Harmonica Basics: Step One with Jimmie Wood

While my family generally has little to say about items packaged with videos (except for the juggling ball which hit the--apparently--treasured vase), they were fairly vocal in their opposition to the harmonica which was bundled with harpmeister Jimmie Wood's guide for neophytes. Completely ignoring the fact that there is something called a learning curve, my otherwise adorable wife asked me half-jokingly to please take my early harp efforts (that's what us harmonica players call our instruments) outside--preferably into the next state. I've now begun to talk like Geoffrey Rush in Shine and I hope she feels guilty. Anyway, Jimmie Wood, who learned to play "ass-backwards," as he puts it (immediately eliminating the kindergarten school audience), shows viewers the varieties of harmonicas available, notes on the harp, playing positions, how to bend notes, and a couple little jazz blues tunes to get people blowing more than just air. A good, inexpensive introduction in a projected series (and librarians will be happy to know that the accompanying harmonica is not mentioned on the video--so they can take it home and torture their significant others), this is recommended. More advanced players will also want to check out Harmonica Power! Norton Buffalo's Bag of Tricks (VL-7/95) and Harmonica Power! Norton Buffalo's Blues Techniques (VL-3/96). Aud: I, J, H, P. (R. Pitman)