Brendan Power Builds a Song on a Loop Box

This morning I came across a video by Brendan Power in which he plays a variation on Little Walter’s “My Babe” using a TC Helicon Voicelive Touch (looper/harmonist/effects box) and a Korg Pandora multi-effect box.  I really want one of those TC Helicons now!  I have a musician friend in Vancouver named Adam Bowen who is a wizard with a loop and effects pedal and I have always wanted to learn to use those tools with a harmonica.  now, watching Brendan make a song, my desire is redoubled.  Watching this video is a good exercise in being able to hear the syncopated rhythm underlying a blues song.  I’m also a big fan of Brendan’s use of a ring as a percussion instrument against his mic.  On first viewing, I thought he had the beat programmed into his box, but while watching it a second time, I noticed that he taps out the beat with his fingers!  I’ve always wondered if this would work.  Now I know.  So sit back and enjoy a fun little tune by the talented Brendan Power!