Re: [Harp-L] Re: Harmonica as a regular instrument

[David Payne <dmatthew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Peter is spot on.  
In the music I play, Bluegrass, the most harmonica unfriendly environment imaginable, a 'regular" instrument has two jobs: 
1) lead 
2) rhythm. 
If you play both well, especially rhythm, nobody has anything on you.
It's even more of a regular instrument when you take advantage of more than one harmonica type... then you become something more than a regular instrument. I played a benefit today where I played 48 chord, diatonic and tremolo. I could have, but didn't today, played chromatic.
How many instruments can you get that spectrum of variation in sounds and roles? Not many. 
I was sitting in with some guys recently and I had the 48 chord. The question was "what keys can you play in on that harmonica?" I said "anyone you want to play in. Wanna play in F# minor, we can play in F# minor." If you've got the harmonicas, knowledge of theory and positions to play in any key, it's hard to argue against it being a "regular" instrument. Wait till I get me a bass harmonica one of these days. Then, there will be no regular instrument role I can't fill, regardless of who else doesn't show up for the gig, unless its the vocalist, cause I don't sing. That folks, is the power we have as harmonica players.






----- Original Message ----
From: Peter & Connie Ruth <conruth@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sat, May 8, 2010 2:25:57 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Re: Harmonica as a regular instrument

Harmonica IS DEFINITELY a regular instrument.

It is only LESS than a regular instrument if you THINK it is less than a regular instrument.

Peter Madcat Ruth
Musician - Grammy Award Winner
madcat@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.madcatmusic.net
www.youtube.com/user/petermadcatruth