Re: [Harp-L] Chicago jams June 25-26

[Mudharp@xxxxxxx]

Richard Hunter wrote <<snip>> :
 
<<A very enjoyable but short trip. Two final comments: 1) Matthew  told me 
that there are now very few active harp players in Chicago -- what's up  with 
that? 2) Non harp-related: on Tuesday night I went to the art Institute of  
Chicago, and was completely blown away to find something like 100 of the  greatest 
paintings of the first half of the 20th century hanging on the  
walls......Chicago doesn't suck.>>
 
I wish I'd known that you were in Chicago Richard. I would have liked  to 
catch you at one of those jams that you hit.
 
Regarding your two final comments: 
 
1) That's a curious statement from Matthew Skoller. I wonder what he  means 
by "active harp players". If active means gigging regularly and  consistently, 
I guess I might have to agree. Gigs are a little tough  to get these days. But 
still, on any given week you can catch not  only well-knowns like Skoller , 
Corky Siegel and  Billy Branch around town, but several other fine local  
harpers too. Players such as Harp-L members Scott Dirks, James Conway,  Mr. G, Buzz 
Krantz, as well as Joe Filisko, Harry Garner, Grant  Kessler, Little Scotty, 
Shoji Naito (a triple threat on harp, guitar and  bass), Harmonica Hinds, Big 
D, and the scarily good Dave  Waldman. Those are names just off the top of my 
head and I know I'm leaving  out some others. A lot of these people fly under 
the radar so it's  understandable that Matthew might not know about them, but 
trust me, they're out  there and playing their butts off all over Chicago.
 
2) The Art Institute. One of my favorite places on the planet and world  
renowned for it's masters collections. And to put some harp context on it,  
Filisko and Noden played on the front steps just about 2 weeks ago.
 
Chicago doesn't suck. You are a master of understatement sir.
 
All the best,
 
T. Albanese