psychedelic harp 101

[alciere@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

I've been playing along with Dark Star (Grateful Dead) from Live Dead an 
album length song.It lays out well with a D harp playing A Myxolodian and E 
Dorian. The key of the song is hard to pin down-the bass player is playing 
melodically, making the actual key amorphous. The rhythm, the dynamics, the 
energy all flucuate. At times the band seems telepathic. 

I don't know of any harp players doing extended psychedelic jams. I'd like 
to work more towards that goal which means a lot more practice and more 
music theory. I don't have the jazz knowledge, the extensive classical 
background,or the years of bluegrass and jug band music to draw on.Running 
up and down a myxolodian scale in itself won't work, not for 25 minutes non 
stop. For now I'll practice some extended jamming when I need a break from 
the more structured routine, and once in awhile when I need to build up my 
endurance.Someday I'll be able to play through a 25 minute song and keep it 
fresh and interesting. 

Rainbow Jimmy