Re: [Harp-L] ?

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 7, 2008, at 5:07 PM, Richard Hunter wrote:

> Smokey Joe wrote:
>
> <I have been going to the conventions for a long time and never heard
> <a melody/country/whatever played at the blues jams (it just doesn't
> <fit well). I don't think I have ever heard anyone other than me use
> <one on a show nite.
>
> If you were at SPAH 1998, Buckeye 1999, or SPAH 2007,

No King Richard the Lion Harp-ed. I wasn't at Spah 98, nor Buckeye  
99. I didn't do anything those 2 years. But I WAS at spah 2007  
and..yes, I DID hear you play the Melody Maker. I stand corrected,  
but I guess when I hear you or Charlie play them, you are so fluid  
that I don't think of it as different.

> you hear me play a country tuning from the main stage on my solo  
> arrangement of "Billy The Kid."  At the same performances at  SPAH  
> 1998 and Buckeye 1999, I used a Melody Maker to perform my piece  
> "Big 17."

I heard you in 97? Maybe it WAS 98. I'm getting old. I DO remember  
talking to you at spah Milwaukee 07 and I seem to remember we DID  
cover the Melody Maker quite a bit.
> I think country tuning fits fine with blues.

Because of the sharped 5th note, I would think certain warbles and  
shakes would be tough. Especially with any speed. I know that there  
are several country and 'grass' tunes that don't work too well as  
it's hard to get that reed to bend down when you need it fast. So, I  
don't do anything fast with it. I will use a Richter. because..... Of  
course, I'm not YOU.

> In fact, country tuning is extremely versatile and good-sounding,

It's the way I have always played. If I had learned everything on a  
Richter, maybe I would have been FORCED to develop. As it were, the  
'so-called' country and melody tunings were so easy for me, I barely  
had to work at it. Probably why I also never wanted over-blows. Just  
didn't need em.

> and players who've never tried it are missing out on a very good  
> thing that's very easy to learn and use.

Well, see, that's what I'm saying. I'm lazy and will cheat any chance  
I get.
smo-joe
> Regards, Richard Hunter
>
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