Re: [Harp-L] Going Solo?

[Mojo Red <harplicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Mike,

I think if you can play a little guitar and can handle harp in a rack comfortably you will can create the contrast of voices you need and give the audience some easy tonal variety (especially if you play songs using different harp positions (1st, 3rd, 12th, 2nd)

I do this and audiences seem pretty impressed even though my guitar skills are rudimentary at best. 
Now, I'm not at all sure I could carry what I do for a full 4-hour night, but I could do the dinner-crowd scene (2-hour set) without losing the crowd.

Harpin' in Colorado,
--Ken M


________________________________
From: Mike Fugazzi <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2011 10:27 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Going Solo?

For you one man band types...anyone able to pull off a three set
show?  I am getting to the point with work, my booking agent, and more
importantly my family, that I think I'd be content doing solo shows.
I've been rehearsing for a year (and have done two sets) with just me,
my rig, and a looper.  I guess it is sorta Son of Dave meets Otis
Taylor meets Blues Traveler, lol.

I guess my reservations are in trying to play a full 4 hour gig (up to
3 one hour sets).  I've thought about adding a guitar player for about
half the night.  Any ideas or suggestions?  I think I'd hit up the
clubs that pay $300 a night for 3-4 piece blues or classic rock
bands.  I'd be playing about 50% of each and working in originals.

I would be content playing 2-3 shows a month within an hour of home.
I own a full PA and lights and have a rig that is $150 short of being
complete (need a stombox rig).  There is a place 5min from my house
that would let me do 3x45min sets and I think there is another that
would let me do a number of 2hr shows, but does any non-harp player
want to listen to three sets of solo stuff?

I was toying with playing to a few backing type tracks, but it would
be mostly solo harp and then a looped setup similar to what has been
shared on the list before.  I am extremely confident in my vocals and
ability to create arrangements.  My big concerns are holding a crowd.

Thanks!