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

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've heard that. Usually, it's unspoken. It's because of people's experiences and a general lack subtle rhythm of the average harmonica player they've run into in the past. Anytime they've gone to a five chord, they wail their hearts out even when they shouldn't. So, when they see a harmonica player, they thing this guy is gonna play his guts out, he's not going to be restrained. 
When I play rhythm, I become just one of several instruments contributing to the overall sound. So, I listen to what the guitar player is doing on rhythm and reinforce that. In ¾ time, I'll usually play two beats on, one beat off... in 4/4 time, I'll usually play a two-measure rhythm, six beats on two beats off, in a syncopated pattern. One reason a lot of harmonica players don't play a lot of chord rhythms is because of the strain on lungs keeping a chord up every beat, or they get choked up on spit if they don't have time to swallow it. Taking a two-beat vacation every other measure makes all the difference in the world, you have time to wet your lips, swallow, and take a normal breath. I could play forever like that. 
There was a video of this kid I saw a while back on Youtube or something. I don't remember who he was, but he was 14 and supposedly some prodigy. I think he was.
He was playing blues and the guitar was doing the fills. He played a very subtle rhythmic line and never tried to mimic the guitar during the fills. There are times when it is OK to do that (disclaimer), and other times when you have to let someone else be the star. Now when the kid's solo came around, he let it rip. 
That's the way it ought to be, in many cases, like a tiger in an iron cage, he remains vicious, but restrained. When solo time comes around, the door opens and the tiger leaps out, kills some stuff, then goes back in his cage. 

I did write an article on ehow about playing rhythm, it's written for bluegrass, but it will apply to anything. 

http://www.ehow.com/how_2223999_bluegrass-harmonica-fit-bluegrass-musicians.html
 
Dave
____________________________
Dave Payne Sr. 
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com 


-------------- 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
> 
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> 
> 
>