RE: musicality, expressiveness, soul

["Hambone Hamilton" <harpmanx@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

That's an excellent question, John.  I don't know how to answer other than 
to confirm that I definitely feel I am more musically expressive than I used 
to be.  I listen to the cd I recorded with my band in 2000...most of the 
songs we still perform regularly, and I think, "I play this so much better 
now".

I know that I've incorporated more TB'ing, octaves, and better cupping 
techniques.  My tone, which I didn't think was bad then, is way better now.  
My vibratos have gotten much more natural in feel, and less forced.  I think 
that my phrasing has matured, but it's hard to quantify.

I don't think I've really been influenced by anybody that I wasn't before, 
but I have consciously studied the masters more heavily...particularly my 
favorites Rod Piazza, Billy Branch, William Clarke, Jerry Portnoy, Gary 
Smith, and Rick Estrin, Little Walter always, and some horn players, esp. 
the Roomful of Blues cats.  If there's one single new influence in the past 
few years it would be the incredible Dennis Gruenling.

In short, there's no quantitative answer, just you continue what you do with 
an eye towards improvement and the musicality and expressiveness develop 
naturally.

Hambone
www.thekingbees.com

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