Re: [Harp-L] the Stevie Pluck (was Alfie's theme)

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

OK; thanks for the replies, lads. Will persevere....
RD

>>> Slim Heilpern <slim@xxxxxxxxxx> 25/11/2010 8:22 >>>
I have yet to master what I affectionately call the Stevie Pluck. And  
I've yet to hear anyone do it quite like Stevie, although others have  
come close. When I want that effect, I just play really staccato and  
it is somewhat effective.

I think I've only heard Stevie do this on draw notes (Alfie is a  
perfect example, while some of the passages contain blow notes, the  
blow notes are not actually plucked like the others). He seems to be  
clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth and letting that  
action cause the air to be drawn. I can sort of do this, enough to  
convince myself that this is how it's done, but not well enough to  
sound good (yet).

- Slim.

On Nov 23, 2010, at 6:07 PM, joe leone wrote:

>> While on the subject Joe, and it's not the first time I've asked  
>> it, how does Stevie do that pizzicato 'spitting' thing? Don't think  
>> I've heard anyone else pull it off.
>> RD
>
> You hit the nail exactly on the head Rick. It IS a spit thing.  
> (without the liquid). Stevie chooses keys that, while maybe not the  
> easiest, are chosen for effect. Something where he can slap the  
> slide. chip notes, chip the corners of holes, do the ptooie ptooie  
> thing, etc.
> I would say that Wizard Winslow probably knows more about his style  
> than anyone. Slide man Slim is also a wealth of info as pertains to  
> him. I don't do the 'spit-pluck' too well as I am a tongue blocker.  
> You need to purse your lips up really tight and then flick your  
> tongue against the inside of your lips. Sort of like when you use  
> your finger in your cheek to make a champagne cork  
> sound..........only without the finger.
>
> Jo-Jo