Re: [Harp-L] a question

[<ironmanmc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I usually gig with just a partially valved Lee Oskar C major diatonic (which 
has 3 fully chromatic octaves).  I usually carry a spare C, and/or spare 
reed plates.  For jams, I'll often pocket a B harp as well, in case I'm 
partnered with a guitarist that tunes down a semitone.

My approach to diatonic is jazzy and melodic.  I play it mostly as single 
notes, like a horn, using multiple notes and chords more sparingly than 
most.  While I appreciate the range of sounds available from the harmonica, 
what I need most is an even sound that works in "horn section" settings (and 
to play unisons, harmonies, etc., with my guitar).  I have worked hard at 
minimizing the "inherent" timbral differences between blow, draw, and bent 
notes.  Ideally, I want to be able to produce on demand all of these sounds 
on very note.  Using one harp makes me work harder at this.

As a one man band (harmonica, guitar, organ bass pedals, vocals), I already 
have entirely too much stage junk. I've tried a case of harps, but it's too 
much bother swapping harps (especially with my amplified rack pickup - it 
can take several minutes to get a new harp into the pickup and rack), and 
they usually end up getting knocked over (usually at the most inopportune 
time).

Using one harp forces me to use different positions for different keys, and 
this helps me play more creatively.

I have absolute pitch, and it's easier for me to use a C harp most of the 
time (4 blow is always C ;-)

I don't claim these should be your reasons, or even that they're good 
reasons.  They're just my reasons.  Your mileage may vary.  Tests performed 
by a professional diver on a closed course.  Do not attempt these at home. 
Ingredients used in making IronMan have been shown to cause rats in 
laboratory cancer.

I have a full kit of Oskar major diatonics, as well as a few altered 
tunings.  When I'm in studio or subbing, I usually bring these, just in 
case.  There are certain things that require different harps (chords, double 
stops, etc.), or are just easier.


-IronMan Mike Curtis
http://www.SouthlandBlues.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Murray" <dlmurray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2006 7:53 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] a question


> Isn't there a difference in being able to do something and doing it in 
> performance? I've watch Chris Michalek play live, and though he can play 
> any note, he changes harp regularly, even in the middle of a song. If you 
> need a note and can play it, and think that is preferable to playing an 
> alternate version of a tune to avoid that note, it's a personal choice.
>
> Perhaps I'm all wrong, but I thought that people practiced playing in 
> every key on a harp as "practice". Don't these players who do this choose 
> which harp they will use based upon which one lets the song flow the way 
> they like for performance? Does anyone go to a gig with one diatonic harp? 
> I'm just wondering if anyone actually has such a goal, as opposed to a 
> practice/ability goal?
>
> Peace and music,
> Dave
>
>
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