Re: [Harp-L] FEELING THE GROOVE and reflecting it physically

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

Metronome: Matrix MR 600 estimated cost $40
Book: Modern Reading Text in 4/4 by Louis Bellson and Gil Breines,
estimated cost $16.

I have taught multiple students with severe timing problems how to
feel the beat with this book.
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On 1/2/10, John F. Potts <hvyj@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> One needs to RELAX.  As i understand it, It is actually a physiological
> phenomenon.  The heart beat actually sort of synchronizes to the pulse of
> the rhythm of music that has a heavy beat (especially electric music).  So
> relax, let the music move through your ears and body viscerally and allow
> yourself to sway in time to the music instead of doing something more
> deliberate and volitional like tap one's foot.  Let the music take you
> instead of trying to move in time to the music.  It's more of an unconscious
> response if you can relax and sort of allow yourself to become one with the
> pulse instead of TRYING to keep time.
>
> Now, that being said, some musicians can do this more naturally or with more
> facility than others.  I play with a bandleader who plays guitar and has an
> advanced degree in music.  GREAT player, but  doesn't really move in time to
> the music and doesn't have a deep sense of groove.  He has occasionally
> taken gigs playing bass, but usually doesn't last long as a bass player
> because of this.  But a terrific musician, and an excellent player with very
> creative artistic sensibilities.  Actually, I should count my blessings
> since I am very fortunate to get to play with a musician of his caliber and
> I've learned a lot because of it. As i think about it, I suspect one of the
> reasons he may like having me around is because I do have a decent sense of
> groove which compliments his playing style and in some contexts compensates
> when his sophisticated improvisational playing begins to meander.  We work
> pretty well together and people seem to like it.  And he's taught me a whole
> lot of sophisticated musical stuff i can do on the harp (like playing chord
> extension tones on the high end when i don't have the necessary scale tones
> available since don't OB).
>
> Anyway, i guess the point is that it's easier for some of us than others,
> but try to RELAX and let the music move you instead of deliberately trying
> to move in time to the music.  Let the music inside of you first.  That way
> you FEEL the music  instead of just trying to move to it.
>
> FWIW,
>
> JP
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