Re: [Harp-L] You never know who Gus is is

[Ken Deifik <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The term 'Gus' seems to be morphing in this discussion, and perhaps not 
profitably.  The Harp-l Lexicon has coined so few new words that it is 
worth keeping them well-defined.

When Gus first got applied it referred to that bonehead in the audience who 
pulled a harp out and played, from the audience, during a set.  Usually a 
very inept non-musician and black-belt imbecile.

That's a pernicious situation one has absolutely no control over, whether 
you're on stage or in the audience, except to call security.

Gus has in recent times seems to have added getting up on stage and playing 
badly.  I think he should get a new name at that point, whether he's 
invited or not.

If a real harp player politely asks to sit in, and it is agreed that he 
may, and he plays well, he isn't gussing - by my goofy reckoning he's 
sitting in.  When he doesn't play as well as you, by YOUR goofy reckoning, 
you are invited to blow him off the stage with your brilliance. This is a 
wonderful situation, only to be hoped for, a magical gift.

Such incidents retain a treasured, velvet-lined place in my memory.

Finally, if a harp player is invited to get up on stage and sit in, and 
he/she cleans your clock, one is reminded of the old poker expression 'if 
you look around the table and don't see the patsy, you're sitting in his 
chair.'  This is why you don't want anyone up on stage to be referred to as 
'Gus.'

K