[Harp-L] re: When Did Fast Become Good?

[JON KIP <jonkip@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On May 13, 2013, at 6:19 AM, harp-l-request@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> re: When Did Fast Become Good? 

good playing fast and clean, with good notes has always been good playing.

Playing slowly, picking great notes is  also good playing....as long as you're not on one of those "Charge by the Note" gigs.

One interesting point: for me, anyway..... Playing a tune cleanly "as fast as you can" is pretty easy.... because your playing pushes up against your own speed and skill limit, so, since you're already playing as fast as you can cleanly play, tempo is not an issue... you just can't go any faster...

Playing quickly just a bit slower than my speed/skill limit is really more difficult.... since, at that tempo,  rushing is possible, it takes actual skill to keep the tempo steady, for me, anyway... kind of a shame...I once did Scrapple from The Apple, just for fun, and set the tempo at a reasonable clip, and kept rushing... so I upped the tempo, to "As fast As Possible" and was surprised that it became a lot easier.... and I am probably alone, in finding  that interesting.

However, if all else fails, learn to turn red on demand. It's the ultimate crowd pleaser, I've noticed...

I think bass players and drummers learn that early on...but  I recognize that there's a chance that  I'm probably just not hip enough to enjoy bass or drum solos...I do know some of those guys, though, and am counting on them not reading this post.

jk


jon kip
chromatic harmonica owner
http://jonkip.com