Re: [Harp-L] asking to sit in

[Rick Davis <bluesharpamps@xxxxxxxxx>]

We played a big outdoor blues festival in Denver a couple weeks ago, and a
guy walked up to the front of the stage after our first song, motioned to
me, and said, "Can I play that thing?"

I said "No."

I never ask to sit in anymore, partly because I remember being nearly as
obnoxious as the guy at the festival, back when I was starting out.  Now I
host a well-attended blues jam every week at Ziggies in Denver that is the
perfect place for newbies (or new players in town) to strut their stuff.

Other regional  blues bands will sometimes ask me up to blow some harp, but
that is not really the same thing.  We all know each other pretty well.
 Prevailing upon a player I have never met (and who has never heard me play)
to let me sit in is awkward for both of us.  I'd rather just chat with the
guy and accept the invitation if it comes.  If not, no problem.

-- 
-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
http://www.bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/




On Thu, Aug 4, 2011 at 6:30 AM, Robert Hale <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> WHEN IT'S NOT A JAM
> There are situations where a band is working and I'd like to jump up for a
> couple of tunes. I know I'm capable, but they don't. Respectfully asking to
> join them is usually met with "we don't do that," or a polite,
> non-specific,
> "yeh, maybe we'll call you up." (Yeh, maybe.)
>
> PLAY FIRST, THEN ASK
> To overcome their guard against the unknown, I just wait for the end of a
> set. Greet a band member with a big smile and a compliment. Play them a
> lick. Now the unknown part is out of the way. Takes a little courage, but
> usually works.
>
> What is your experience?
>
> Robert Hale
> Learn Harmonica by Webcam
> Low Rates, High Success
> http://www.youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL <http://www.youtube.com/user/DUKEofWAIL>
> http://www.dukeofwail.com
>



-- 
-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
http://www.bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/