Re: [Harp-L] re: why do you want to play blues (very long)

[Mark Russillo <jruss433@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I play the blues for the same reason I play (or sing) any other type of music:  I seek that thrill of an improvisational moment - that riff or harmony that zings me and hopefully my audience.  A moment that, in the course of a tune, I work up to - then I seize on it.
I first experienced it while playing blues many years ago, so I have a sort of religious respect for the Blues.  So I guess you could say that blues is where I arrived, back in the 70s, as an improvisational player.  I believe that blues naturally lends itself to improvisation because there are so many ways to phrase an expression within the flexible I IV V.  
However, I have experienced the same feeling playing Jazz on the harmonica (and singing) in recent years as well.  After my initial experiences in the blues, I became more interested in upbeat stuff like shuffles and boogie music and eventually found myself experiencing Jazz in a local band I play with in Springfield.
I don't think I have particular allegiance to any these forms - I love them all.  
On another note, I have always kind of resented being type cast as simply a blues player because I play the Harmonica.  So many times, when I get called up to sit in with a band, the band leader will immediately suggest a blues tune.  I of course oblige, because I don't want to disappoint, but if I get another shot, I will always suggest an Ellington or Cole Porter tune, because I think it's an opportune time to send a message about what the instrument is capable of.
Mark Russillo
a.k.a. The Rhode Island Kid