[Harp-L] summit was just that

[Grant Walters <grant@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

west Coast Harmonica summit;

I attended the West Coast harmonica Summit last night in Santa Cruz.

First of all the venue was so unique (and hard to find) that I cannot  
describe it.
Let us just say that I feel very fortunate that I decided at the last  
minute to just drive down the coast.
This was an event for the players.  I think they enjoyed themselves  
more than the audience.
I had a blast but these guys would have gone all night ...in fact,  
they did.

I have been following Michael Peloquin for many years and know of his  
growth and commitment
but  Winslow completely blew my mind.
Having met Winslow years ago at Harmonica events I thought I knew what  
he did.
His handling of the spanish style was outstanding and he got beyond  
the technical.
He was, for the moment, a gypsy troubadour.

So often, the Chromatic becomes a dry technical exhibition...(it is  
hard to play)
But Winslow...you really touched the audience with that performance.
The fiddle/violin was beautiful.

Jon Erickson reminded me that he is still performing at Nicks in  
Pacifica on Sundays.
Always the coolest cat and fun for my wife and I to dance to after a  
good dinner with an ocean view.
Charlie Parker on a chromatic? why not.  Nice guy.  Could you just see  
if Jeff Buenz will sit in sometimes on guitar.
you guys used to rock.  The Stratoloungers.

All players were outstanding...and the Back up band was top notch.

The highlight for me ( and I am glad I stayed all night)  was the San  
Francisco Harmonica Ensemble...( name could be more exciting)
Having had a Bass Harmonica for a time...(stolen from my car), I know  
this thing is impossible to play in a fluid manner.
Not so...this Steve Malerbi can make it swing...could he have played  
slap bass..(he could with the right pedal).
The arrangements were so sophisticated I was blown away.

Here is where you really see how talented Michael Peloquin is in so  
many areas...mostly you can see how he admires his band members, all  
fantastic.
It was like watching the allstar team.  He had a hand in the  
arranging, no doubt ,but is really able to put some soul into that  
Chromatic too.

I rarely play the Chromatic..(only when I am by myself)  but feel  
empowered to take it up again with a new professionalism.
Wish the evening would have included some discussion about what harps  
were being played by each guy.
I know...if you want that kinda thing you gotta go to SPAH...Hope you  
guys give them this show and more.....
For instance..was that a CBH plastic model Hohner..that Steve played?   
sounded cool.
I guess I will have to play hooky from work to see any of these harps  
on display this week...
Have fun everyone if I don't make it...I will be happy I made the  
summit.

Grant Walters