RE: [Harp-L] Fills, not stepping on others

["Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Listening is an art aside from playing.  Listen to the vocalist,
there is usually a natural space between the lines.  Listen to the
rhythm of the vocalist and try to respond with a similar line.  You
have to beware of other lead players.  Communicate with the other
lead musicians as to who will take the fills...

I usually don't play when another player is soloing and in general is
not a good idea.  My trio is an exception to this rule where I will
usually fall into playing some kind of bass figure. We don't have a
chordal instrument so I'm more or less forced to do something.

When in doubt do not play.  Silence isn't going to drive anyone crazy
unless you've been buried alive.





>
>
>
>---- Original Message ----
>From: dlmurray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Fills, not stepping on others
>Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2005 08:53:00 -0700
>
>>
>>Most instructional material for the harp seems to be very solo or
>melody 
>>oriented, but so much of what I hear in music that doesn't have a
>lead 
>>harmonica player is riffs and fills. I would like to be able to play
>those 
>>supporting fills and riffs so I can jump in with mixed instruments.
>Not just 
>>blues, but country, bluegrass, rock, etc. The book "Mel Bay presents
>Blues 
>>Harp for Diatonic and Chromatic Harmonica" covers it, but the tape
>give 
>>incomplete coverage of the licks and tunes. I've got to hear it, and
>I'd 
>>like some coverage of the "theory" of what, why, when. What is the
>best way 
>>to learn this style of playing; general purpose riffs and fills for
>various 
>>genres, and how to decide which one is appropriate at a given time?
>>
>>Peace and music,
>>Dave
>>
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>>

Chris Michalek

www.michalekstrone.com
CD Available
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michalekstrone