[Harp-L] The Buddha's Groove, the band, not the website

["Dave Murray" <dlmurray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Last night was my first trip to hear the reincarnation of Chris's band, now 
know as "The Buddha's Groove".

I guess I hadn't given enough thought to it, but with a trio, every member 
of the band is a big deal, as is their playing personality, style, skill, 
etc. The new bass player, Mahlon Hawk, is a case in point. Not only is he a 
hell of a bass player, he is a vocalist. Yes, vocals on some, but not all of 
the songs. Sets an interesting home base for the improvisational journey's 
that Chris takes your head on. He provides a fine groove for the band, which 
has taken a more groove oriented approach than in the past.

During a break the drummer, Travis Blum,  said, "The audience seems to 
respond well to the groove." That was a very understated way of saying 
"Can't sit still". The lady's were moving, grooving, and shaking it. Visual 
appeal for the band :0) Everyone's body became possessed with the sound. 
Even people walking past the place (big picture window) broke into dance as 
they walked by.

All that was required to understand what Chris is doing. He has changed his 
sound a bit to fit the new direction. Actually, he displayed a lot more 
sounds. During the first set he sounded a bit like a sax, at other times, 
like an electric guitar. I mentioned that he hardly sounded like a harp. 
First song up after that break was blues like I had not heard him play it 
before, very electric harp, then off to a jazz harp thing... I've always 
liked his playing, but now it's as if there are more him since you hear 
everything from "that's some harp" to "what are you playing?" From a 
technical harp perspective, I couldn't tell when he was doing OBs or bends 
from tone/timber. His tone seemed to be what he wanted it to be, not what he 
was stuck with because of technique.

It's known that I'm a fan of his playing, but that doesn't change anything 
when I say that I really like the new band, and the direction that he seems 
to be going with his playing. As the band moves into the groove zone, he is 
adding diversity to his playing. I think that he may have been recording 
last night, perhaps he'll give us something to listen to.

Peace and music,
Dave