Re: [Harp-L] Beginning Cajun Harp - Advice

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

The genuine old-time stuff is played on a standard diatonic, not on altered tunings.

If you haven't already, get the 2-CD set "Folk Songs of the Louisiana Acadians" on Arhoolie. It features Isom Fontenot on many tracks playing in the authentic Acadian French harmonica style, both as featured artist and accompanying others.

I don't remember the keys used on that compilation, but I do know that Cajun harmonica player Jerry Devillier of Eunice, Louisiana, (who plays very much in the same style as Fontenot) plays a C harp most of the time, largely in second position.

Winslow

Winslow Yerxa

Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5

--- On Thu, 1/1/09, James boutilier <jamesb@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From: James boutilier <jamesb@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Beginning Cajun Harp - Advice
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2009, 11:41 AM

I think this didn't post - sent from the wrong email... so, try again.

I got my Irish needs figured out -- gonna use a simple Paddy G Diatonic to
begin with.

But my second flavor is Cajun (acadian, not blues-mix).  Playing solo.

I'm trying to figure out what is the SINGLE BEST HARMONICA to get starting
this?

What is the most common KEY OF Harmonica played tunes for Acadian/Cajun -- I
love the sound of the Single Row Accordion.

And does anyone use alternate tunings for this or just straight tuned, straight
harp?

I read some folks using Melody Maker (but I figured that would mess up the
lower drone playing)
And some French Players like to go D- LD to match the fiddlers

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

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