Subject: [Harp-L] Mark Hummel's 15th Annual Harmonica Blowout

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Robert Gaustad reviews Mark Hummel's Blowout (majorly snipped)
and writes what to me is most pertinent:
 
"I've never been in one place with so much harmonica talent.  At one  point I
heard a guy next to me say (I think it was after a great Lee Oskar  tune)
that he was going to go home and burn his harps (burn them?).  At  the same
time as he was saying that, I was excited about going home and just  keep
playing and playing and playing.  It was very inspiring to me and  I'm a
pretty jaded dude.  I'm truly hoping to make SPAH this year so I  can once
again be with a bunch of harp lovers."

"Another couple  sitting next to me didn't know what kind of show they bought
tickets for (for  some reason) so I explained that they were about to see
some of the best harp  players alive.  They didn't know much about harmonica
and nothing about  the players.  At the end of the show, they were converts.'

"While  listening to Jerry Portnoy playing a wonderful toneful, sinful slow
blues, I  sort of asked myself why I play the harp...and the answer that came
to me is  because it's one of the most soulful instruments ever invented.  I
just  love it and after last night, I love it even more...and I'm proud to
call  myself a harmonica player.
Robert Gaustad"
 
....very well said, Robert.  I find myself doing the  same with people at 
concerts/shows as well so it rang very true, and I  certainly hope you do go to 
SPAH in 2006 as well.  You don't sound jaded at  all.  Lovely review!
 
Elizabeth