[Harp-L] When to Lay Out

[Grant Kester <gkester@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi All,

Our band played a festival last weekend and I got a very nice  
compliment from another musician at the end of the gig. He said he  
really enjoyed my playing and that it was rare to find a harp player  
who knows when to lay out as well as when to play. I've always tried  
to be judicious in my playing; looking for the right phrase or set of  
notes to compliment the music, even if it's short or relatively  
subtle. It was nice to have someone recognize this. I think I have a  
fear of harmonica overkill. I'd rather leave the audience wishing they  
could hear MORE harp, rather than filling up every empty space. If I  
was Jason Ricci it might be another matter, but given my own skills I  
sometimes take as much pleasure in well-considered fill as I do in a  
solo (not that I'm averse to those either!). I wonder if this is the  
case for other players?

Best,
Grant Kester