤️ Thank you ❤️. 🙏

[@rustyharp2020]

Ups and downs for sure. Much love to you Mooncat, keep on keeping on brother!

[@patrickreninger5044]

You're in mourning but you are playing wonderfully. I am hearing the hurt, the sweet memories and the tenderness in each note. Perfection can be a skillful mask. The best players are about hearing the person..Thanks for sharing your inner life. You will get through this.

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

this was a great, heartfelt video. thanks for doing what you do. and I'm really sorry about the loss of your friend and bandmate.

[@jasonricci]

Thanks Johnny. I'm really enjoying your content too!

[@howardcoleman4748]

Some of us have pain and depression sometimes we need a holiday make sure you are good to the love of your life ask God for anything Jason please bless him every day ohhhh and night legend

[@micdennis7564]

No worries... Analytic come and go.. And you love by the heart.. you said it best: "You" (we) are just living life.

[@p1nesap]

Nice chat J was looking for the cigar.

[@tomgalen7997]

Good teaching incorporates good counsel because it goes beyond mechanics to the heart of the matter. Thanks for straining to convey these foundational revelations and reminders.

[@timothyhenderson5359]

Kind of you to do show for those people in need.Patreon appreciated all you do.As I said before you have been a blessing to me coping in the aftermath of head trauma.Very hard to remember triads and all but getting better.Bends, overblows are way better.You break things down well and lessons are like one on one.Thanks for being an inspiration to me and Patreon.

[@jasonricci]

Glad your'e here timothy!

[@markieproductions22]

Jason, This is one of your best videos ever. From the heart, sincere, inspirational and valuable. Thank you. 🙏

[@jasonricci]

Glad you enjoyed it Markie thank you my bro!

[@power_of_many]

Thank you for your beautiful music.

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU

[@davidflamee]

J.R. I'm truly sorry for your loss of a dear one. Keep them close.

[@hessonr]

Between the pandemic and other life events I went from practicing harmonica everyday for a decade (taking lessons, going to SPAHs, jams) to not playing at all. I keep wanting to get back into it but keep asking myself why push myself to succeed at something that I didn’t really succeed at before; I never made it into a band & not sure my social anxiety will allow me. The motivation to drive at night, pay for parking, & sit at jams at hours for a chance to get up for 3 songs really lost its attractiveness. But I damn well miss all of it & constantly feel bad I unintentionally “gave up”. Anyway, despite all that I still love your music, checking in on your videos, I miss the couple talks we used to have. Keep trucking Jason!

[@andrewparker6378]

I also suffer from crippling anxiety and unbelievable traumas and I get hit by large amounts of time where I don't feel like playing but if I can get myself to play I always feel better. I've had bands and they've failed, I have had successes that pale in comparison to my family's. My brother performed on MTV when I was a teenager and has done world tours. I still get asked to play on records and jams and I say yes every time and I go into instant panic and beat myself up, tell myself I'm not good enough and I shake with tremors all the way through it and every time I do good and I feel a little better on the other side. If I say no, I feel like crap anyway and then there's no way of knowing what would've happened. Anyway, I hope you pick it back up. Try. Give it a couple of minutes here and there. I bet it reinvigorates you.

[@MrSpanky2001]

I know what you mean about the jams and open mikes.. I don't enjoy driving 30+ miles round trip only to sit there for 1 1/2-2 hours only to play 2 songs. And some of the talent to listen to may not be "my cup of tea" while waiting.

[@jimshaver772]

Thanks bro, it's like sitting at a meeting not expecting much and then BAM! A dude sharing his heart gives you just what you need to keep going. Love ya man.

[@jasonricci]

I appreciate that Jim Thank you ❤️

[@jamesbarros950]

Thank you for being so open, and helping all of us.

[@DouglasGaitaBlues]

I can imagine that sometimes it is very difficult to record videos for us, but I am very grateful for the knowledge you have shared here, thank you for sharing not only your knowledge of harmonica, but also your stories and situations that happen in your life. TKS Jason!

[@jplpagan]

when you said that about your drummer, it really hit me. i've gone long periods without playing but a close harp-playing friend of mine died over a year ago, and it's been the longest, hardest stretch of not playing that i've had.

[@jasonricci]

Love you Wade!

[@jplpagan]

@@jasonricci i'll tell him you said that! ;) (this is actually JP.) Hazmatite is the name I started the account under because originally i just posted live videos of Hazmat shows! :)

[@jplpagan]

@@jasonricci i've got a video of you on here somewhere, playing chord at SPAH.

