RE: [Harp-L] Memphis Blues

["Robert Gaustad" <robertgaustad@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm certainly not in the league with many of the harp players on this list,
but I do go to a lot of jams on a regular basis.  The only piece of advice I
would give you, with respect to jams, is play with good musicians as often
as possible. Get to the jams early and sign up.  Get to know the jam
coordinator and the regular musicians.  In no time at all you'll be making
big improvements in your playing.

And with respect to playing, less is more, especially if you're not sure
what you want to do on your solos.  Playing a single note well is much
better than playing 100 notes poorly.  If you are not sure where to go next
but the note you're currently on sounds good...stay on that note as long as
possible.  Try for feeling instead of speed.  Bare your soul!

Robert Gaustad

-----Original Message-----
From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Pic2318834@xxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:39 AM
To: wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Harp-L] Memphis Blues

Hey,
I just got back from Memphis.  My first jam with a band, I got up on stage
after they saw me with my harp out in the background and talked me into
playing. 
 Boy was I a nervous wreck but played basic 12 bar blues and think I did ok.

My problem is this.  I never know what to play when playing lead,  I know
most riffs playing alone with songs and doing background to it, but when its
an improve jam my brain goes numb and I forget most things I can play.  Any
help out there as to how you decide what to play when you get up there?

PIC
 
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