Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] RE:Jason Ricci Cozy's

"Bob Laughlin" <rlaughlin@xxxxxxxxxxxx> · Sat, 1 Dec 2007 23:45:27 -0800

I listened carefuly to this clip, and as much as I love Jason's playing,,

I believe, first of all, that Shawn could have been allowed, nay, even
ENCOURAGED to take another eight, or more bars of solo. This guy KILLS on
guitar. He was EASILY not yet at his peak when he stopped, but Jason came up
behind him like "Hey,,it's my turn again". I don't believe any band should
be primarily a "harp" band, but rather, simply a GOOD band, which I am
assuming that these guys already know, but I'm simply re-iterating the fact.
I think that the way this song was played was as a "Jason vehicle", with a
"Shawn side-dish". It should have been an "AMAZING GRACE" vehicle, with
Jason and Shawn working together as partners, on an equal basis.

As I've never seen this band live, but only admired them from a virtual
distance, I would hope that my hopefully constructive criticism is not only
misdirected, but in error, but frankly, I think the harp on this tune was
overly busy, for such a meaningful piece of music, meant to stir the depths
of one's heart, soul, and spirit in contriteness and thanksgiving to the one
who put us here. Busy notes, skillfully executed, and pretty as can be, but
verging on Popperesque overtures, can only detract from the simple message
this song conveys, and the depth of contrition of the original writer.

I love this band, otherwise I wouldn't say these things. Jason is good. We
all know that. But Shawn kicks ass on this one. I don't care how many harps
Jason uses on this, nor do I care how many notes he hits, or how fluently.
I'm not listening to a demonstration of what the harmonica can do. I'm
looking for authenticism, depth of feeling,,,something I almost can't
describe. Only thing I do know. It's simple. It's not about the skill, the
flourish,,,but the feeling. Keep it simple.

I can't say it enough. Shawn should have been allowed more on this
piece,,,let er rip, Shawn. Touch the heights. Let that guitar cry,,,play it
like ya mean it.

Stand aside, Jason. With all of your talent, you can afford it. Sensitive
guy and all, remember,,it's not all about you. Sorry.

BL

p.s.,,I'm one unfortunate SOB. Jason and band just played at two spots in my
Socal area,,Cozy's, and Harvelle's, within driving distance from here. I
missed both performances. Family matters again tonight.

Oh well,,some day I'll catch them when they're here again, doggone it.

On the positive side, my 20 year old son got paid $150 bucks for playing
classical guitar at a home on the Balboa peninsula. He's some kinda guy,,

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <EGS1217@xxxxxxx>
To: <leone@xxxxxxxx>
Cc: <lennycitrano@xxxxxxxxx>; <BradKava@xxxxxxx>; <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2007 3:25 PM
Subject: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] RE:Jason Ricci Cozy's

> And all I can say (sing) about these perspicacious reviews (while  nodding
my
> head in admiration at Smo-Joe's nailing just what it is about Jason
that's
> so special), and being happy for Lenny for getting to see Jason and New
Blood
> Live, is:
>
> "Another one bites the dust
> Another one bites the dust
> And another  one gone, and another one gone
> Another one bites the dust "
>
> ;)
>
>
> .... Brad said it so well: the momentum is building.
>
> If anyone still hasn't seen just what it is that sets Jason  & New Blood
> apart, here's a repeat from August 10, 2007 from  Mexicali, Teaneck, NJ:
> (Fullscreen the video....and turn up your speakers,  you'll be glad you
did)...
>
> Amazing Grace:
>
> _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVI9DCspYro_
> (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVI9DCspYro)
>
>
> and this one:  From Harpin Help 2007 - an example of the hours-long
non-stop
> ferocity, energy and brilliant harp playing with which Jason performs
> onstage:
>
>
> _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m18rLUlQGo_
> (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m18rLUlQGo)
>
>
>
> Elizabeth
>
> *********************
>
> "Message: 7
> Date: Sat, 1 Dec 2007 11:29:22 -0500
> From: Joe and Cass  Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] RE:Jason Ricci  Cozy's
> To: Lenny Citrano <lennycitrano@xxxxxxxxx>
> Cc:  harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Message-ID:  <CCA368D5-562E-4E14-A13B-438453DC8466@xxxxxxxx>
> Content-Type:  text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
>
> On Dec 1,  2007, at 5:13 AM, Lenny Citrano wrote:
>
> > Wow what a show.  If you  missed it don't miss it next time.  Like
> > watching history  unfold.  Amazing band too.  And like all Jason's
> >  playing his acoustic stuff is incredible too.  They play Harvelle's
> > in Redondo Beach Tomorrow night.  Go.
>
> Watching Jason  perform (as WELL as listening) is a sensual experience
> (in MY  estimation). Not at all like watching someone who is road
> weary or  burning out from too much repetition merely going through
> the motions.  Not like watching a quasi-corpse up there with a
> strained face as they  try to come up with something that will hold
> your  interest.
>
> Jason & 'Da blood' give it everything. Each and  every time. It
> doesn't matter if there are 23 people there, 77, or  260. They LIVE
> it. They are a premier 'Live' group.  Sure,  recordings are great, but
> live is what makes THIS group come alive. I  have seen a few concerts
> in my time, and always preferred gentle jazz,  light rock, and
> subtleness. But Jason made a Christian out of me. He  made me a believer.
>
> Through life, we meet many people. Very few really  impress us. Very
> few make an impact. Jason makes my skin crawl. He  raises the hair on
> the back of my neck. He makes my spine tingle. If I  never have any
> other interesting thing happen in my life, meeting  Jason and spending
> time with him would be the Omega. The Ne Plus  Ultra, the Sans Pariel.
>
> smokey-joe"
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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