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

[Gary Popenoe <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>]

Definitely concur that knowing when to lay out is a key skill for any  
musician.

The interesting thing is the trio that I am in places me in a support  
roll that has lots of rhythm elements. Many times it is my only roll.  
It is mostly chromatic work, but when I want to really dig in  
rhythmically, I pull out the diatonics. Sometimes I must clip the  
notes extremely short to begin to resemble drum hits. The ukulele  
player does the same and it makes a fun break down section in the tune.

Our trio is an acoustic one. I think the same approach can be  
electrified. It would take a technique shift along with some different  
choices.

Maybe it is more about the music. The stuff I do with the trio is  
structured to support my rythmic roll. A ballad may require more  
sustains and selected fills.

Another take is that I find that good musicians listen and seek a  
balance with my contributions. In that context, I can contribute quite  
a bit without sounding invasive. However, since they are good, I don't  
mind pausing to enjoy their work.

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 17, 2008, at 9:46 PM, Larry Marks <larry.marks@xxxxxxxxxxxx>  
wrote:

> I think of the harp as mostly a lead instrument. In an acoustic  
> setting, the harmonica can play rhythm as well, but in electric  
> bands, it is usually not very good for rhythm.
>
> I do not feel compelled to play all the time. Some players feel like  
> they are not full members of the band if they don't play all the  
> time like the guitars, bass and drum; but our instrument is  
> different - not less important, just different. I agree with those  
> who say that most harmonica players play too much. Remember that  
> horn players spend a lot of their time laying out. Matter of fact, I  
> think of the harp as a horn.
>
> But as to the question at hand:
>
> 1. I frequently play complementary melodies ("comps") between the  
> singer's phrases, much as guitar players do. I almost never play  
> while the singer is actually singing because that is usually  
> disruptive. Playing chords quietly behind the singer is no less  
> distracting. Exception is when there is some catch riff to the song.
>
> 2. I lay out when someone else is playing a solo. I am a solo  
> instrument and not a very good rhythm instrument in an electric  
> band. With a bass, drums and, probably, a rhythm guitar, what have I  
> got to add? Exceptions:
>
> - If I know the player, we may swap lines, or if I can help by  
> accenting a line in the solo.
> - If, like for a singer, there is a catch riff to play.
> - If there is no rhythm ax besides the bass and drums, I may pull  
> out a low pitched harp - c or below - and play chords. I listen to  
> the bass and drums, and I take my cues from them.
>
> Basically, other than solos, I play only when I have something to  
> add to the sound of the group. So I guess "less is more" is usually  
> a good motto.
>
> -LM
>
> BTW, before I get an avalanche of responses to the contrary, please  
> notice my liberal use of the word "usually".
> _______________________________________________
> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
> Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l