RE: [Harp-L] "The Groove"

["HIH Jervis Groeneveld" <harmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thank you all for your contributions (on this list and off-list) in my quest
to get this thing called "groove" across (and get it clear for myself as
well). I realise it's like being in love: you can talk about it for hours
and not get it clear, but when it hits you, you know it's there.

I read this great quote from Victor Hugo (no, he didn't play harmonica in
19th century France): "music expresses that which can not be put into words,
and that which can not remain silent". Ain't that groovy?

I suggest we all stop finding the right words and keep on playing again ;-)

Jervis Groeneveld
Mijehof 271
1106 HH Amsterdam.
(+31) 20 774 8657 (home)
(+31) 6 4231 3333 (cell)

-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] Namens
IcemanLE@xxxxxxx
Verzonden: maandag 9 augustus 2004 15:34
Aan: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Onderwerp: [Harp-L] "The Groove"

The Groove is essential in understanding and playing blues harmonica. I have
success in conveying this concept in private and group sessions, but find
that it doesn't translate well into written form. 

The basis for my theory is that the shuffle groove so necessary to blues
playing is really a reflection of the human heartbeat, which is why I
believe The Blues is so universally understood and powerful; it has a direct
line to what keeps us alive.

Anyone can "catch the groove" as long as their heart still beats in their
chest. Once the groove is pulsing you, you can relax and play effortless
back-up and your solos will have definitive power. Even one long sustained
note will have the ability to move an audience to its feet.

The Iceman

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