Re: [Harp-L] harp roles in jam situations

[Leonardo Kenji Shikida <shikida@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Nick

first of all, I think this link quite useful, about jam rules

http://www.jt30.com/jt30page/oldsite/rules.html

I believe he was intending to say that, in a jam, the audience is
expecting to hear solos full of notes, so it would not be a good idea
(in his opinion, I imagine) to keep on a riff for example. This may be
musically correct, but may be not that exciting, as people would
expect for a solo moment. At the same time, great harmonica players
may keep on a riff, full of feeling, and this can be exciting.

Or maybe he was intending to talk about those people that knows little
about harmonica and plays ramdonly in a jam because they think that
the best way to play harp is playing like Bob Dylan. In this case, he
could be saying that "harmonica is not a rhythm instrument" comparing
it to a percussion instrument, where you don't mind about notes,
melody, harmony, etc.

Obviously, music is a complex language and you may play incredible
solos in many different ways, according to your tecnique, your
feeling, your audience and several other things, so It's quite
dangerous (in my opinion) to say what's nice and what's wrong in a
jam, except, of course, for being polite with everyone and trying to
have a good time.

For example, once, I watched a solo that had a single note that lasted
minutes, probably because of some circular breathing tecnique, which
is impressive, but can be extremely boring too. It's a matter of
taste, I think.

best regards

Kenji

On 1/6/06, Nick Kirkes <nick.kirkes@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Harp-L,
>
>
>
> I have a theory/etiquette question I'm hoping will spark some discussion.
> Perhaps this has been discussed before, but I'm a beginner so I'll hope
> you'll all forgive redundancy.  I joined up with the Colorado Blues Society
> and their online forums and found a post discussing jam etiquette.  I read
> through the posts and understand most of it and found it enlightening.  The
> last thing I want to do is piss people off while I'm learning (or at any
> point for that matter).  However, there was one comment made by the author
> of the post that I'm having trouble absorbing.  I'm hoping you all can help
> me understand what he means.
>
>
>
> >From http://www.coblues.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=165:
>
> "1) harmonica is not a rhythm instrument (at least at a jam)"
>
>
>
> I discussed this with some friends last night, but we all came to different
> conclusions.  In my reading and practice, one of the first things I do to
> learn a song is follow the bass line to get a feel for the song, but to me,
> that means I'm acting as part of the rhythm.  The author obviously realizes
> that he made a comment that not everyone would agree with, per his "Flame
> Away" comment, and I'm not saying he's right or wrong.  I'm just curious
> what other harp players might think he meant by it.  I just want a better
> understanding of where the harp fits in and what is good practice when
> sitting in with new people in a jam type situation.

[]

Kenji
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