[@jasonricci]

@@jplpagan oh!!! I'll go looking!

[@deborahzuskan5581]

‘The freedom is in the restriction’ . ❤ Thanks for all you’ve shared in this video , Jason. Your insight and honesty speaks volumes.

[@tynelsonnasty5968]

We appreciate you! Much love my braddah!

[@peteaustin5327]

Mooncat !! thanks for being my teacher, my mentor, my muse and my guru. I didn't touch a harp in over a year because i suffered from depression. That I have to say was the biggest mistake I ever did was not seeking help sooner! it's ok to feel bad once and a while but not all the time. Anyway great lesson.. ALL HAIL FREE FRIDAY!!- Austin 3:17 🌛😺

[@jasonricci]

❤️ 💙 💜 💖 Thank you Austin!

[@markgasser9347]

Love you man: you‘re not just a huge inspiration but make me understand why I pick up my harmonica in hard times and that it‘s ok to initially feel crappy doing it sometimes… so thank you 🫶🏼

[@jasonricci]

Perfectly put. Thank ⚜️ You Mark!

[@Quintao10033]

J, I was surprised by how this Egyptian minor scale was able to transport my mind to so many far away places…thank you for one more great, indispensable weekly inspiration!

[@littledre]

I stay strong! You stay strong! God gives us strenght! Love you, my friend!

[@ikust007]

Love the Ricci Egyptian scale !

[@phil.hoboaharp]

"The talent ist in the Love" What a wise men💚

[@chh505]

I've watched you for years. This is the best vid I've ever seen you make. I too haven't felt like playing lately. I feel like I've been ripping off the people that have been hiring me. I know I'll get my groove back. You will too. I thank you for the recognition of what many of us go though and the insight with which to explain it. in a special way. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@jasonricci]

Thank you!

[@jacobcarson5755]

Always love the videos Jason, the swapping licks between Major Pentatonic and Blues is a revelation to me for playing unaccompanied!

[@devilsboxcar3925]

Take all the time you need man….us ‘Patreons’ will wait, we want the best for you….that’s why we support you ❤

[@tnbnd]

I'm trying to encourage my Syrian refugees to play harmonica. I reckon they'll love that scale. Thanks heaps. ❤

[@jackdueck4370]

Very special, lots of wisdom, honesty, and just what I needed this morning; but didn’t know it. Thank you!

[@RainerSparber]

Jason stay as you are. You dont play music you live music. All the best Rainer

[@seanstephens144]

Fantastic improvised tune!! Thank u Mooncat, keepin' it real. 💯

[@scottbateman8514]

Not a big comment guy but really appreciate your channel thank you for sharing your knowledge with us

[@catalintzetzeradulescu568]

Thank you for the thoughts, advice and the mood you shared today, Jason!

[@freebreathers1111]

thanks bro...I can always count on you for inspiration...your videos have changed the way I play...and your rawness and vulnerability is much appreciated

[@jasonricci]

Appreciate You Nathan. ❤️

[@zachvanslyke4341]

Love ya MoonCat🤍🦾🍀🤍thank you for your consistent authenticity and just for being such a good and gracious soul 🙏

[@harpslayer414]

Awesome to run into this on a good morning with a cup of Joe! Thanks man!

[@kootenaykid465]

30 minutes in...yeah I'm a fan. I thank you for the incredible dedication it takes to produce these lessons about the harp . In fact I cannot keep up with your amazing volume of content. In one of your recent videos you told us to focus on thing at a time and get get good at it before moving on. For quite a while I have been saving certain lessons and I just keep going back to them over and over again until what your trying to get across finally sinks into my thick skull. There's no way I, or most people for that matter could absorb the volume of knowledge you put out in real time. I've been watching your videos for a while and I always look forward to Free Friday feel like I've gotten to know you . I so enjoy living in the moment with you when you open up like in this video. It's like two friends sitting around in the living room being real. I may not put this video in my collection of must learn videos, but I sure as hell appreciate it! Positive vibes to you.

[@jasonricci]

Thank you!

[@zalinabrooks1198]

I own a harp, rarely pick it up I’m a gospel blues jazz vocalist, born and raised in Boise I can totally relate to the dry times Funny my dad was a regular act at the blues bouquet through out the 70s I found this video while scrolling instead of working on songs for the Boise Blues Society jam tomorrow I’m glad I found it Keep on keeping on!

[@jasonricci]

That's crazy! Did I know your Dad?

[@leslietoth6800]

Yes❤!

