Re: [Harp-L] Chris Hammersmith WHY?

["Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't mean to imply the chromatic can not convey emotions one only
needs to hear Stevie, Toots, Bonfiglio, Hammer Smith and others...

The underlying point was if you can play that way in the chromatic
why can't you play that way on the diatonic.  Though this will come
off as critism I don't intend it to be, if Hammer can play such
beautiful music on the chromatic why does it seems that he boxes
himself in on the diatonic by playing simple licks, patterns and runs
and otherwise cliche harp lines?  Where has this beautiful music gone?

Listen to Howard Levy, the lines he plays on the harp, sax, flute or
mando are the same lines he plays on the piano. It's obvious to me
that his music is flowing through him and regardless of instrument is
emplyed.  What's different about Hammer? From what I heard the music
he plays on the chrom comes from his head but the music he plays on
the harp comes from the harp. Obviously Hammer is a gifted musician
why does he let the one instrument dictate what he hears in his head
when he clearly dictates the music on the chrom.  He stated himself
that he can OB so he should have any limitations.  And especially on
a song like Pass the Time where OBs are not required what was the
modus operandi behind the choice of axe?

This is NOT a dis on Hammer smith or anybody else. 


>
>
>
>---- Original Message ----
>From: m.polesky@xxxxxxxxxxx
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx, harpshredder@xxxxxxxxx,
>Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Chris Hammersmith WHY?
>Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2006 21:27:19 -0800
>
>>
>>Hi Chris & Chris
>>
>>I am going to snip out the part of Chris M.'s post that sums it up:
>>
>>----- Original Message ----- 
>>From: "Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Chris Hammersmith WHY?
>>
>>> The way harpshredder employs the chromatic is almost insulting to
>the
>>> diatonic.  Not that there is anything wrong with what he's done
>with
>>> this tune or even the choice of harmonica. But if you're going to
>>> playing in such a emotive and passionate way, why not use the
>harp.
>>
>>To answer Chris M.'s question here:  If you've got it . . . Flaunt
>it! 
>>Chris Smith recorded it that way on chromatic because he could. 
>This is a 
>>really wonderful recording and a wonderful piece for chromatic.  I
>happen to 
>>be a big fan of diatonic players using OB's.  I enjoy the fluidity
>of the 
>>diatonic and I have a certain "diatonic envy" for the sound. 
>However, the 
>>poor, ignored, forlorn and forgotten chromatic deserves a seat at
>the table 
>>as well.  I honestly don't think that recording this on diatonic
>would 
>>necessarily make it any better - just different.  Chris Smith
>certainly 
>>overcomes any inherent difference between the two instruments with
>his 
>>passion for the chromatic, his taste, his tone and his chops.  I
>know Chris 
>>M. would do a wonderful job with it as well, but I think this is a
>beautiful 
>>chromatic recording.
>>
>>I have to give Chris M. a hard time here because he implies that the
>poor, 
>>ignored, forlorn and forgotten chromatic (hereafter known as the
>PIFFC) is 
>>not emotive.  I think that when Chris Smith plays it, it is very
>emotive. 
>>I've brought people to tears when I play.  Then again, it happens
>far too 
>>often to me to be a good thing ;-).  Seriously though, as Chris
>Smith 
>>proves, chromatic players are not ready to throw in the towel yet. 
>There is 
>>a lot to be said on the instrument.
>>
>>Incidentally, I believe Chris Smith is located out in my neck of the
>woods 
>>(LA).  I get to see him play every couple of years and he always
>puts on a 
>>good show.  The first time I saw him play must be more than  . . .
>oops, I 
>>don't want to date anybody.  It was a while back ;-).  Also, I
>believe Chris 
>>Smith plays a very interesting chromatic that you might enjoy
>hearing about. 
>>I think it might even weigh more than any Renny.  To Chris Smith: 
>Thanks 
>>for the great recording.  To Chris M.:  "Grrr" us chromatic players
>aren't 
>>licked yet!
>>
>>Michael 
>>
>>
>>

Chris Michalek

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