Re: [Harp-L] chrome: Don't get around much anymore

[Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On May 19, 2013, at 10:33 AM, Slim Heilpern wrote:

> HI Robert -
> 
> I'm not familiar with this player,

May not BE the player. May have been the person posting it. But I think it IS the player. In any case he did a good job. I have heard many versions of this tune. Most aren't good. 

> but as to your other question, there are diverse opinions on that subject amongst chromatic players.

TELL me about it. lol

> However, most (but certainly not all) of the jazz-oriented players will just play everything on a C chrom (and I'm in that camp), and if it's a standard being played instrumentally will just play it in the standard key for the tune. If there's a vocalist involved, then usually it will be in the vocalist's key.

I'm with you unless it means relearning the tune ON the spot. Then I may use a different chromatic ....or I may go with a doo-wop/jazz tuned diatonic. 
> 
> Most jazz-oriented chrom players will tell you that they find the flat keys (along with the key of C) more fluid on a C chrom than the sharp keys (and I agree). This is largely due to the alternate F and C "fingerings" available (most sharp keys don't have very many F or C naturals in their melodies).

Yup. 
> 
> Having said that, I personally do play in the sharp keys as well.

Generally..I only use a little G.... but a LOT of D. I'm used to D because I once played trumpet, and it was the usual transposition to get to C. 

> Depending on the style of the tune, it can be more difficult to sound fluid in these keys.

Right. 

> But each key has its own rewards, giving you different possibilities

And YOU are quite adept at that. I wish I was. 

> -- things that are easy in one key may be difficult in another.

True, and here's the wierd part. Some tunes are actually hard to play in C ON a C, while switching to F makes it a cake walk. For example "Sweet Ga. Brown". OR 'Sleigh ride', which is hard in C but easy in Db. Go figure. I guess it all depends on the way the notes lay out.....in the bridge (or in Sleigh ride..TWO bridges).  

> The chrom is really no different in this regard than a woodwind or keyboard, except that some would argue the chrom is a bit more difficult overall to get around on.

I would argue that. My clarinet has ALL the notes in the same place ALL the time. No reversals on the blowing to drawing OR slide out slide in. 
> 
> The other side of the coin is if you're not in charge of the content or key

A-Haaaaaaa, NOW you nailed it. Easy for the big names to control the tunes. I know Larry Adler played a LOT of tunes not in their original keys. 

> (like for instance if you're doing a session for someone else), and you have to match the phrasing of another instrument, then (depending on your chops vs. the difficulty of the part) you might want to have some chroms in other keys to switch to.

That's what 'I' (Have to) do....a lot of the time. Harmonica players usually get no respect. And other band members don't usually like to bend to MY limitations. But Lately I have been with a group where the clarinet/sax player asks ME what key is better for ME. And the piano player doesn't mind playing in ANY key. Sure makes life easier. Oh, and we don't generally allow singers any more. It all started as a jazz jam back in 1978 and over the years everyone and their uncle has been trying to turn it into Karioke night at the opera. lol

> Some phrases can be a real bitch and switching to another key'd chrom can be a life saver in those cases.

You know me. ha ha   smokey joe & the cafes (actually the last living cafe). :(  appearing tonight at 'The Roadhouse' Ft. Myers beach
> 
> - Slim.
> 
> http://www.slidemanslim.com
> 
> 
> On May 18, 2013, at 9:43 PM, Robert Hale wrote:
> 
>> Who is this player? TOKUNAGA
>> 
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4DuCpcYeJQ
>> 
>> I'm hearing the tune in C, but it wouldn't necessarily be a C chrome harp.I
>> know that some quick figures are better played in one key/position than
>> another.
>> 
>> How do you advanced chrome players decide where to put it? Maybe share some
>> titles that are served well in a less-than-expected key and position.
>> 
>> (Please don't get after me for mentioning "position" with a chrome harp. I
>> know that all 12 tones and keys are there. But clearly, some tunes layout
>> better when NOT played in the root-named key of the harp.)
>> 
>> Robert Hale
>> Spiral Advocate
>> Learn Harmonica by Webcam
>> Low Rates, High Success
>> http://www.youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL
>> http://www.dukeofwail.com
>> https://www.facebook.com/DUKEofWAIL
> 
>