[Harp-L] Help!

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

Jim,

A FEW SUGGESTIONS: Make sure you have harps in the keys you will  
need.   Harmonicas in the keys of G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb and F should  
cover it.  Maybe also E.  If you can’t handle minor keys, be sure the  
band leader knows this BEFORE you go up.

If the band is electric you WILL need to be amplified. It’s simpler  
and easier to play through the PA, but be sure there will be an extra  
mic.  If not, bring your own lo-z mic (if you have one) and an XLR  
cord that’s AT LEAST 15’ long, and plug in to an open channel. Tell  
whoever handles the board to roll off the treble, pump the midrange a  
little and give you more than a little reverb. And make sure the  
volume is not too loud. If it’s a karaoke type gig, there will  
probably be a extra mic on stage.  If there are monitors, don't get  
too close or you'll feedback.  If you are forced to stand close to a  
monitor, hold the mic grill pointing straight up when you are not  
playing and this will control feedback.

Second position should work for most rock material and most vintage  
Dylan stuff (although certain popular Dylan tunes are in first  
position, and “All Along the Watchtower” is a minor in 4th).  Be sure  
you know what harp to use for which key/which tune. Write out a  
little chart if you have to. Keep your harps organized so you are not  
fumbling around trying to find the right harp every time a tune gets  
called.  Experienced musicians will  call out  the key for you and  
will pick harmonica friendly material for you to play on, so you  
won't be over your head.

RELAX. Listen to the band  and pay attention to the leader who may  
give you nonverbal cues or signals about when to play and when not to  
play.  In general, play what you feel, but LISTEN to the band. Try to  
catch the groove or "feel" of each tune, which is actually more  
important for live performance than precisely correct note selection.  
Play fills and play a solo when it’s your turn,  but DON’T play when  
the singer is singing or  when another instrument is taking a solo.   
Don’t play if you can’t think of anything to play. Less is more.  
Don’t be afraid to lay out.

If you've never played with a drummer before, it will be startling at  
first.  Don't be overwhelmed.  Relax.  It's actually easier to play  
things that sound good when the drums are laying down a groove since  
you don't have to play as much to make it work.

Most important of all, HAVE FUN, and don’t worry about it if you make  
some mistakes.  The only way to get live performance experience is to  
do it when you have the chance.

Thank the band after you’re done, and if any of them have anything to  
tell you, listen to what they have to say and ask questions if you  
don’t understand. This is how we learn.

Try to relax, pay attention when you are up there, have fun and enjoy  
the experience.

JP