Re: [Harp-L] Lovesick Blues for harp---Help Needed

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Aug 21, 2005, at 1:29 PM, stiv whiskywine wrote:

> Hello everybody,
> Im baisically a blues player who has recently fell into some gigs with 
> a country and bluesgrass band. I can usually play what i need to make 
> the songs sound good, (im learning to avoid that 5 draw and 2suck full 
> bend, and am having lots of fun learning.  But Im having a bit of 
> trouble playing Lovesick Blues. Can aybody point me to a recording of 
> this song with harp in it so i can maybe learn some ideas?
>
> (also can anybody hip me to some good records with lots of country 
> harp?)
>
> Thanks
>
> Steve Campos

 Charlie McCoy plays it on his 'Harpin the Blues' album. I have it on 
vinly. ALL McCoy's stuff is good and it's ALL country (even the stuff 
that isn't usually considered as such). It IS possible to get his style 
as there are no tricks, just lots of control. This is heartening for a 
player who is coming into this type music from another. It's not like 
you have to sit there and say 'Jesus, I'll NEVER get this stuff'. You 
WILL get it. The first 3 bars of Lovesick Blues are basically one slur 
anyway.
  As far as other players, I wouldn't give a recomendation because 
everyone's tastes are different and I (personally) don't think there 
are too many country western players out there. For bluegrass I WOULD 
recommend Mike Stevens.

As for the #5 draw, do what I do. Take the harp for the key you find 
most useful and tune the 5th reed UP. As for the full bend #2 draw, 
it's useful when it's useful, so don't count it out. When doing 
'Grade-A' you will find the note is there. It isn't used often but does 
fit occasionally. I just don't remember what tunes right now.
smo-joe