Re: [Harp-L] An illustrative story.

[Colin Epstein <colin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bobby " BlackHat" Walters wrote:

> Can I get a witness!  I started out at a local open mic and it was a great
> experience.  Not necessarily for those listening to me struggle but for me
> personally.  After hearing a couple of other harp players really rock, I
> realized that I had a long way to go. Most importantly,  I learned to be
> HUMBLE.  Over the years my playing has improved but I'm still HUMBLE.  Why?
> Because everyday I learn something new about playing harp which means I'm
> still learning my craft.  It also means that there will always be something
> new to learn not matter how good I think I am. IT means that I will always
> have a reason to remain HUMBLE. 
Amen to being humble!  I've never considered myself a great harp 
player.  I'm well aware of my limitations, and while I'm working to push 
them farther out, I don't step over them on stage, and never try to take 
the limelight from the rest of the band.  I'm a sideman, and I know it.  
It's great to hear when folks come up after the show and say they liked 
my playing, as it's nice to know I didn't completely bomb, but I just 
take that as a pleasant surprise, and don't let my hat size increase.  
The band I'm currently playing with is led by a gal who's been doing 
this stuff for years (much unlike myself), and one of the reasons she 
likes having me in the mix is that I keep it simple and subtle.  
"Tasteful" she says.  She's preferred to work with players like me that 
share the "ego-free" approach to music than with some far more 
technically proficient guys who are real show boaters.   So while I'm 
nowhere near a Rod Piazza or a Jason Ricci, not even in the same time 
zone, and never will be, I seem to be doing something right.  I only 
hope I just get better, while still keeping my humility and doing my 
part to avoid adding to the apparent stigma aganst harp players.

Heck, I may even learn to read some music. :o)

--
Colin Epstein