[@justinpritchard2350]

This video helps me a lot, I've just lost my mother, so going through a hard time, harmonica playing is helping a lot, but their are times I don't feel like practicing, but once I start it gives me comfort. I can relate to the pain your experiencing, but hopefully your music will comfort you to, take care Ricci, thinking of you all.

[@jasonricci]

So sorry Justin!.

[@davidstockton196]

Inspiring. Thank you ever so much.

[@sridharboyana9250]

my takeaway is the 5 min sticker. That is first thing I put it right in front of me, before watching the entire vid. I often find myself resisting the practice but want to be there on the stage ha ha!!

[@mayhemglide2622]

It’s just another episode in Your life. It just contributes another emotion to complete your existence and fulfill your life. You wouldn’t want to escape life never having experience the lows. No highs without lows. Besides, you have to live through some blues to play the blues. Huggies❤

[@andrewparker6378]

I don't want the tabs, I want to train my ears better. So, I don't watch your videos, I listen to them. I play along while I'm also shuffling away on a stair climber exercise thingy. Exercise helps my depression and now I link the too in the brain. Harmonicise!

[@jameshundon2923]

I feel your pain my brother but it to will pass. much love respect to you and my condolences!🙏🏾

[@Arrick]

"5 min." Love it! My business coach use to tell me, "Try to floss just one tooth. You'll end up flossing them all." Thx J. Keeping you, Kate, your band and Perkins' family in our thoughts. You are helping so many of us. I only hope it's helping you too. Lots of love surrounds you. ✌

[@richardsouza5522]

The first thing I learned from you is simplify and limit and it will always lead to more complications…lol

[@johncogdell8009]

You have a world full of friends.....

[@FilipJersMusic]

02:40-03:30 🎵👌🎵

[@denisivanov2522]

Mr. Mustache here too❤

[@jasonricci]

❤️

Great video... It's a privilege to see the honest you

[@GentileFineArt]

One of your best vids… from the heart -, it’s where all the real shit happens.

[@jeffboyer4204]

You are just like us, I'm here for you bro.

[@JoshuaDb_The_Witness]

when grieving we have to give ourselves grace. Grief, I once heard described as, a wild stallion. And yes, that's cheesy as fuck, lol, but it's true. We talk about the stages of grief, but they do not happen in any kind of predictable pattern or order, one second your angry, the next second you're sad, the next second you're angry and sad… And it goes. All we can do is ride the stallion until it gets tired, and that is where giving ourselves grace is key. I realize I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know. But I know from personal experience, every time we grieve it's like the first time, and sometimes I have to remind myself, as I have dealt with a lot of grief over the past few years, I am still recovering. ❤

[@jasonricci]

Thank you! ❤

[@JoshuaDb_The_Witness]

@@jasonricci All love brother. Give your best girl a hug.❤️

[@jeffreyhope5024]

My condolences for the loss of your friend. I seem to be hit with constant barrage of life challenges the last 10 years and struggle with many things you spoke of. Please keep doing what you do. I been following you for years now. You speak in terms that are relatable to me. Much respect for what you do, your honesty and sincerity speak volumes. Much love brother…,

[@jasonricci]

Respect back!

[@AdamWestUS]

Comments for the algorithm!

[@jasonricci]

🙃🙂🙃

[@jeffboyer4204]

I'm commenting as the video plays, love this one. I have been playing along w the lesson.

[@ikust007]

I feel you. And will keep listening to you and support you.

[@DavidDana-lq6oh]

Love the tabs and video. Peace

[@Human_Herbivore]

More than anything I've found harmonica an escape from all the crazy in the world that brings me down and makes it all seem hopeless. I look forward to my practice time and if it goes well and I really achieve something new, that's a bonus.

[@jasonricci]

❤️ 💙 💜

[@bobshuwab1988]

F*** the analytics, keeping it real is where it's at. Much love

[@MarcosBluesharp]

Big J!!!🙏🏼❤️you sounded soooo good my brother thanks for being so open to all of us, I’m deeply sorry for your loss…

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU!!! A LOT ❤️ 💙 💜

[@gregorypalmer6218]

perfect woz a great shuffler J. be tuff m8.another sticksman will pop up when you least expect it.keep paddling J. the sun rises every day m8 BLESS from England XXX

[@BobU2b1]

Best to you Jason. Appreciate you. Tough times, so sorry. Very moving vid--teared up some.

