[Harp-L] Re: Jazz on Diatonic

[Steve Merola <srmerola@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Harp-l
While it is true that Miles Davis, Cassandra Wilson, and many other jazz 
artists lend their own interpretation to material by changing the head, 
and many times to my ears, improve it, I'm absolutely certain that they 
don't change it because it's too difficult for them to play or sing note 
for note. I'm sure they're able to play it straight. None of their 
melodic choices are based on their instruments limitations, or vocal 
range, or dexterity. Jazz players improvise on a melody that's written. 
It's not a matter of convenience.
If you can play it on a diatonic, mess with it. If you can't, use a 
chromatic, and please remember you're still playing harmonica. Then mess 
with it some more.
Peace
Steve Merola