Re: [Harp-L] The way I see it; [and the rest of us]?

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

If only Chris would add "IMO" at the end of sentences such as "NOTES and Position do not matter".
 
I've been moved to my feet by one perfect sustained note played by Albert Collins at a live show. I've been moved to tears by one perfectly placed note w/gentle vibrato in a trumpet solo by Chet Baker. I've been moved to wonderment by the one unexpected choice but somehow perfect note played by Miles Davis in many of his solos. Neil Young still excites me with his one note choice solo during "Cinnamon Girl".
 
Listen to the power of a well placed note in the harmonica playing of Big Walter or Jerry Portnoy - very accessable stuff to any level of harmonica player. 
 
Note choice (based on knowledge of scale degree, relation to the harmony, timing and a feel for the rhythm underlying) will make an audience react.
 
Nothing wrong in thinking this through while learning, practicing, and (gasp) even during a performance, IMO. It works for me and many of my favorite musicians.
 
The Iceman
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Michalek <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

<The most important thing I have learned is people react to emotion
and rhythm NOT note choice. Notes mean nothing and rhythm joined by
emotion is everything. Don't believe me?  Take a simple tune like
Jingle Bells, play any note other than the correct note BUT play the
rhythm and you along with everybody else will still be able to
identify the song. NOTES and Position do not matter.>