Re: harp-l-digest V11 #50

[David Hoerl <david@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

How about a megaphone?- Dave
>
> Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 15:38:49 -0800 (PST)
> From: Cinnamon Reive <coolrays@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Projecting
>
> I attend an Old Time Fiddlers Convention in Galax, VA every August and
play in ensembles that always includes fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar.
Except for guitar, all of these instruments are much louder than the
harmonica. I'd like to hear some tips from y'all about projecting the harp
in such situations. I know guys like Doug Tate and Robert Bonfiglio are
especially good at doing this. I also know it's not just about blowing
harder. There are techniques for doing this just as there are for actors in
theater. Of course I could take a battery-operated Pignose along but at this
convention I'd be tarred and feathered just prior to being burned at the
stake.
>
> The guys I play with have no genre boundaries and play Zepplin, Sinatra,
Green Day, old swing standards, etc., etc. as well as fiddle tunes. It's the
most fun I've ever had playing music. I have several millionaire songwriter
friends here in Nashville but when we get together we talk about music. In
Galax, we play music.
>
> I've spent much time in the past 30 years studying and mastering the likes
of Little Walter, Sonny Boy's, Butterfield, Magic Dick, Charlie McCoy,
Norton Buffalo and just about anybody else that put out a record with harp
on it. I have to say though that the most challenging harp I've ever done is
learning fiddle tunes. They're not hard melodies to learn but playing them
at speed with accuracy is extremely challenging.
>
> Anyway, I'd like to hear your suggestions for projecting the harp.
>
> Thanks
>
>