Re: Stupid question re: John Popper

[William Lippe <lippe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

	Other than playing the same riff in different keys, with minor 
variations... :)
	But really, he does play one riff a heck of a bunch of times, the 
harp I like the mostest on Blues Traveler stuff is usually intros, 
outros, and choruses.. the solos kind of blend together.  As opposed to 
some peoples feelings, I think he has a very unique, smooth, tone on the 
low end, and the high end is.. well.. high.  I for one rate his voice 
alongside his harp-playing skills, it has great tone to it, with a few 
cliches, but I love it.  (Plus you can understand what he's saying)
	I've figured out Optimistic Thought off of Travelers and Thieves, 
plus Letter to a friend, and another one.. but just snippets of the 
fairly slow stuff..  I think I'd like to learn the Crash Burn riff off of 
Four, and that one blazing intro.. yeah right.

On Sun, 9 Oct 1994, Martin Miller wrote:

> This is probably an awfully basic question, but could someone tell me the 
> "secret" behind John Popper's (Blues Traveller's) remarkable style (and 
> speed).  Does he use the tongueing technique I've read about (and never 
> been able to master)?  Or is he doing something else that a novice such 
> as myself hasn't yet discovered?  Or is he just a remakable talent that 
> has the ability to blow like he does?  Thanks.
>