Re: [Harp-L] I want to play chromatic like Stevie

["Robert Paparozzi" <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Transitioning from Diatonic to Chromatic

(or as I like to put it, "adding a button to your arsenal!" ,-)

   Ofcourse, the most obvious jump for the Blues Harp Diatonic Players is 
the "3rd Position" type Chromatic
utilizing the key of Dm on your C Chrom. Also, studying the stylings of 
George Smith, William Clarke and very inventive, Paul Delay will really help 
you navigate your way around the instrument. BTW, Delay goes way beyond the 
"3rd Position" realm and plays Soul and Blues in a Variety of keys.

   One of the first things you want to do is decide WHERE you want to go on 
the chrom? Do you want to be able to play ALL music, just Classical, just 
Jazz, just Blues....etc

   I think the wisest commitment is the ALL approach or at least during the 
first 2-3 years of study. This way you gain access to the multitude of 
"Tools and Techniques" that are useful when playing ANY of the 
aforementioned styles.

   Go out and purchase a few new CD's here's a good start:
1) Romances - Bonfiglio
2) Stevie Wonder - Eivets Rednow
3) Toots Thielemans ( Bill Evans) - Affinity
4) Paul Delay
5) George Harmonica Smith
6) William Clarke

There are MANY more but this is an excellent start!

   These CD's are gems and will give you nice example of the many different 
approaches to the same instrument.

   The assets you already have from playing Diatonic are all VERY helpful 
in the transition as well. TONE, Breathing, Dynamics and yes even Bending 
can all be carried over with varying degrees. So once you learn the scales 
in all 12 Keys, you'll already have a pretty good sound going for ya'!

   If you end up choosing Classical:
Get a Teacher asap, if you can't find a Harmonicist, then try to seek out a 
Flute Teacher or Bonfiglio's workshop-classes.

   If it's Jazz, I'd also recommend a teacher (Harmonica , Sax,etc) but 
there are some excellent "Jazz instructional" tools out on the market that 
can take you a long way. (don't forget the CD's by Turk, Galison and 
Meurkens)

   Or if you decide on Pop ala Stevie, Buffalo, Singer, I'd recommend 
studying the ALL approach along with it, Hunter's book "Jazz Harp" is a 
terrific springboard as he's transcribed a few solos by Stevie.

   Well, there's alot more to it, but I'll be getting into the rest at 
Bonfiglio's seminar this August.....if your really serious about the 
Chromatic, try and make this, as these opportunities are "few and far 
between" and obviously invaluable in becoming a better player and has some 
FUN while your doin' it,-)

enjoy the summer!
Harpfully,
Rob Paparozzi


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <bon@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2005 11:05 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] I want to play chromatic like Stevie


> Elizabeth writes:
> someday I  want to play a
> Chromatic even a tenth as well as Randy Singer (haven't had  a chance to
> listen to the Harp to Heart track he made available yet - I'm saving  it
> up like  the last candy in the box of chocolates <G>)  ....or  Robert
> Bonfiglio - I'm not picky!  Both genres "speak" to me and I don't  really
> see why I can't work on both diatonics and chromatics
>
> Well, I would like to play chromatic like Stevie Wonder, but I can't!!
>
> I notice how Stevie's name is always left off the list when diatonic
> players mention why they don't like the chromatic.  But Rob Paparozzi and