Fwd: Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica Jam Camp, Anaheim 2004

"David R. Fertig" <dfertig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Mon, 25 Oct 2004 11:32:18 -0500

I just signed on to Harp-L, so didn't read prior posts but Mark Wilson is 
too modest, his fine playing and input was quite valuable, along with the 
wonderful lineup of coaches at Jon Gindick's Jam Camp in Anaheim.   It was 
my first venture into such an academic approach to blues harp, and a 
fruitful one.
I ditto all Mark said, I was quit skeptical going in, expecting cacophony 
and chaos, but instead the workshops were tailored to what the players 
wanted, and thanks to Mark's attentive traffic-contol work the whole 
weekend sort of evolved as the players did also, resulting in marked 
progress for all players of all levels - and there were quite a variety of 
levels.
Jon Gindick's open and intense - altho also laid back, in a way - 
committment to music and sharing was exemplary, and infectious.  I am glad 
so many students of blues harp came away with that sense of sharing and 
support.
The workshops were really spot on, the jams were exceptional and fun 
opportunities to learn - and watching Winslow dance a little jig while 
conducting 40 harp players - many of whom were beginners - into a a set of 
three part harmonies, was amazing.
-Dave Fertig
----- Original Message -----
From: "Winslow Yerxa" <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>

> I attended Jon Gindick's Jam Camp this past weekend as an instructor,
> and had a great time.
Sorry about the late reply, but I've been in, read mode only, due to
computer problems.  Big thanks to Winslow for doing an outstanding job last
weekend.  He really stuck his neck out during his presentation and
orchestrated a large group jam with about 40 people with both sides of the
meeting room trading licks, in time.  To be honest, I was worried when he
started up because we've tried this a couple times on a smaller scale with
dismal results.  Well, his session turned into a 15 minute jam with everyone
in the room going after it, and amazingly, it worked.  Definitely a
highlight of the weekend.
Allen Holmes was there as an instructor for the third time and even though I
went in thinking  I'd heard all his stuff,  as usual,  I came away with some
really good material that will keep me busy for quite a while. Dennis
Gruenling was there for his second time. His style, tone and mastery of the
instrument reminds me of Joe Filisko which is obviously a big compliment.
Like Joe, Dennis TB's everything including the blow bends.
Another highlight was a late jam session on Saturday night.  We had a
plugged in guitar and bass player along with a 1960's Harmony amp, a Tweed
Champ,  and a Sonny modified Bassman (thanks Doc).  Allen, Dennis, Froggy
(yup, that boy can play) and several students sat around and jammed until
around midnight,  passing the mic's around and trading licks.  A few times
Dennis, Allen, and Froggy really went after it playing in multiple
positions, using low harps (Dennis has a low, low F),  high harps , etc..,
at times I felt like I was in the front row of a live concert.    Sitting
around jamming with these guys for several hours was very educational and a
great experience.

As usual we ended the seminar on Sunday with a live jam where everyone got
to get up and play, listen to the pros, and jam some more.  The band was put
together by local harp player, Big Harmonica Bob, and featured Bearnie Pearl
http://www.island.net/~blues/bpfat.htm on guitar.
Jons vision of creating a harmonica seminar based on jamming,  playing, and
jamming some more really came to life last weekend thanks in large part to
Winslow, Dennis, Allen, and Froggy. Thanks guys!
We'll be doing it all over again in Atlanta this coming Feb with Larry "The
Iceman" Eisenberg,  Jon and others.
http://tinyurl.com/6w2ll

Thanks
Mark Wilson