[Harp-L] Blending harp with recordings

[Michael Easton <diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I came into the discussions on the Digitech RP200 late.  I was in a  
band at the time discussion about Pods and the Digitech were being
discussed.  A few weeks ago I parted with the band I was in after 4  
years.  I decided to go a different direction in music and the only
way to do that is to compose it on a computer and go out as a solo  
performer.   I'm focusing on jazz, blues and other styles built on a  
world beats and rhythms.
Composing and playing your own gives you time to do it right without  
worrying about fellow musicians being able to fill the slot or  
bringing personal problems into the band.

Anyway, I checked GC and MF online only to find the Digitech RP200  
isn't listed. I'm assuming it was discontinued.  My goal is to blend  
the harp
with  the music composed on a laptop/Powerbook.

Not finding it did give me a chance to check, listen and review  the  
effects and processers on the Musician's Friend website. Only one  
piece of gear
mentioned being specifically for laptop musicians.  It is the TC  
Electronic Konnekt Live.  It has I/O's  for compressing vocals and  
instruments to match
the cd or laptop played thru it.  It can also be used by dj's for  
blending vocals over record samples and scratches.  It's basically a  
live compressor w/effects
for one musician bands.

The unit front panel controls are simple. All effects readings are  
done via your laptop/powerbook but the effects remains in the unit  
for realtime use so they don't slow down the laptop.  Pricey but  
worth it based on the reviews. $699.99

I decided after playing harp for close to 35 years that I'm tired of  
playing in the shadow of someone else's harp styles or learning other  
peoples music playing in
cover bands. My wife likes the material I'm writing so I know she  
will finally come to my gigs.

 I'll write the music geared toward my level of playing ability and  
progress with it or die trying.:)

mike