S.B. Williamson II “You Killin’ Me” class recording

Harmonica key: D (1st position), Class time: 55 min

Master blues harpist Sonny Boy Williamson II released 3 of my favorite ‘1st position blues harp’ songs: “Trust My Baby”, “Good Evening Everybody” and “You Killin’ Me“.  Out of those 3 songs, it’s “You Killin Me” that stood out to me as the most hauntingly beautiful blues harmonica recordings that I’ve heard! Only Sonny Boy could conjure up this  dark, soulful and eerie feel in 1st position.

A couple of things that really stand out in this song is his use of a motif at the intro, solo and ending of the song. I also love his killer vibrato on the 3 draw 1/2 step bend and use of hand technique. These are all things that we will discuss in this class, along with the intro and solo which we will break down and practice together. Notes included (sent out the day of class) and the class will be recorded.