Sourcebook of Little Walter/Big Walter Licks for Blues Harmonica [Paperback]

Little Walter Jacobs (Author), Big Walter Horton (Author), Tom Ball (Composer)

Book Description

In this essential collection for blues harp players, author Tom Ball sets out to discuss, understand and demystify some of the playing of the phenomenal Walters: the legendary "Big Walter" Horton and "Little Walter" Jacobs. Includes a sampling of the best licks from each artist's repertoire, mapped out in easy-to-read harmonica tablature and played on CD by Ball, plus extensive notes on each musician's style, bios and discographies, rare photos, a bibliography, harmonica basics, notes on amplification and equipment, and much more!

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Centerstream Publications (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157424096X
• ISBN-13: 978-1574240962
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect: All you Need to know, November 22, 2006

By 

BeefwellingtonIII "Tea Leaf Green: Buy their ... (SF, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sourcebook of Little Walter/Big Walter Licks for Blues Harmonica (Paperback)

The best way to learn any instrument is by transcribing the masters and this book makes it easy. Tom Ball has done all the leg work compiling and transcribing classic lines so you can learn them and get way better. Its also a great overview of blues history and music from a harp point of view which is great for anyone that wants a launching point for becoming hip to the blues. Also the book covers a wide range of difficulty levels so it will give newer guys a place to start but will continue to challenge people who have more experiance. Certainly the best harp book out there, and definantly worth the price.
Just so you know all the tunes on the CD are played using a Bb harp. Also the fact that Ball puts multiple licks on a track is a bit frustrating when your trying to play them over and over again to learn them, but if thats enough to deture your purchase of this treasure trove of blues harp greatness, you should probably just stop trying to playing music.
Hope thats not the case. Have fun and good luck!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, June 17, 2008

By 

Charles E. Bassi "Read lots" (Oregon City, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sourcebook of Little Walter/Big Walter Licks for Blues Harmonica (Paperback)

This book is not for the beginning harmonica player, but if you can bend notes and perform octaves/tongue splits, or are able to acquire these skills, this is for you. The author plays the licks beautifully on the accompanying CD and the notation is clear. If you have some harmonica skill, you can play these licks, even though many of them sound complex and sophisticated. Tom Ball must have put in hours and hours breaking these licks down - he's done all the work - you just need to listen, follow the notation, and practice. There are some nice surprises on the CD also - the author has a great sense of humor. One of the best harmonica books I've ever seen.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blues harmonica licks, October 4, 2007

By 

James Kellum (Boulder Creek, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sourcebook of Little Walter/Big Walter Licks for Blues Harmonica (Paperback)

First of all, this is NOT a book for total beginners. This is a book for someone who can bend the notes, but can't get much farther. This is a book of licks, as played by the truly greats. If you can play all these licks, you are ready for prime time. Then you just have to take it to the last step, which is thinking up your own licks. You will have a much better chance of reaching that point when you learn this material. Very well presented by the way.