Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers w/Marc Reisman on harp

[Roscoharp@xxxxxxx]

Hey list,
  I picked up a copy of the CD "True Companion" by Joe Grushecky and the 
Houserockers at Buckeye & it's been in my car CD player for a week or so. Marc 
Reisman plays harmonica in this seasoned Pittsburgh rock band. I am impressed 
with the songs & the harp on this CD. I own a lot of recordings that have great 
harp but mediocre or bad songs, & a lot of recordings that have great songs but 
mediocre or worse harp if they have harp at all. Very few have good harp and 
good songs.  This CD is one of them. Playing harmonica in a rock band has 
special challenges--a player generally only has a chorus or two to make a 
statement in a solo, & accompaniement has to find space in a mix of guitars, keys, & 
other instruments with similar tonal & dynamic range as harp. Marc tailors his 
playing to beautifully fit the moods of Grushecky's grown-up bluecollar themed 
songs. Playing mostly un-amped, Marc finds just the right feel for each song 
he plays on. He is featured on a number of tunes that range from rowdy to 
sentimental- all done with an ear toward making the song  sound better. 
  It's a pleasure to hear harp in this context. Pick up a copy if you want to 
hear how to make harp sound just right in a rock band, & go see them if they 
play near you. 
  I have no affiliation blah, blah, blah...........

later, Rosco
maybe august