RE: Jam Camp

"John Partain" <JPartain@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Thu, 15 Jul 2004 21:28:25 -0500

Hi All,

My buddy Neumann "wasn't paying attention", so I had to follow Dennis.
Yeah, thanks alot, Neumann.... you wank!!!  No actually it was really 
cool to follow Dennis.  He definitely warmed up the crowd by "inviting 
us into his good time".

I thoroughly enjoyed Gindick's jam camp.  The energy and atmosphere he 
creates is amazing.  I've brought back a wealth of information and an 
even greater appreciation for what this instrument can do.  I practice 
in my truck to and from work everyday (an hour a day...that's not too 
bad), and I've been working on a lot of the techniques we covered: 
chugging, 2" draw, 3' draw, 8-10 overblows, octaves, etc.  More and 
more stuff to put in the trick bag!  

Plus, I met a lot of good fellas out there: Jon Gindick(himself), 
Dennis Gruenling, Allen Holmes, Mark, Norm, Lew-1, Lew-2, Ethan,
Dennis, Tom, BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE, Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve, 
Steve (No not that one, the other one), and the rest of the guys.  
Coincidentally, they were also having a 'Steve' convention in the 
hotel that same weekend.  You couldn't swing a dead cat without 
hitting a 'Steve'.

For any one who hasn't experienced Gindick's Jam Camp, do yourself 
a favor ... GO!!!

My buddy, Ed, asked me what I thought of the camp, and I told him 
"It was a religious experience!"

Jon if you're listening in, thanks so much and see you in Anaheim!!!

John Partain
Austin, Texas

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf
Of Eric Neumann
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 3:41 PM
To: Dennis B. Alters MD; Harp-L
Subject: RE: Jam Camp

Dennis and all,

I haven't seen any notes about Jon Gindick's Harmonica Jam Camp in
Jersey. But I saw you play there - you sure know how to put on a good
show Dennis! I am glad I didn't immediately follow you too - that 's
what I get for paying too much attention. Here I was enjoying your show,
and when you were done I was told I was up next... panic ensued, and I
had to run to my suitcase to get my harps. I got beat to the stage by my
guitar buddy, John Partain - who ironically, also had to run to his
suitcase too. I had already wimped out. It wasn't too bad though... just
got ribbed about it for a few hours... 

But that was my impression - you're a tough act to follow.

Thanks for all your kind words and support in those times I was actually
able to talk with you - brief as it was, I am certain we'd have lots and
lots more to talk about. You sure have what it takes.

In regard to the Jam Camp overall - what can I say - I have been
fortunate enough to have attended two of them so far. As I stated in an
earlier post; you can't put a price tag on the experience. Meeting the
extroidinary talent that shows up to these camps in such a concentrated
working environment is really what it's all about to me. I came away
with so many new ideas that can only take me further into the place I
want to be regarding diatonic blues harp. Allen Radcliffe-Holmes
suggested dropping my jaw a bit to improve tone - funny - I had no
problem dropping my jaw when I saw him do a 6 hole blow bend up about 3
whole steps. Dennis Gruenling had a suggestion on how to improve my tone
by modifying my grip on the mic - and other interesting tips about my
personal style. And of course the talks with Larry Boy Pratt were always
entertaining and beneficial. Seeing Gindick perform during his talks are
some of my favorite memories too - "dat guy is awesum...
fuhgiddaboudit". 

After all that personal interaction I came away a much richer man
actually. I met and enjoyed the company of too many fabulous harp
players to describe. This is what I mean when I say you can't put a
price on the whole experience. It's a positive event in my life I will
never forget.

Thanks.

Hope to see you in Anaheim for the next Jam Camp.

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Dennis B. Alters MD
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 10:24 PM
To: Harp-L
Subject: Jam Camp

Hi,

Just got back from Jam Camp. Great experience.  Was wondering if I
missed any posts on it since I have been off list until now.  If someone
will forward the posts or direct me to the Archive I would appreciate
it. Got to run. Was hoping to have time to write a more detailed
synopsis. Maybe later.

Thanks,

Doc

- --
Dennis "Doc" Alters

Harp and Vocals
The Alternators
www.thealternatorsband.com

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