RE: [Harp-L] Was Help! now 1st jam session advice

["Anthony Smith" <anthony@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The point I was trying to make is a simple one.  If you are asking what key
harp to play a song in when the band is in the key of C, and you don't have
even the basic understanding to ask about a certain position (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
then I would guess you don't need to be on stage yet and might need to pay
one of the fine teachers on you tube.  Not never, just not yet.  I wouldn't
want my comment to discourage someone from learning how to play but there
are plenty of horrible harp players out there that give the instrument a bad
name. If you are in clubs you have to know this is a true statement. Isn't
that Right Wezo?  

With that said, even the guys that have more guts than talent can eventually
be great with enough practice...Jason Ricci is a perfect example!  I saw a
video on you tube when Jason was really young and played horribly. Today,
many moons later he is one of the hottest players on the planet.  Now, I
think I remember reading on this site where someone mentioned an instructor
told them they had the guts to take chances and would be great one day.  I
think taking chances is a good thing and it will help you grow but some
basic understanding should be obtained prior to getting on stage with a
group of musicians or you're not helping anyone.
  

-----Original Message-----
From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Michael Posey
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 7:07 PM
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Harp-L] Was Help! now 1st jam session advice


Wezo,

 

Appreciate your reinforcement. It's easy to come across as high & mighty
without meaning to. While some of the other posts may have sounded that way,
I dont think they were meant to either. This list is full of great info from
great players that continually amaze me with helpful information regarding
our instrument of choice. 

 

That said, I think we have to keep all levels, inclusive of novices and
beginners, engaged as well. You never know who's gonna step up and purchase
the next Megatone, Cruncher or Harp Gear or be the next Ricci or Wilson. We
all started somewhere and had that 1st gig whether we thought we were ready
or not. I know I certainly would have rather gone in with some sound advise
and encouragement than with a tongue lashing. Truth be told, us harpers take
enough abuse from "real" musicians as it is. The dressing-down of one of our
own, especially the new ones, isn't conducive to keeping the list growing or
the manufacturers of our instruments and its accessories in business.
 

I will always remember my first "performance dissection". It was not pretty,
nice or eloquent. I will also remember the first time a seasoned player gave
me some solid pointers and encouragement to improve without making me feel
like the hack I didnt even know I was.  Both motiviated me to improve in
very different ways. 

 

Given the opportunity to provide some advise,  I always go with the latter
form. Pay it forward..it always comes back!

 

 

Just got the news..RIP Mr Jackson.

 
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:59:44 -0400
> From: "mike wesolowski" <mwesolowski@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] Re: Harp-L Digest Vol 70 Issue 80
> To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Message-ID: <438878B0C3B94B808C33C6FE07A8FAD0@pc1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
> 
> Michael Posey,
> That was extremely elequently put when you were talking about learning to
play a little before you go up to the bandstand. I beleive that you came off
sounding extremely friendly in your advice to a novice player. I have been
searching for a way to say exactly what you said.
> I haven't voiced my views on the subject because everything I thought
about writing would make me sound real mean. Thank you for putting your
advice so thoughtfully.
> And.....................as Gary Primich put it.... "Don't be a Harmonica
Nazi"
> Mike "Wezo" Wesolowski
> www.myspace.com/harpwezo
> www.megatoneamps.com
> www.bluesworldorder.com
> 
>
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