Re: [Harp-L] Phil Catabellotta...

[David Payne <dmatthew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Phil is a player I've studied quite a bit... he's one of the best IMO. Back in the 60s and early 70s, he was an NYPD blue in Harlem... and in the 70s, he was FDNY, pulling folks out of burning buildings and stuff. He drove all the way to WV from New York (10 hours and George Miklas also came from Pittsburgh) to judge my harmonica contest and play this year, pro bono. He is a credit to the instrument and a great supporter of it. 

I'm an Artsbridge Artist, which means, A-Bridge hires me to give presentations in schools and whatnot. I've got a video that I send ahead of time to schools to get an idea of the history of the instrument...I made dang sure Phil Caltabellotta was on it.

Phil was also part of one of my two most memorable harmonica moments. The first, in chronological order, was Jason Ricci performing a wedding ceremony for my daughter's stuffed animals in my kitchen, the second was Phil playing Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu" while standing in my driveway. 

Phil also told me something once when I mentioned something about stage fright. He said "walk in there like you've got balls." That virtually erased any stage fright I had. Anytime I feel the black dog coming on, I think of that and I'm OK. 



Dave
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www.elkriverharmonicas.com 



----- Original Message ----
From: Warren Bee <gardenstateharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 10:07:59 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Phil Catabellotta...

a mix of tough guy streets of "Joisy" and Hollywood. charismatic and
spellbinding with a chromatic in his mouth. charismatic and spellbinding
without a chromatic in his mouth. Val's a lucky gal.

WB
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