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

["steve@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <swebb@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think playing at jam sessions is almost a separate skill. I play harp in a trio (acoustic guitar, bass, and harp, all played through the PA) and that's a completely different approach than when I sit in at a jam session.
In our trio, I play a lot of rhythm harp, little fills and I solo on various songs. We are not a blues band, but play more country/country rock/folk. We might play a James Taylor song (Fire and Rain, Y ou've Got a Friend) or a Carrie Underwood song (Before He Cheats). I have gradually worked out my harp parts over the past year. On Before He Cheats (which I think is in Eminor) I play a C harp, for example.
At a jam session, i usually play a lot more aggressively, a bit more of a "show-off" style than when in the band situation.
So, whatever works for each player seems to me the best course. I have yet to find a "right" way to play harp in any situation,.
Steve Webb in Minnesota

---- 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".
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