[Harp-L] Backing up a Singer.....

["Rob Paparozzi" <Chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The other night I had the good fortune to backup a wonderfully talented Singer, Ms. Bernadette Peters on a duet of Voice and Harmonica on the traditional song "Shenandoah". She performs this song all around the world and loves to use just Harmonica as her accompaniment.

Both Robert Bonfiglio and Tommy Morgan (mentors of mine) have done this live with her in the past so I knew I had my work cut out for me!

I used a Chromatic as the Musical Director had a chart he wanted me to follow and I felt the note choice laid out better. I had to readjust some of the double stops to make it work but kept to the arrangement she felt comfortable with. Ms. Peters sang the melody very 'Largo' so the piece was long 4:30 minutes. She has impeccable pitch and tremendous control, time and phrasing with her Voice. My Job was to compliment, connect and leave space and at the same time provide harmony and melody that would really let this intertwine a musical duet. Not a lot of notes but quite a challenge.

    Every singer has their own very unique style, Bernadette is Broadway Trained and she has a very special way of delivering her Lyrics....I really had to listen to phrasing and then add dynamics and proper length to my 'fills' to make it work. It was a challenge but her singing really made my job a bit easier! a fun gig.

I learned a lot about backing up singers from listening to Charlie McCoy and Jellyroll Johnson. Mickey Raphael does a great job too. But my BEST training was with the late Don Brooks when I spent time with him in NY in the 80's...what a pro..

I thought I'd post these links of George Jones...I believe Charlie McCoy is playing on the Hee Haw Video and listen to the sparseness, he only plays on one verse but the effect is superb. When I got the call to play with an older George on Letterman in 2006...Paul Shaffer asked if I could use the same licks and sparseness so I did. Since it's Veterans day here in the States, I thought I'd include one with NO harp content but a WHOLE lotta SOUL of George singin' about the Vietnam Vets.....The hardest thing to playing behind ol' Possum is trying not to cry and slobber all over your harp as you listen to him.,-) Never a dry eye in the house!

Finally, a big thanx to Tommy and Robert for all there help...you guys are the best!



George Jones on Hee Haw so this should be Charlie McCoy on Harp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz2aNifcy20&feature=related

George Jones years later (2006) on Letterman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNslkRiOhvA

For the souls of our lost: (no harp) but very soulful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFCQpjOp7s

all the best,
Rob Paparozzi
www.myspace.com/hudsonriverrats
www.robpaparozzi.com