RE: [Harp-L] Staring a number "naked"

[Ryan Hartt <rhartt1234@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think leading a band with your instrument is a very important skill. Combined with clear and concise explanation of the tune/groove ("bandstand shorthand" I call it) leading the band with your instrument creates a redundancy that can further prevent flubbed starts to tunes. Even a good explanation can get lost in translation. But when you explain music with music instead of words it will help make the groove much clearer to the band when you can play it for 4 bars and have the band come in on the IV. A good harp player can also cue breaks, endings and other stuff the band can pick up on. The more you are in control the less likely the other guys are going to screw it up. 
Ryan

> From: bkumpe@xxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2010 09:26:15 -0500
> Subject: [Harp-L] Staring a number "naked"
> 
> 
> A while back, a pro player that I really respect suggested that when playing
> with a band or accompanist you have not practiced with it is better on some
> numbers to ask them to let you play a few bars "naked" with no accompaniment
> and then let them come in as they catch the groove.  Every time I have tried
> this it has not worked out well.  I really like this sound when this is done
> right and the guy I got the tip from pulls it off flawlessly every time.
> Does anybody else do this? Suggestions? Comments?
> 
> Bill Kumpe
> Tulsa, OK 
>