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

["Dan Berger" <dberger1@xxxxxxxxxx>]

This a great strand and I agree with a lot of what has been said.
I listen to others and play with restraint, but shine when its my time. 
Several years ago, Slam Allen, who sings and plays with James Cotton (7years 
now) told me
"the harp is a melodic instrument, blow your ass off"

Dan
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Popenoe" <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "Larry Marks" <larry.marks@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: <harptalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; "Harp - L" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 1:29 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Re: [HarpTalk] Playing at Jam Sessions


> 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".
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