Re: [Harp-L] Unsung stars at Spah

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 Ben Nathanson contributed a nice start on his SPAH Unsung Heroes list. 
But he humbly omitted himself.

In addition to being a quiet, unassuming true gentleman of a fellow, 
he's a monster blues harp player whom I'm careful not to sit near at the 
SPAH Blues Jams. That's because he ~always~ lays down these amazingly 
innovative bluesy lines that fit the song and its groove so well. I hate 
to follow him and it's just as bad handing off to him; either way he 
always manages to make me sound like I just picked up a harp.

[As an aside, One night this year the open seat in the circle, not 
surprisingly, was next to Ben (I don't think I'm the only one who is 
wary of sitting next to him). So I sat down with a smile and no small 
amount of trepidation.... Then who should sit next to me on my other 
side but none other than David Barrett hisse'f. I was that way for the 
rest of the night. I had what I suppose you would call a "growth 
experience." I couldn't help but recall that one night at my only other 
SPAH (2006, Denver) I happened to sit down next to Jellyroll Johnson and 
then Robert Bonfiglio sat down next to me on the other side. It's that 
way at the SPAH Blues Jams. A nobody like me can brush elbows all night 
with harmonica royalty. It's equal parts scary, instructive, humbling 
and inspiring. Like they say, "Priceless."]

Many L-er's may not know that Ben is also a key pillar of support for 
this list, second only to fjm for the unwavering technical support that 
keeps Harp-L running.

So I'm adding Ben to his own SPAH Unsung Heroes list.

Thanks, Ben, for all you do.

Michelle

PS: Obviously I'm kidding about sitting next to Ben at the Blues Jam. 
Though I usually get a dose of humility vis. his playing, he has a lot 
of keen insights during the jam and between songs I learn a lot because 
he seems to know everyone there. He's also a lovely person. Cool guy, 
Ben Nathanson.