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

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Nov 11, 2009, at 8:49 PM, Rob Paparozzi wrote:

> 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.

Bernadette is one of my favorites and you would HAVE to  be at the  
top of your game (which you ARE), to accompany her in Largo tempo. As  
we know Largo is the most difficult. Anyone can play fast. Fast  
allows you cover. Largo allows NO mistakes and the timing is so  
stretched that breathing becomes a challenge. (Ebb Tide & Send in the  
Clowns as examples)Good  job hero.

smo-joe
>     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
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