Re: [Harp-L] Advice PLEASE

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Michael D'Aurizio" wrote:
< I just got a call yesterday to accompany a local blues legend at a local University tomorrow at <noon. He will be playing electric guitar through an amp, and I will accompany him on amplified <harmonica. I've fronted my own blues band for close to eight years now. I can handle that job pretty <well, with the vast majority of my playing consisting of second position diatonic. I have never had <a gig in a duet scenario, and am feeling pretty intimidated by the whole thing. This player is a <local legend, is the real deal, and I don't want to let him down. He has heard me play many times, <and sits in with my band when ever he is somewhere we are playing, so I guess he knows what he's <getting. Does anybody have any advice for me to help me through this first time experience. By the <way, no set list, or any idea what we are going to play. He said we will keep it simple :) Thanx in <advance for any, and all advice!

My advice:
1)  It sounds like a great gig.  Don't forget to enjoy yourself!
2)  He's heard you play plenty, so relax.  If he didn't like what you do, you wouldn't have the gig. 
3)  Spend plenty of time listening actively as opposed to playing.  This is especially so given that you don't know the tunes.  It's easy to play too much when you're nervous.  Let him carry the show, you can add the spice.  
4)  Like I said: don't forget to enjoy yourself.  

Regards, Richard Hunter 


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