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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