Re: [Harp-L] Motown in 12th position

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

Yes, you have to be in a position to do that - try 12th position.
 
Seriously, limitations may be self imposed. In a 4 piece blues act, what is wrong with starting the set with a solo piece on the harmonica that is not 'chuggeroo'? Try playing just a melody. (Everyone seems to love "Amazing Grace"). Joe Filisko does a wonderful version. So does Howard Levy. They are at two ends of the spectrum, but that leaves everything in between fair game.
 
The question you may ask yourself is "Can I play anything on the harmonica that isn't chug based?" If the answer is "No", than who's responsible for the limitation?
 
You don't have to switch over to a new style, but why not at least explore that landscape a little? It may just broaden your musical experience and educate the audience at the same time.
 
The Iceman
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx


Fine. But you have to be in a position (read 'band') that allows you to
do that. In a four piece blues act, there's not a lot of room to move.I
have heard a lot of clever harp players over the years, but most of it
amounts to what Toots calls 'look Ma, no hands' (quoting from R.Hunter's
interview in his book 'Jazz Harp') I can be pretty 'clever' too, but not
at the expense of the music, or the bands performance, I hope.
RD


>>> <icemanle@xxxxxxx> 9/08/2006 22:08:20 >>>
Think beyond the "usual role of the harp". Move past the 'chugging'
mindset. There is a whole world out there to discover.
 
The "AH" in SPAH is ADVANCEMENT of the Harmonica. You don't have to be
a member of SPAH to do it, though.
 
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