Re: [Harp-L] capturing and holding audiences/FRONTMAN/SIDEMAN

["Thomas McGovern" <tmcg@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Excellent advice.  And although it's been said before, an extremely
important part of being a harmonica sideman is to know when NOT to play.
The harmonica can interfere with the lead voice, and if you step on other's
parts you won't be asked back.  Listen to Greg "Fingers" Taylor on all of
his work with Jimmy Buffett over the years.  His harp work was mainly
intros, fills, background runs and the occasional a**-kickin' solo.  A great
example of not over-playing--and probably the reason he was with Buffett for
so many years (and recently rejoined him on the "Hoot" soundtrack CD)

Tom McGovern

----- Original Message -----
From: "Will Vogtman" <will_vogtman@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "Steve McIver" <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; "Harpl Post"
<harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>; <will_vogtman@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, May 26, 2006 11:35 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] capturing and holding audiences/FRONTMAN/SIDEMAN


> Steve,
>
>   First of all, I'll address the sideman issue.  A sideman's job is to fit
the band he or she is hired for in the most seamless fashion possible.  A
sideman's job is NOT to attract attention away from the frontman (or woman)
or the band for that matter.  When soloing, don't hold back--do your thing
to the best of your abilities, then step back into the shadows.
>
>   As a non-front member of the band, you have a little more freedom.  Just
be careful to know when the front man is the absolute center of
attention--like slow, emotional, "spotlight" songs.  You have to really know
what the frontman thinks and feels in order to attract attention without
distracting from him.  This takes time.  Communication with the frontman is
the best thing.
>
>   As the frontman (or woman), bring down as many barriers between you and
the audience as safely possible.
>
>   Open with a familiar tune--put your own twist on it.
>
>   Interact with the crowd--wireless is great--both vocal and instrument.
>
>   A little stupid choreography goes a long way.
>
>   Be emotionally committed to the music.  100%.  Have fun with the fun
tunes.  Show the pain on your face for tragic tunes.  Be real with it--don't
overplay it.
>
>   Replace a solo with a dual lead--guitar and harp is always nice.  It
takes some practice, but it's worth it.
>
>   Dress for success.  A good pair of shoes is important.
>
>   Remember that a club gig is different than a concert.  Don't just stand
still and play or sing.  Move a little.  Use some body English.
>
> Hope this helps.  I'm no expert by any means, but this is what I do.
>
>
> http://www.channelcatsbluesband.20m.com
> http://www.cdbaby.com/willvogtman
> http://www.towerrecords.com/product.aspx?pfid=CDB0693830012
>
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