[Harp-L] u-block aka tongue curl (with an "Iceman" and D. Barrett reference)

[dennis moriarty <dmoriarty@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi.  I no longer post very much but love to scan the submissions. A  
recent post on u-blocking (aka tongue curling in the post) has me  
indulgently interested. I have never been academic about the harp.  
I'm 50 and started when I was about 16 0r 17. My tone has always been  
sort of Butterfield like. It is quite deep organically and has been  
my best feature. Some time ago I realized I play differently. Maybe  
it was because I couldn't replicate other players well or one of D.  
Barrett's Masterclasses sensitized me to it or an instructional tape/ 
book illustrated a typical tongue block. Then I read here about the u  
(curled) block. So it seems I u-block very strong and unambiguous  
single notes with a good tone and tongue block chords. Does anyone  
have any sound samples of u vs. tongue-blocking. While I know that  
learning tongue block extensively (and maybe some puckering which I  
have always felt has a relatively anemic tone) would be musically  
correct I would rather take the path of least resistance and maximize  
my organic playing method. I guess there's no masterclass for u- 
blockers. Interestingly, some years ago in San jose at what I think  
was one of David Barretts first masterclasses I was hanging out with  
a friend of Lee Oscar's and he insisted I sign up for the jam contest  
in a local club. There must have been 40 or so contestants. I  
remember "Iceman" won first place and I won third. 90 or more % of  
the players were tongue blockers and there was this NYC imported u- 
blocker. I think the reason I placed was because I was a little  
different while retaining an authentic bluesey-tone. I still have my  
Lee Oscar signed a-minor prize. As it turns out one of the "Icemans"  
students (Brian of harpgear.com) is now building me an amp.     p.s.  
Although it is not a value of mine to be a "speed" player I find u- 
blocking keeps me pretty slow in my executions.      dennis