Re: [Harp-L] Floyd Collins

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've done Floyd Collins as well (with some helpful input from Rob :)).

You do need a bass harmonica for a few numbers.

One or two numbers are specified for chromatic, but can be played on diatonic. 
The opening number for instance, specifies chromatic not for the sound of the 
chromatic, but because one or two notes lie easier on chromatic (it uses an E 
blues scale). I tried it on chromatic but in the end played diatonic and used 
either a Discrete Comb in second position or a valved diatonic in 5th position 
(it's been awhile).

Most of the show is perfectly playable with standard diatonic techniques - i.e., 
a good command of bending and second position playing. At no time whatsoever is 
an overblow required by the demands of the score.

That said, the score is full of frequent changes in time signature and in 
specified key of harmonica, again to keep it well within normal playing 
techniques. After playing the show for awhile, I found I could play longer 
stretches on just one harp without switching so much.

Winslow
 Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
Harmonica instructor, The Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance
Resident expert, bluesharmonica.com
Columnist, harmonicasessions.com




________________________________
From: Rob Paparozzi <Chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>; harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Mon, January 24, 2011 9:27:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Floyd Collins

Hi Michael,

I did the  original workshop recordings in NY yrs back, no OB's just Chromatic & 
Diatonic..cool show!.


Corrin Huddleston did the run when it hit the Theatre in NY, Winslow has played 
the show as well and I'm sure he'll help out...

Have a great run if it works out!

all the best,
Rob Paparozzi


----- Original Message ----- From: "michael rubin" 
<michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "harp-l" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 10:11 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Floyd Collins


> I've been invited to do Floyd Collins.  The musical director says it
> requires bass harp and chromatic harp.  I was under the impression it
> featured diatonic with overblows, which to the uneducated in our ways
> director must be chromatic, or how could they play those notes?
> Before I tell the director he is wrong, is there anyone who knows what
> is up?  Winslow, do I remember you have done this before?
> Thanks,
> Michael Rubin
> Michaelrubinharmonica.com
>