[Harp-L] Re: [HarpTalk] Playing at Jam Sessions

[billhines4@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I used to wonder the same thing! "hey the other instruments are all playing when the singer is singing!"  I think it's fine to play background/chords at *low* volume to provide the same type of backing that the other instruments do. I like using the opportunity to work on chords, split octaves when doing this. Sometimes I try to parallel what the person on the organ (hammond b3) is doing or compliment it (not during their solo of course).

Bill

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: MARVIN Fleischman <m0flei01@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> When playing at certain types of jam sessions, why is it that guitars, etc., are 
> welcome to play while someone is singing, but not the harmonica, even if it is 
> being played softly? Regarding playing the harmonica during a blues jam and an 
> Americana jam, I have been told to play less and make it count. When it is an 
> unfamiliar song to me, I like to play very quietly to get the melody in my head.
> 
> Marvin Fleischman
> 
> 
> 
> 
>