Fwd: Re: [Harp-L] Adler-- Exaggerations?

Mark Russillo <jruss433@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Fri, 17 Feb 2006 08:57:15 -0800 (PST)

    Richard - I appreciate your input on getting your face in view.  In an arranged publicity photo, we should always show who we are.  However, most of my photos so far have been taken on stage by people who are not under my personal control.  The problem with getting photographed correctly on stage is generally the photographer's.

  It seems to me that most photographers view a harmonica player the same way they do a guitar-player in that they want to get that "action" stage shot.  Where does that leave us when he waits for your solo to take the picture?  You're stuck with a reed instrument in your mouth, your hands covering it (and your face) - and you're on a mission.

  I'm sure that explains why I continue to remain obscure in public not matter how much the local music afficionados enjoy my playing.  On your prompt, however, I will try to get in at least one naked face picture.  Thanks.

  Mark Russillo
  a.k.a. The Rhode Island Kid

  Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
  Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 11:26:50 -0500
From: Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx, lking@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Adler-- Exaggerations?
CC: 

LesleyAnn wrote:
"I just couldn't pass up the comment about exaggerating movements and
motives. Some of us truly feel our music, and for us not to express it
as a whole body experience seems impossible. I am sorry if some are
using it as a gimmick."

Nothing that comes from the heart is ever a gimmick, whether it's demure
or outrageous. Audiences always respond to showmanship, and there's
nothing wrong with that. T-Bone Walker was a great player, but he was
also a great showman, and that had a lot to do with his strong influence
as a player. 

Where harp is concerned, as I've said before, the player's face is
blocked from view. (Imagine a B.B. King performance where you couldn't
see his face!) So it's even more important to use the rest of the body
to get the message across to the audience.

And by the way -- harp players, when you do your publicity photos,
please, please don't let the photographer click the shutter when you're
actually playing. Nobody who sees one of those photos will ever have
any idea of what you really look like. Take the harp out of your face
and smile for the camera. We'll all be glad you did, and your fans in
particular will be able to recognize you even when you're not on stage.

Regards, Richard Hunter
hunterharp.com

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