Re: [Harp-L] real deal harp

[Mojo Red <harplicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

Yeah. Rocket 88 is a baddass song, and Cotton delivers the goods as only he 
could.

Still, it's such a pleasure to work with equipment that doesn't fight you (as 
Cotton was dealing with onstage). I respectfully submit that this performance 
would have been that much BETTER if he had used a custom setup. This was a 
real-deal performance fer sure. But Cotton has always preferred his own 
feedback-prone approach to playing directly into the PA (which 
he admittedly kills).

Still... suggesting that "this is the best a harp player can strive to get" is 
utter nonsense. I think a lot of harp players touch their audience deeply using 
a variety of approaches to gear. Look at Madcat Ruth. Look at Dennis Gruenling. 
Look at Jason Ricci. Look at PT Gazell. Look at  Howard Levy. Look at Frédéric 
Yonnet. Look at Adam Gussow, Wade Schuman, Brendan Power, Joeland Rick 
Epping. All of these guys regularly make a deep connection to their audience 
through their harp and performing abilities. Each uses a different approach to 
gear. Each is amazing.

Leave some room in your harp-centric worldview for variety. You certainly don't 
NEED 20th century technology to make that connection. You DO need chops, 
jutzpah, talent and an ability to speak through your instrument.

Harpin' in Colorado,
--Ken M.



________________________________
From: david robbins <drobbins5658@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sun, July 31, 2011 12:39:54 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] real deal harp 

Hey, check out this video: 
http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/james-cotton-blues-band/video . No overblows, no 
overdraws,  no fancy technical licks, no crazy position changes, plain and 
simple simple 2nd position, no custom harmonicas, no custom amps, no custom 
mics, no effects processors, obviously no feedback control. Just great music 
played by a real-deal harp player, musician and entetainer.  This is the best a 
harp player can strive to get, in an attempt to touch an audience. Blues or 
otherwise.