Bibliography
Gindick, Jon. 1984. Country & Blues Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless. Palo Alto: Klutz Press.
Review by Michael Beach
My mother’s father, Lester Miller, played harmonica in a band with my dad, uncle, and a few others. A recurring experience I had as a kid was to listen to them practice in our home, or the home of my grandparents, and occasionally see them play at some venue. Pap Miller also played the mandolin. Every once in a while, when I was still in elementary school, my dad would have me play drums, filling in for my uncle, or he would have me play base guitar, filling in for him. Eventually I had my own drum set. Then at one point I took an interest in harmonica. Pap gave me a few tips, and my parents bought me my own harmonica. I was never any good at it, mostly because I didn’t practice much. If I did have an interest, it was primarily in blues music, particularly by Johnny Rivers.
As I grew, my practice was spotty. Eventually, Pap Miller passed away. Among the things he left behind was a toolbox sized container with all sorts of harmonicas in it. Since I was the only person in the extended family with any interest in harmonica, Grammy Miller gave the box to me. The harmonicas ranged in keys and size. Having the box inspired me to practice more. The result is although I’m still not good, I’m at least not horrible at making music on occasion. This book was in box of harmonicas Pap left behind. I found in it some good tips and plenty of practice songs. I wouldn’t claim any real ability, but I will say the book helped me get a little better. Now I just have to keep making time to practice.
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