Re: [Harp-L] Chris Michalek R.I.P

["Rick Dempster" <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Very sorry to hear this. I crossed swords a couple of times with Chris on harp-l; nevertheless, he was generosity itself when I later posted a piece on his Buddhas Garden site. I bought one of his custom Golden Melodys, which was beautifully  modified and adjusted. I found Chris' tone incredible, and his approach to the instrument appealed to me the most of all 'modern' players. I found his use of overblows the most convincing, and I have worked on Chris' approach to tone over the last couple of years, shifting my vibrato from throat to front-of-mouth. I still can't capture Chris' amazing, 'Wonder-ful' sound (incredible on a diatonic) but I have certainly been influenced by him (not that that is any reccomendation!)
At one point I mentioned that I wouldn't mind taking a couple of lessons of him via Skipe, but that it might have to wait as I was a little short of money. He immediately offered to give me some lessons without charge, something which I most certainly was not soliciting. I didn't get around to takng him up;I never shall now. 
A real loss.
He recorded this last year;apposite at this time of year, and beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB0msM9ZcBY
Vale Chris.

>>> "Brendan Power" <bren@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 17/12/10 9:16 PM >>>
 
I just got a message from George Brooks saying that Chris has died after a
short illness... I am utterly shocked!!! I find it hard to take in, but
George says he was called by Chris' wife Laurie, so it must be true,
horrible as that is to contemplate.

You had to know Chris personally to appreciate him. His posts online were
pretty extreme at times I agree, but he's the epitome of that saying "His
bark is worse than his bite". Chris had a heart of gold, and was incredibly
generous to me and lots of other people. The 2000 Harmonica Summit he
organised single-handedly was a landmark event in the harmonica world;
that's the first time I got to know him, as he put me up in his house. We
became friends, meeting at successive SPAHs, and I spent a great three days
with him in June at his and Laurie's home in Phoenix, where Chris organised
a gig/workshop for us. Remembering how lively and energetic he was only a
few short months ago makes his sudden death all the harder to accept.

At the Summit in 2000 I met his wonderful parents, American Dad and
Vietnamese Mum, who met when his Dad was in the Vietnam war. Wonderful
people; his Mum worked as a surgical nurse and gave me some exquisite small
scissors and tweezers that are still in my harp tool kit today.

After the recent SPAH in August Chris invited Buckwheat, TJ Klay and me
again back to his parents' place in Minneapolis/St Paul, and we had a
brilliant afternoon playing, joking, firing his Dad's home-made pipe gun and
enjoying a delicious meal of Vietnamese delicacies cooked by his big-hearted
Mum.

That afternoon I tried the sample Buddha Marine Band that he was showing
people at SPAH, and it was absolutely incredible! Among the 2-3 most
responsive custom diatonics I have ever tried. 

Sure he talked himself up, but he certainly walked the walk as a customiser
as well as a player, big time. His playing, especially the gorgeous 12th
position sound he got, was very influential, especially through his generous
YouTube teaching videos. He was a great mentor to many of the best young
players around today, as I'm sure they will attest.

Personally I liked Chris's strong opinions on everything. They always made
sparks fly, never boring! It's a pity that many of those offended by strong
posts online never got to know him in person, or they would have seen
through the bluster.

Chris was one of the great characters of the US harmonica scene, and he will
leave a big hole.

There is lots more to say and I know many others will feel the way I do. RIP
Buddha, and keep tootin' wherever you are!

Brendan Power