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
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