Spah report or gee I'm dumb

[fjm <2738540@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The sheer bounty of talent at this event was stunning.  Getting to see
Mark Graham a long time hero of mine up close and personal was certainly
a high point for me.  The teach in as always difficult because no matter
what you do you miss a bunch.  Gee do I go watch Dave Barret work his
magic, sit at Rosco's table, see what Norton Buffalo's up to?  Watch
Allen Holmes break down arpeggios in a way that even I can understand. 
John Costa had folks ding Big Walter's Easy in masse.  Buzz was
impressing us all with his mastery of high blow bends and his new found
friend the low D Sleigh which he boldly played a 4th position solo on at
the blues jam.  Talk about pulling a rabbit out of your hat.  

Ok, here's the gee I'm dumb part.  I was sitting at Rosco's table, he
was explaining third position and positions in general.  He starts out
with the circle of 5th's. Let's start with C, what's next?  It hit me
like a ton of bricks, I know this.  All this time I've been trying to
remember to bring a circle of 5ths to gigs and all the while I've known
every 2nd position harmonica for all 12 keys.  I'm not so clever with
the rote learning thing.  Oh well at least I can start leaving the
circle of 5ths home now.  I can count to 4th position in my head and if
I really need to know beyond that all I need is a paper and pen now.  A
classic example of hearing what you want to hear when you're ready to
hear it.  One moment worth my whole trip to Dallas, er Irving which has
some unusual package liquor laws.  

As always my favourite part of these events are the people, Joe Filisko,
Rosco, Jimmy Gordon, Buzz, (whose harmonica playing is tremendously
improved by the way) Beth Kohnen, (ditto) Ben Nathanson, (also a great
player) Frank Warner who I don't really know but impresses the heck out
of me, Charles Spranklin who I just met, Hohner's Johnny Bishop, (heck
of a nice guy) Rick Epping, Michael Polesky, Richard Sleigh,(if only I
could play one instrument or style as well as he plays many) Allison
Radcliffe,Allen Holmes, Jimmy Gordon's friends from Kansas Mike and I
forget who else who graciously drove us all off campus for food. 
Stephen Schneider who made a very long drive for one day, boy am I glad
he did, the trip to Plano was worth it, again good food was involved. 
Mikael from Sweden, talk about a long drive. Bobbie Giordono, a pleasure
as always and I enjoyed our circuitous trek in search of provisions. 
Rosebush, sorry I don't have more of a name to go with that, it was late
but that version of Leaving on a Jet Plane was to die for.  The elusive
Paul Messinger made an appearance, always a pleasure.  Oh another Mike I
think, the forester from Mississippi, I now know a lot about osb, Warren
from Flagler Beach who might get the most enthusiastic award for Spah
2003.  

No doubt I've left someone out.  The blues jams gets my vote for most
improved event.  It has evolved over the years from out of control chaos
to Buzz is god so you beter behave.  The edginess is now gone and as
others have mentioned the calibre of the playing has just gotten better
and better.  Finally my compliments to the Spah board and the Hoot club
for a superbly planned and coordinated event in an almost ideal
location.  My only complaint being the lack of food within walking
distance.  The hotel certainly was tolerant and and the rooms were
soundproof.  No visits from security at 3 am this time.  fjm