[Harp-L] The Elusive and Talented Paul Messenger

["PT Gazell" <ptgazell@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

  Most of you know who Paul Messinger is. For those that don't, suffice it to say that he is truly a very talented musician/songwriter and one that you should know about. I met Paul three years ago in Dallas at SPAH. He went out of his way to introduce himself to me and actually gapped one of my harmonicas in an attempt to teach me the fundamentals of Over Blowing. I ended up going to valved diatonics instead....despite his excellent tutorial. For months after that I heard rumors about his songwriting and musicianship. Recently, Paul and I have been exchanging e-mails....and that of course led to swapping music. He sent me several short clips which I found fascinating for several reasons.


1. It incorporated the harmonica in a "Reggae/World Music" setting ( not just a nod to this genre, but the real thing).

2. It used the harmonica very sparingly, but very effectively.

3. He is an excellent and accomplished OB'er & knows how to incorporate it into his music



    After some prodding on my part, Paul sent me the entire project which was recorded between 1991 & 1994; with about half the songs written by him. While it was never released, I'm aware that at least a few list members have heard it, or at least part of it. This is a first class production...from recording to mixing and arranging. Almost all the songs have harmonica in some fashion. Usually as an introductory line that re-occurs later on. I would say that 2/3s of the tracks have a harmonica solo. While they are not an exercise in harmonica gymnastics, they are a great example of well-conceived playing to set a mood and support a lyrical idea. Paul seems to move effortlessly between playing positions (a lot of stuff in 3rd and 4th and some in 5th, while others are played in first position, first flat or 12th position, as well as cross or 2nd), as well as switching from diatonic to chromatic. Often there is some tastefully done electronic processing on the harmonica which always seems to fit. While most of us have our favorite styles to play and listen to, I found this body of work a real welcome change. It made me listen, because it came at you from a totally different perspective. He also sent me one other more recently recorded track which he refers to as Bluegrass Fusion...it incorporates several tempo and time signature changes and is just flat out very cool.

    Recently, Paul has re-emerged on the Harp-l list and has provided well thought out insight to several discussion threads already, and I thought that now would be a good time to make these observations about his music. Now the bad news...you'll have to talk Paul into either releasing this work or sweet talk him into sharing it with you.



Welcome back Paul!



PT Gazell
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