[@carltakats327]

Thanks again for the video. Like how you explain everything in EZ form. I have learned so much watching your videos. Sorry for your loss. I understand but grace of God and the fellowship I have another day sober. Have a blessed day

[@edwardjamesbutler]

I'm sorry for your loss Jason. Keep your head up and I'll keep you in my prayers and it's okay to take some time for yourself to heal.❤

[@jasonricci]

Thank you

[@MichaelMurphy-yt7dq]

Thank you mooncat for keeping it real and honest!! Love everything you teach and put out here, you are helping me and countless others become better musicians and wiser human beings. That is Huge!! You are my guru and mentor!! Wishing you all the best in this difficult time, sending loving and healing vibrations to you and yours. Today is going to be another great day!!! Enjoy!!!🙏

[@jasonricci]

It is Michael and thank you!

[@howardcoleman4748]

Jason we can teach people how to make music scale's help and support sometimes no notes or note 🎶 beautiful melody and harmony and balance and dynamics is the answer to but like I can feel your pain I have lost some close friends that played music play for their memory good energy to you very kind man

[@EleniEliades_]

This is a wonderful talk/lesson concerning the difficult times we have in our lives which weigh heavily on our hearts and minds which make it pretty much impossible to do anything else but grieve and mourn. Being a Musician, or any other type of Artistic soul makes what we feel 100 times worse simply because being a Creative type, we are so much more sensitive to things which affect us. Artists are a different kind of human...in order to create a painting, a drawing, sculpture,, play an instrument, we must have heightened emotions in order to create amazing music, paintings, etc. So when tragedy hits us it hits HARD. So of course we can't do anything else like picking up our instrument of choice and play. It's just too much. I understand completely. Thank you for posting this video even though you didn't feel like doing it. ❤. I have a question about that Major Pentatonic scale you used at the end. You were playing a C harmonica, yes? Is this the correct layout for Major Pentatonic on a 'C' harmonica: 1d 2b 2d 3d" 3d 4d 5b 6b 6d 7d 8d 8b 9b . Thanks Jason, take care 🎉❤

[@kyrenallen9382]

Great video! These are some of my favorites from you just a genuine sit down and talk.

[@fatheadblues1]

Great video man - inspirational as always - honest and from the heart.

[@gregorypalmer6218]

ps.remember all the times you linked eyes with him across the stage so be strong & stay Jason!!XXX

[@harleymichael281]

Be kind to yourself Jason! "Even if it is very foggy, cloudy, or stormy, the blue sky is always there for us above the clouds” Thich Nhat Hanh

[@GuyCioffi]

Lovely video Jason thanks for keeping it real, sharing your thoughts, and teaching me how to play my way

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU Will!

[@MoniqueCoutoVlog]

I love these kind of video! I get so encorage when i see that i have now the fears that u HAD in your life! Ur a nice guy, Jason! Thanks for these videos🥰🥰

[@JB-rw9xt]

Words to live by ❤

[@Bongogod]

Love you, brother. Express your soul.

[@patrikduller8449]

Hey Big J, hey Mal! I often find these kind of videos more helpful then just a lick & tabs. Love you!😎

[@malstainkey]

Hey Patrik 😀

[@ramblin_harp]

Same here, I have tons of stuff I'm working on but sometimes it's good to hear real stuff about real life! We all go through it, Jason just seems to put it out there perfectly! And we all take away something that we didn't know we needed 💙🎶

[@herbster22]

Freedom is where the magic happens

[@davidgarner6736]

This video helps me, Jason. Thank you.

[@pgvalenzuela]

This video was very important to me in a very special moment, Jason. You do not know but your effort has an effect out of boundaries you could perhaps even ever expect! 👏🏻👊🏻❤️

[@jasonricci]

❤️ 💙 💜

[@mattbeckwith8570]

Best vid so far Jason. Thanks for all you do.

[@ericthompson1487]

When I was a school teacher (small towns). I found that tragedy (student deaths, etc.) sometimes brought out the most real and beautiful sides of the students. I saw "enemies" in school become friendly with each other, and tried to console others etc. As sad as it was, we saw people act in ways that should be the expectation and the norm, instead of the exception. Then as time went by little by little we got back to "the norm" in fighting over silly things, pettiness, etc. Maybe in "my observation from where I live" somewhat like 9/11. Right afterwards it seemed like we went through a period of solidarity. I don't remember too much discussion of political parties, right /left, sexuality, race, you know dividing stuff, but against perhaps the innocent people (who had nothing to do with it) that happen to be a muslim . The gold works from the inside out. Outside/ in, can be "fools gold", but possibly necessary. Yin/Yang. So how do we navigate these things? I don't know perhaps by simply not fighting them and letting life run its course. What I do know is this. I enjoy tube floating down a river and dealing with things as they come up more than trying to swim upstream where I can't even enjoy it. Not only that, I get tired of that struggle because there is no rest, and eventually I'm going to be taken back downstream anyway whether I like it or not haha. I always appreciate you fella, and my greatest wish for you is for you to see your Saints win another Super Bowl while your cat is on your lap, and your soulmate by your side. Much gratitude Sir!!!

