[Harp-L] Tokyo Harp

[Bill Hines <billhines4@xxxxxxxxx>]

 I posted asking about Tokyo and got a couple of responses offlist, not 
much there I guess. but in case others are searching before a trip 
here's the scoop. I gave up on finding anything while I was there, and 
even went to Hard Rock (which I don't like very much in general) to see 
if I could hear some live music. It was just after 10pm and the band had 
already packed up (??).

The bartender recommended a place called Bauhaus right down the street 
(this was in the Rappongi entertainment district, packed full of 
partiers, hookers, hustlers, etc on a Thurs night). In fact everyone I 
talked to recommended this place for live music. So I went over and was 
approached as soon as I entered by someone asking me "if I play", so I 
said yes and the guy gave me a sort of karaoke book with a bunch of 
songs listed by bands. I picked Long Train Running by the Doobie 
Brothers (just went to hear some music, didn't know it was some kind of 
sit in with the band thing). The band was a great rock outfit, natives 
but sure well versed in American rock and some blues. They questioned me 
some on song keys, etc probably afraid of yet another harmonica 
nightmare, they wanted to see if i had some level of musicianship i 
guess before allowing me up.

Anyway I got called up, they really rocked it out and gave me plenty of 
space, nice stage with a walkway out into the audience so I hammed it up 
some, they ate it up etc etc. Straight through the SM-58 they handed me, 
James Cotton style with a lot of blues type fills and 4/5 shake on that 
chorus "without love" part. Cool thing was they gave me some photos of 
it and a nice t-shirt too. They asked me to sign the photo and put it up 
on their wall of fame. obviously had me confused with someone else, but 
there were photos up there of folks like the metallica guys who stopped 
in to jam a little.

very cool place, highly recommended.

Bill Hines