Re: [Harp-L] re: Improv in Blues

[Mudharp@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 4/21/2005 1:37:28 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
mfugazzi67@xxxxxxxxx writes:

I think  sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the
moment when you play.   After a whole set you
think...wow...I must have used "that" run way  too
much!



One thing we have a habit of doing in my band currently is this: We almost  
never add a cover to our song book that has harmonica in the  original version 
that we're arranging from. On the other hand, lots  and lots of our covers 
have horns and/or Hammond organ in the originals. Like a  lot of other players I 
get many of my ideas for solos from what the horns  and organ are playing and 
then improvise on those lines. I also try to pay  careful attention to the 
vocal melody of each song we do and try to mimic that  at some point in my solo. 
Even though we are considered to be in the general  category of "Blues Band" 
we play lots of funk, soul, 60s 70s R&B (James  Brown, Johnny Taylor, O.V. 
Wright ), plus Louis Jordan swing  tunes and altered state versions of simple jazz 
standards like  Canadian Sunset and Moonlight in Vermont. The point is that 
for the most  part, this kind of stuff doesn't require pyrotechnics on the 
diatonic but  fresh variations of "blues riffs" and lines that lay out pretty 
simply in 1st  2nd & 3rd positions if you think outside the box. What's the box? 
12  bar blues and boogies and the cliche' riffs that go with them. And I hasten 
to  add that there's nothing wrong with that stuff. I love it and I use it 
but  there are other ways to go. One other thing that's also useful  is having a 
band behind you that can lay down a tight solid pocket groove  -- does 
wonders for the imagination. 
 
I'd also like to add this invitation to any harp-lers in the Chicago  area 
that might want to hear what I'm talking about: Come on out to the Harlem  Ave. 
Lounge this Saturday night, 4/23 and check out our band. Love to have  you 
there to groove with us. (BTW, if it wasn't for gigs this weekend I'd  be at 
Buckeye right now!)
 
T. Albanese