Re: [Harp-L] Discussion topic: Why do you want to play blues?

["David Brown" <nonidesign@xxxxxxxxx>]

 I grew up in south Chicago, so in my case it was hard NOT to hear blues
harmonica. I played rock drums from age 8 and always liked blues and jazz
(my Dad played trumpet).
I chose to learn harp because of the effect it had on me when on blues
records. What I always found interesting is that I was hit by the sound of
harmonica in rock due to bands like J Geils, Led Zeppelin, and Humble
Pie but had not been that hooked on it until I heard it played by Little
Walter, Big Walter, Rice Miller, etc.. I think rock harp planted the seed
and blues harp dropped the water. I also picked up the harp at an age where
I could appreciate the subtlety of the blues more than I had previously.
That happened when I was around 14 or 15. I'm now 46 and it still effects me
to the core more than most instruments.

As far as the question concerning "original voice" in playing I would
respond by saying that this is the goal all strive for as artists in any
medium. Names such as Beethoven, DaVinci, Shakespeare, etc. are all people
who acheived a unique voice through their medium. Let's hope we all get
there in this life and at least have enough fun so that it doesn't really
matter whether we do.   ll;-)>


On 8/20/08, Buddha <groovygypsy@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> This is mainly for diatonic players and of course the question doesn't
> apply to all.
>
> Why do you choose to play blues on the harmonica? Because you love
> blues or because you love the harmonica and it seems to be heavily
> intertwined with blues?
>
> I ask this because all of my students come to me wanting to learn
> blues but instead I end up just teaching the harmonica in a way where
> the student leaves with the ability to play whatever they want. So
> far, none of my students are as steeped in blues as they were in the
> beginning. Most venture off into jazz, rock, funk, fusion, pop or
> country.
>
> So is playing blues an ability issue, "copycat" issue or one of
> passion for the genre? Is there a reason players don't seem to seek an
> original voice on their instrument? A good example of original voice
> is, George Brooks, watch the SPAH jam vids, he sticks out every time
> it's his turn to play, even when he plays 2nd position.  Jason Ricci
> is another person with an original sound as are Little Walter, Lee
> Oskar and Howard Levy etc...
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