Re: [Harp-L] Shakin' Smith

[One2one2three@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 4/25/2005 4:56:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
Rapidashes@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

   
> Shakin' Smith didn't have time for learning harp players here in Buffalo at
> all. Many -all- were sent packing. This is far too much screen time for him.
>                                                                               
            TimM in Rapids

  Tim
        You're right and wrong....Right about Shake not having time to coach  
" learning harp players, here in Buffalo" ...you probably approached him 
during one of those so-short set breaks when he was trying to take a piss, have a 
smoke ( he's tough, he kicked that habit! ) seemed there was always 100 people 
wanting his time during those breaks...he was busy taking care of his family, 
fixing his old cars, fighting for gigs in a very competitive atmosphere, 
putting together new bands, etc...I know for a fact, the guy just didn't have the 
time. Shake trained  and influenced a boatload of musicians around here but 
never got any thanks for it...can you blame him...example: you don't see Jony 
James mentioning or thanking Shake for getting him work, when he came up from 
Chicago (playing guitar in Shake's band) when times were tough and the blues 
almost disappeared around here...then, with the advent of the local "Blues 
Society " chapter, those same guys he trained turned around and cut his throat, 
tried to squeeze him out of local gigs by playing for peanuts. It got to the point 
that if you weren't part of the "Blues Society " providing very, very, cheap  
entertainment for the local nightclubs @ $25.00 per band member, you didn't 
work around here...back in the late 70's I was making the grand sum of $15.00 
or $20.00 per night, backing James and Lucky Peterson , and there were guys 
waiting in line for that gig...Shake would have to cross the Peace Bridge to 
Canada to make a livable wage or drive out to Rochester for decent paying 
gigs...It didn't help when local music reviewer Dale Anderson would slam him if he got 
a chance, (because Shake didn't kiss his arse...) But Tim, you are wrong 
about Shake sending local harp players packing...I met Shake when I was 17 in 1974 
at the BonaVista on Hertel Ave, and he was more than gracious, even 
appologetic about not being able to help more...he would wave the cover at the door for 
me and some buds, taking money out of his own pocket, even though we had day 
jobs, can't beat that...gave me my first green bullet, JT-30, switchcraft 
inline volume control, chrom 64, and a s--t load of diatonics from his shoe-box 
graveyard, the guy had, and still has a heart of gold...you just never got to 
know him, misjudging him like it seems so many do...I know he helped other guys 
too, like Harmonica John from the Falls...I have to ask you, because you have 
seen his shows live. Be honest, as Shake dosen't read Harp-l .What did you 
think of his playing ? His vocals, or position as band leader ? Have you ever 
been moved like that by another performance by a harp player ?  I used to love 
the way he kicked those tunes off, foot stomping, stage shaking...you got your 
$3.00 cover back in spades dude, and you know it...Name a harp player or blues 
band here in Buffalo, or Western NY, that will give you that type of world 
class act, as I haven't experienced any since Shake split 5 years ago. Thank God 
for the Tap Room and the Tralf, at least we get national acts with great harp 
players blowing through town...

   As far as Richard Hunter blasting Shake, Shake respects players that 
deserve respect (he always spoke highly of Robert Bonfiglio ...) For Richard Hunter 
to compare him to a crack addict or alcoholic for that supposed "Public email 
Shake sent, I also know for a fact, that email never went "public " it was 
private...and stayed that way...so Richard, you're just blowing hot air...and IF 
you have a girl or boyfriend, they must be carrying your balls around in 
their purse...but I was offened by  your ugly, self serving attack,as anyone who 
really knew Shake would be...Richard Hunter, you are truly in self-denial, and 
you know it...I got some cheese to go with your whine...get your S--t 
straight, and put your pipe down...you are one paranoid person...I was going to 
forward your B.S. along to Shake, as he is not a list member and dosen't read this 
banter, but I changed my mind...

  To the harp playing public, please don't rely on Richard Hunter's reviews 
alone...I did a web search for reviews on Shake's Wizard of the Harmonica C.D, 
and found 6 glowing reviews right away...thats 6 more than I could find for  
Hunter...

    God Bless You Dick Hunter, I hope you get the help you need...