[Harp-L] What went through ...

[David Fertig <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

Interesting. I think on one level one certainly needs to track the tech stuff, but - assuming one has things set right (amp, gadgets, mics and shoelaces) and aside from switching harps and maybe remembering backing vocal bits - one might just keep listening to the other players, not to determine whether they are doing what one  thinks is right (too late now!), but whether one can do anything to contribute  to the sound and the song and the feeling it is aimed at.  

As for me, once I have the melody/hook internalized, my playing is driven largely by the lyrics and story of the number, so, I conjure memories that bring the emotions of the song as I see 'em, without having to think much about it.  

Because for me playing isn't so much about getting the song right, it's about getting the feeling right. Now, if I was better technically and knew what the hell I was doing, maybe I'd have a different approach . . .  but if I'm thinking about all that other stuff, man, I ain't playin' worth a crotte de chien! 

-Dave "dogwalker" Fertig

Re: [Harp-L] re: what went through...
        	Tuesday, November 3, 2009 11:35 AM
        	
            
            
            From: 
            pdxharpdog@xxxxxxxxxxx
            	
            	
            	
        	To: 
        	"jim alciere" <jim.alciere@xxxxxxxxx>
        	Cc: 
        	harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
                

I'm
basically with Jim on this - it sounds so pedestrian, but I'm first
makin sure the guitarist is capo'd for the right song key and I got the
right harp in my mouth and it's not upside down;  I'm thinkin about my
mic volume, tone and that the fx pedals are on/off for the song; I'm
watchin the guitarist for the changes and listening to the bass and
drums.  If that ain't enough, I'm worrying about whether the bass and
drums are in synch and is the lead vocalist singing it the way she
should or whether my beer is gonna spill if I get a little rambunctious
on my solos. 



But every once in a while when we all
catch the groove and  I can play off the drums with a little one on one
synchopation thing or trade riffs with the guitar lead or with the
vocals and it's all good.    



Ross 

www.sassparillapdx.com 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "jim alciere" <jim.alciere@xxxxxxxxx> 
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 10:34:53 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific 
Subject: [Harp-L] re: what went through... 

When I play live, what I'm thinking is "one and two and three and four..." 

If I start day dreaming, I've had it. I have to know where the bass and the 
drums are at all time.  I'm always watching for the nod from the singer so I 
can start playing and I have to watch the lead guitarist too, to make sure 
I'm not about to step on his solo. At the end of a four or five hour gig, 
I'm wiped. 

-- 
Rainbow Jimmy