Rhythms of the Breath, Vol.1: A Revolutionary Way to Transform Your Harmonica Playing

Ok. I’ve been playing harmonica for about 25 years. Trying my best to “impress” people whether at a genuine gig, sitting around a fire orat our local karaoke bar. I was known as the harmonica guy and it never failed for at least 1 or 2 people asking for me to play. My Fav Ex Wife, who is quite the singer, recently said it was the Evan show. We both got a chuckle out of that mainly because I used to eat praise up like a 5 course meal. Now here is my point: I had known of Howard for quite a few years listening to his music a lot. I was so in awe of his technique, speed and accuracy in everything he played on. Then I was able to see him live and got to meet him getting signatures and all. I was surprised at how humble and professorial he was. Plus, unlike many successful musicians he was accessible. My wife and I were able to sit in the front row (it was just a lecture hall at Walsh University in Canton Ohio) As he played I realized in that moment I was in the presence of greatness , and we only paid $6 to see him. I was not just getting goosebumps (I had tears running down my cheeks) that had never happened to me before, especially from an instrumental. As amazing as it was to hear him and meet him I always felt I was lacking technique in my playing and couldn’t quite understand or grasp some(most) of his licks. How did he play so fast with such perfection? Then I signed up for his harmonica school, expecting it to be a bunch of video lectures on demand. Then I saw that you could get a critique on any song or lick that you could record and send in. Again not expecting much personal attention. Then, I got a video pop up in my inbox. It was Howard and I was like cool. It must have been an archive of one of his teachings on Amazing Grace (which was what I sent in (pretty common song to play on the harmonica)). Then when I opened the video I was like ok cool. Then….”Hello Evan….” To be honest at that point I had tingles shooting up my spine. I felt electric. I’m not normally starstruck but this was a whole different ballgame. Sooo much better than an autograph. He critiqued my song, with kid gloves, complimented my bluesy style and made a few suggestions on how I could get the most out of my song, NEVER making me feel like an amateur. So much respect. Fast forward, it’s been a little while since I had seen him or even heard his music. Then lo and behold, comes this book recently that checked off the box of learning to play rhythmically with speed and accuracy on the harmonica. As I opened the book I grabbed my C harp and played along with the audio(on his website). It started to click… I was no longer going to be just the ‘Thirsty’ harmonica player at karaoke. (But I still enjoy it). His exercises were pretty cool like the holy grail of harmonica playing but done by the most incredible humble accessible harmonica player/teacher I’d ever had. He is a legend in the harmonica world. and 1 helluva nice and humorous guy. I’m still working on the exercises and I feel ‘relaxed’ rather than feeling the need to impress. I feel free enough to improve while keeping my ego in check. If you want to learn from Howard, this book definitely should fill any void or take you above any ‘plateau’ you might be experiencing while not overwhelming with a lot of ‘master level’ exercises that, as a beginner (or just weekend jammer) , might frustrate you. There is also a lot to unpack for the more experienced players who are looking for great material to woodshed with. I highly recommend learning from both the teacher and artist that is Howard Levy Good stuff : )

Like Hanon for piano, this book provides drills that will help to develop your precision, technique, and muscle memory!Great idea, and very useful drills.

I received the book yesterday and spent a few hours going through it, I downloaded the audio of Howard playing some, not all of the excercises. I guess he only recorded them examples that he feels are important. I just wish that the book indicated which examples have corresponding audio, that would make things easier. Anyway, it’s good to have something new to work on and coming from Howard Levy, it MUST be worthwhile! I’ll check back and write another review after I’ve had a month or so to practice the exercises, and how it improves my playing…Dave Hart

Sd described

About halfway through this book now. Howard has decoded diatonic harmonica technique is a new and unique way. Will be studying this book for the rest of my life!

Large, easy-to-read typeEasy to follow contentProgressive exercisesProfessor Levy is more than a legend or just a genius, he’s a national treasure!

Si bien no es un libro que enseñe a tocar la armónica bien puede llevarte al siguiente nivel. Básicamente son ejercicios que te ayudan a crear memoria muscular (por decirlo de alguna manera) para mejorar tu respiración y desplazamientos a lo largo del instrumento. Recomendado a todos niveles y escrito por el mejor armonicista del mundo.

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Sehr schön

Note much instruction , book filled with tabs for you to follow ,lots of content , would have liked more explanation and detailed instruction , I didn’t get the reference to drumming ,.from a very talented harmonica player .

Meilleur bouquin sur le sujet que j'ai eu sous la main jusqu'ici, tout est bien foutu, faut juste s'y mettre