[@jasonricci]

Man If the Saint win another in my Lifetime!!! HOLY CATS and WHO DAT! Thank you sooooo much for the beautiful comment.

[@cratesthefoolish2442]

This was a great video, Jason! I love when you go on the long harmonica runs using scales and arpeggios. It sounds like a horn player. You have definitely expanded my idea of what a harmonica can do, and I recently showed a bunch of your videos to a friend and she said "I didn't know a harmonica could sound like this." Great stuff man!

[@jasonricci]

Awe! Appreciate YOU! THANK YOU!

[@danilofernandez2036]

Great video dude as always😊

[@1977palvarez]

Thanks for the insightful comments. I needed to hear this video more than ever today (no for harmonica reasons). Happy Friday

[@jeffherman5926]

I lost a great friend this week Jay and this helps, thanks for the video, and as always thanks for the music!

[@jasonricci]

So sorry Jeff!

[@danwilliams8695]

❤ you being you! Thanks as always ❤& 🚨

[@kwkuras]

Thank you

[@JohnCBurzynski]

Truth!

[@ronnieblanchet4072]

Loved this❤keep kicking’ ass to The Glory of God sensei,”gotta do the work”. Like I said before-GOD bless you hard sensei☝️ SOLI DEO GLORIA (To The Glory Of God Alone) Father, Son & Holy Spirit -Ronnie

[@wbevis3097]

Hi Jason. Not sure about all genres or if this question has been asked a million times but in country there's a lot of v I intros. Maybe you could do a video on intro's

[@heiko6983]

Thank You man I made it through every minute of Your sharing Like I do it every friday 🙏🏻 The Ägyptian Minor Scale could also be called Maqam Hijaz by the way 😊 Take Your Time saying good bye to Your friend man

[@jasonricci]

Thank YOU!

[@dancabana8096]

Jason, my feeling is I think you did not have too much an envy to play or practice or even make that video or whatever it was ! But, as the video went, you started to play things in your mind and your heart and it ended playing everything that was right. You know, I'm feeling exactly the same recently. We lost important people in our families or friends or both in my case, you and me. I started to play along the licks, arpeggios, scales, stuff you were playing and you know what ? I had a great deal of musical fun and straight fun too. That was a very good lesson in fact, although it was not that apparent to many I guess. Thanks a lot my friend, it made me happier, it made me simply good about life, music and it was important to me. Wishing you lot of love ☺

[@jasonricci]

I'm so happy to read this

[@ronnieblanchet4072]

Felt that intro HARD sensei (still watchin’)-,but man that was special. Thanks for the encouragement while going through your mourning. Much love to y’all. God bless ya sensei🤓☝️ SOLI DEO GLORIA (To The Glory Of God Alone) Father, Son & Holy Spirit -Ronnie

[@dblues]

I hear ya Bro! Sent you an email couple weeks ago, don't know if you read those?

[@jasonricci]

I almost always do unless I just miss it. Please send it again if it's not too much trouble @ sorry!

[@dblues]

@@jasonricci Just sent off another e-mail.

[@gclarke180]

Sometimes when I'm getting ready to go to a jam and I'm not feeling it and wonder about going I seem to play better

[@Falcone1232]

jason, as usual, on point, practical, honest and valuable topics that every musician, whether a professional or a hobbyist, struggles with. I have a question for you, I've put together the band, and I think we'll be moving soon, it's my idea, so it rests on my shoulders, the band is however, made up of people who play rock, what rock positions will help me play in this genre? pentatonic scale in 2nd position for sure, what next?

[@jasonricci]

Blues scale, minor Pentatonic, major Pentatonic and lots of Mixolydian! Congratulations!

[@jamesgui3733]

It's funny you should mention tabbing. It is helpful, but I've seen myself learn faster and hold the memory of what you, Adam, and Will play when I tab it myself. I have an app that I use to slow y'all down and loop it. Nothing new, I know. But it does work. Now, practice does not make perfect. It makes permanent. Perfect practice makes perfect. Love you, bro. Take your time we'll be here. By the way, I'm glad you didn't fix the thump your mic pics up. Sounds like a heart beat.

[@jasonricci]

My bro!