Re: Key sign language (minimal harp)

["Dennis Cooper" <harmaniac@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings list,

I regularly play a live version of "Summertime" with Billy Zera's band on a 
diatonic that migrates through three keys in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position. One 
standard-tuning diatonic harmonica, three keys and true to the melody. Three 
singers in different ranges. A wonderful tune...

Audences seem to like my diatonic version of "Ain't Misbehaving" better than 
my chromatic rendition. (Which may be a telling statement about my chromatic 
abilities, or lack thereof.)

"Ghost Riders in the Sky" is awesome in 3rd position and I just have to 
throw in a plug for "The Devil Went down to Georgia" in third, as well. I 
spent many long hours working that one up after hearing Popper do a live 
version. (He was a bit sloppy, but impressive none-the-less.) Hi version of 
it inspired me to learn the tune, both Johnny's and the Devil's parts. 
(Flanger pedal engaged for the devil's part)

I also regularly use "country tuned" harmonicas on major key second-position 
tunes that don't lend themselves to the 4,5, and 6 OB.

My point is that playing melodies on the diatonic harmonica is a very 
acheiveble goal. It takes a bit of practice, but I enjoy it much more than 
16-bar solos to that same old blues shuffle, night after night.

I hope to progress enough on the chromatic to someday wonder whay I ever 
played melodies on a diatonic harmonica, but I'm not sure that day will ever 
arrive. My ten-hole harps seem to have more soul...

All my best,
The Harmaniac? Dennis M. Cooper
http://www.mp3.com/crossharp
http://www.crossharp.com

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