[Harp-L] Holiday Harp

[Bobbie Giordano <bogio@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings, friends...

I've been too busy to even read harp lists lately, but decided I needed a 
break yesterday to pen a few lines.  Well, hey... it was my birthday!  :)

Recently, I received perhaps the most amazing new harmonica recording 
designed to encompass this time of year's holiday spirit that I have 
experienced in, well... I've never experienced anything like it!

But, I feel a bit sad and ashamed.  You see, I have taken on the scary 
job of editor for the SPAH magazine, Harmonica Happenings, and I was 
asked to promote this CD with an ad in this ~season's~ issue of the 
magazine.  I am so behind the learning curve for editing a whole magazine 
at this point that I will sadly not get this issue out to SPAH members in 
a timely way to best help this harmonicist promote his seasonal work as 
planned.  And, that really be a shame, too, but perhaps this writing will 
make up for it a little bit.

Funny the way it happened... this guy called me to say he had 2 CDs he 
wanted to promote in the magazine, having heard I would be the new 
editor.  One of them is called "Holidays in Harmonicaland", and I am 
listening to it 'again' as I write this.  I was sure to listen to this 
more than once, I guarantee you.

He claimed we had met before at a SPAH or other harmonica convention, but 
I couldn't place the name.  When the CDs arrived, I suddenly recalled 
meeting him, and more importantly, 'hearing' this fellow play.  I am sure 
many shared my same awe.  We all know the routine... you go, you hear, 
you watch... and then you and others are all glancing left and right to 
each other with the same query in your eyes.  Umm... WHO is that 
guy???  Holy Cow!!!  Instant groupies.

For me, for most of us, it was someone we all came to know then only as 
"Creeper".  Any of you out there remember who I'm talking about?  Well, 
here's his real name -- Bruce Kurnow.  And, let me say, he put together 
one amazing solo project for a holiday album!  There are 15 tracks of 
self-produced music for a diverse variety of holiday pieces.  Consider...

It opens with Carol of the Bells, then Silent Night, goes on to Alvinu 
Malchenu, Dreydl Blues, Amazing Grace, The First Noel, and ending with 
the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, but lots of other gems in between; 
after all, there are 15 cuts on the CD!  Among them are equally amazing 
renditions of Away in a Manger, O Come O Come, Immanuel, and yes, believe 
it or not, a scaled down, multi-harp version of the Hallelujah 
Chorus!!  I haven't heard it enough times yet to settle on my favorites, 
but I'm sure I will, and they may not even be one of those listed here 
because there are so many beautiful pieces.

Other instrumental sounds involved, but basically, Kurnow has performed 
most all of the parts on several different harmonica instruments... 
Diatonic, Chromatic, Echo, Bass, and Harmonetta, as well as accompaniment 
by carefully selected, wide-ranging effects and tones of electronic 
keyboards.  What stands out in my mind most, however, is the fresh, 
original and very skillful arrangements of the songs, also all done by 
Kurnow.  Truly, an astonishing accomplishment!

Honestly... this is my pick for your best choice of Holiday Harmonica 
this season; perhaps even holiday music in general!  Bruce is truly an 
outstanding, expressive musician.  Lucky us, he chose the harmonica as 
his favorite tool to convey his musical talent.  Delinquent me, I would 
truly have hoped to get this news out to our SPAH membership before now, 
but admittedly, it has been a pinch.  Forgive me.  But, go ahead and buy 
"Creeper's" CD, because I guarantee you, there will be much you can enjoy 
now, glean from hearing it, and then save to feel an inner thrill when 
you bring it out again next winter to marvel anew at how Bruce Kurnow has 
captured the beauty, joy and peace of the holiday season in "Holidays in 
Harmonicaland".

Now I can't wait to dive into his OTHER CD!  Oh, my!!!  It's similarly 
titled just "Harmonicaland".  Do check out Kurnow's website for more 
information, sound clips and ordering instructions.  You will be stunned 
at this harmonica player's talent and prolific musical career!  Here's 
the URL:  http://www.brucekurnow.com  And, to Bruce... Good luck with 
these CDs, and please get yourself back to a SPAH convention, or any 
harmonica fest, real soon!  We miss you!!


Holiday Cheers, all you free-reeders!

Bobbie