Subject: [Harp-L] jason ricci revival experience in florida--new songwriting

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Great and welcome review, Randy.  It's nice when people on Harp-l take  the 
time to remember and review list members who contributed (and still  contribute 
so much) to the advancement of harmonica playing.  
 
FWIW, Jason has always written (together with Shawn Starski before  
this)....many of the songs/instrumentals they perform/ed in their shows.   'Sonja', for 
instance...was written mostly by Shawn and eventually named for his  Mom.  
Gorgeous piece of music. It should be out as a single.  With  Jason's harp 
almost indistinguishable from Shawn's guitar, it's been a  particular favourite of 
mine from first listen. There are other songs of their  own on the Rocket No. 
9 CD that must be heard as well.  They've never been  much of a 'cover' band, 
but from your review, it sounds as though their  songwriting is now reaching 
bigger and better heights. 
 
I'm stoked to hear what new stuff this latest configuration of the  band 
(with Todd and Ed) have come up with, from your description.  There's  so much 
more to them than harp players who haven't seen them perform Live seem  to think. 
 Too many people don't do their homework and simply accept  negative reviews 
here by certain people who have long-held axes to  grind.  My one wish is for 
everyone who likes diatonic harp to  actually go to hear Jason play.  You'll 
understand, then.  None of our  reviews, none of the videos, none of the 
audios, can do him and New Blood  justice. This band has to be experienced Live.
 
Others dismiss them as a 'jam band'...since certain college kids  think of 
them that way, and they are played on some Jam Band radio  stations.  Not 
so...Jason and New Blood are so much more than that and can  hold their own with 
anyone, on any stage.  Walter Trout wouldn't have  had Jason accompany him to 
Europe if he didn't have a huge amount of of  respect for Jason's harp playing. 
As well, Shawn has already been named one of  the Top 10 hottest 'new' 
guitarists by Guitar Magazine...(I wonder how many  years one has to spend on the road 
playing before one is no longer thought of as  'new'?) lol...
 
Todd is a wonderful multi-talented instrumentalist who brings a whole  new 
subtle jazz vibe to the band...a direction I love to see them headed  in...and 
Ed (their newest drummer), has solid creds and is an  absolute pleasure to 
listen to. 
 
Fortuitously perhaps...just last night I ran across this small video of one  
partial version of Jason's cover of Lou Reed's 'Walk on the Wild Side'.  At  
the end he segues into "I'm a New Man'. The sound isn't perfect...his voice  
sounds muffled through the camera speaker, but the harmonica playing is stellar  
for those who might not have yet heard him.
 
 
_http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONaQkF63hY0&feature=related_ 
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONaQkF63hY0&feature=related) 
 
 
 

 
They get better and better each time I see them play..which seems  
impossible. You folks in Florida are so blessed to have them go  through there as often 
as they do...I hope they get back to the NY area  before long since I do so 
need my Jason Ricci and New Blood  'fix'.  :)
 
Elizabeth
 
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 23:00:41 -0500
From: Randy Singer  <randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] jason ricci revival  experience in florida--new
songwriting
To:  "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Tyler Lannan  <tylerlannan@xxxxxxxxx>,    RICCI harmonica
<jason@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Jason performed in my backyard last night in  boca raton/delray and ft  
lauderdale. I attended all three  shows.

as expected, he gave a 100 percent for all four shows, stayed up  all  
night and took the time to speak to all his fans.

i cannot  tell you how impressed i am with his drive, fervor, bravery,  
talent,  commitment and perserverence to make it as a musician/ 
songwriter and  harmonica player. He was INCREDIBLE.

Jason deserves nothing but the  best...he is a true star and deserves  
the accolades he  receives.

His shows for the venues were completely different. At the big  concert  
and the Bostons on the beach show, he was great as  usually  
demonstrating sheer passion and delivery.  I will not use  this forum  
to make comments regarding "what he might have done  differently", that  
is for another post, perhaps. He brought the house  down and his  
radical choices of non harmonica songs, showmanship and  virtuosity was  
brilliant. His band was tight, attentive and  passionate. Backstage,  
his entire band was open and happy to meet  everyone. Great guys.

FURTHERMORE----I must comment on his different show  at the BACK ROOM,.  
He showcased a lot of new songs. I was totally  blown away by this. Why?

Because, instead of the jamming over the one  chord or one, four five  
chords that described his other shows, this  show was different.....his  
new material is showcasing REAL  SONGWRITING!!!

I lived in Nashville for eight years and I have good idea  of what  
constitutes good songwriting. Nashville breeds songwriting.  Think  
BRILL BUILDNG, Tin Pan Alley etc

Jason's new band is co  writing all the new songs together so they are  
blending this new  amalgamation of blues, pop, punk, jazz and fusion  
with songs that  actually have songwriting merit. I am not going to say  
that a typical  one four five progression is not songwriting (it is!!)  
but these new  songs are creating a new style of songwriting that has  
to be heard.  The sound was very fresh to my ears, commercial yet  
jammable. It might  be a stretch to say this but perhaps similar to the  
songwriting that  the GREATFUL DEAD would utilize. Big hooks with  
various exotic rhythms  and memorable songwriting that provide  
exquisite vehicles for  solos.

I am really not easily impressed but judging from what I heard at  the  
backroom, we have even more great things to expect from JASON  RICCI.

Wishing you the best, jason!!!!

randy

ps

my  review has nothing to do with this, but thanks for getting me up to   
jam with you on diatonic and chromatic. It was superbly surreal.

I  must sleep now, pardon my discombobulated syntax..............to all  
a  good night



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