Re: [Harp-L] Asking to sit in

[Grant Walters <grant@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Once upon a time...my friend ( knowing I was a little down)  slipped $10 into the tip jar and told the bandleader there was a good harp player sitting next to him.
During the break the bandleader  approached me...( I did not know about the $10 bribe)....Flattered, I sat in and kept sitting in .. for 14 years....I joined the band...
Sometimes it takes a little investment....lubricating the band during the break can work wonders..
Getting them a lead for a gig works too....
Your fan club is your best leverage...in some cases....but I must agree, express what you like about the band what they are doing in a sincere and knowledgable way
This is the real ticket....("like that Charlie Christian lick you put on the end of that solo")...Would make me curious about a player.

I do agree that the guy that comes up during the set and declares he is great player ....is rarely all that...but you never know...
Even the guy with the Ammo Belt harp filled  vest...might still be learning the basics......and the crowd might still say...."wow, he was great"!...

Grant Walters

On Aug 4, 2011, at 10:50 AM, Paul Cantin wrote:

> This has been discussed at length years ago on the list and as I recall the consensus was that you should never, never, EVER, ask to sit in. The end result suggested to  introduce yourself to the band during the break , complement them and  let them know you're a harp player. If they decide to call you up later that will be their choice and no one will be embarrassed and you won't put them in a position to say NO!
> 
> I've used this technique many times and have been very successful. You get a lot more respect by NOT asking to sit in. If all the stars align you're in.
> 
> Paul
> If You Love the Blues
> Honk Your Hohner
> 
>