[Harp-L] Re: in memory of elizabeth reed

[David Fertig <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

Indeed, bowing out is better than hurting the song. Perhaps the biggest mistake I hear harp players make (esp myself!) is in NOT bowing out, or laying off, or holding back.  

Too often people try to cram harp in where it just doesn't fit, or where they're not prepared to make it work. 
 
The Love is Strange clip of Delbert McClinton with Paul Thorn is a prime example.  McClinton,  a doubtlessly fine player (I don't know his stuff too well) finds himself noodling and tweeting at times when it seems he'd do better to wait for vocal lines to close or other instruments to finish their fills, he seems both all over the place and nowhere.  They're having tons o' fun, but not very together musically.  Of course fun is more important, but . . .

I Wish I could always follow the rule: "Only add noise when it will advance the music."  But I get excited and can't stop.  Perhaps, "snatch it back and hold it," has another significance.  Hmmm . . .

-Dave Fertig


From:"Garry Hodgson" <garry@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: [Harp-L] Re: in memory of elizabeth reed CC:
 Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2007 07:46:50 -0400 (EDT) To:Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx                
many thanks to all who responded to my question.  i'm continually
impressed with the depth of knowledge among the members of this list,
and their willingness to share.  it sounds like i made the right call in
bowing out that night.  i guess i have some homework to do.

----
Garry Hodgson, Senior Software Geek, AT&T CSO

nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.
do something.