Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] How Disturbed Are We?

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with Elizabeth but I will say that some degree of
traditionalism is a tip of the hat.  I hereby announce The Austin
Harmonica Band to be renamed later.  For two months, I have played
bass harp, Brad Trainham on Chord, Jose Ruiz, Connor Ochs, Dave Klein
and Steven Wheelie on chromes and diatonics.  We also plan to include
drummers and emulate the Rebirth Brass Band/ Dirty Dozen Brass Band
concept but with harps.  Last night we began work on Peg of My Heart.
I think it is only right that every harp band should know the tune.

To answer the original question, I think harp players are very
disturbed in their harpcentricity, but no more than most people are
about their obsessions.  The trick is knowing how to turn it off when
talking with muggles.
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On 11/30/09, EGS1217@xxxxxxx <EGS1217@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Absolutely, Rob! - it's one reason I really dig your new CD  'Etruscan
> Soul' so much...your segue from Peg (o' my heart) into Peg by Steely  Dan is so
> incredibly cool musically....
>
> I'll never be in your league, but I play anything and everything which
> feels 'right' to my ear - from '60's R&B to Roy Orbison to Sax or  flute solos
> (to me the instruments I hear in my head)....whatever sounds  good to me.
> There's almost nothing in my Ipod 'backing tracks' which  originally started
> off for harmonica.
>
> I love listening to Toots and Stevie - and to harmonica players like you,
> Smokey, Phil, Randy and Robert. Michel Herblin's 'Voice' for inspiration
> ;)   ..Jason and Chris for my 'diatonic' fix....but I'm not  particularly
> interested in playing already covered harmonica pieces (except for  two songs
> in particular: Sonja by Jason Ricci & New Blood and Ashokan  Farewell which I
> haven't yet mastered).
>
> IMHO people should play music they love. Some songs/tunes simply don't work
>  with the harmonica. Your ear should tell you which ones don't. Toss them
> and  move on to the next. There are thousands of great songs out there. I
> agree  with SmoJoe about how boring it is to hear the same old, same old all
> the  time.
>
> Elizabeth
>
> "Message: 10
> Date: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:02:29 -0500
> From: Robert  Paparozzi <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] How Disturbed  Are We?
> To: David Fertig <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>,  <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
>
> A good question Martin! IMO, I think we have to  stop thinking like
> 'Harmonica Players' I don't think it HAS to be blues or  any genre in
> particular it just has to be 'Musical'. I'm in constant search  for melodies
> and licks that sit well on our axe. But the best way to do that  is to
> listen
> to other instruments, styles etc...
>
> Toots once scolded me  and said, "Stop listening to ME (toots) and you will
> find your own voice if  you like jazz, listen to the greats and find
> something to bring back to your  harmonica".
>
> I'm always looking for music to bring back to the axe, The  more you play
> and
> are comfortable with the instrument, the more you will hear  what will 'sit
> well' on your harp....
>
> When I went to make my record, I  had to keep reminding myself that it
> wasn't
> a record for Harmonica Players,  it's for Music Lovers!,-)
>
> Not really a direct answer to the  question....but I bet our non harp
> friends
> will appreciate more of what we  play if we keep this in mind.....
>
> All the Best,
> Rob  Paparozzi"
>
>
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