Re: [Harp-L] Tribute to Robert Johnson

[The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>]

Curtis is the man. He purposefully plays down his harmonica skills to showcase his amazing vocal ability. However, when he turns up the heat on harp, he is a force of nature.





-----Original Message-----
From: pdxharpdog <pdxharpdog@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: List harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Mon, May 9, 2011 5:33 am
Subject: [Harp-L] Tribute to Robert Johnson


This past Saturday night, my band was asked to play in a tribute show honoring 
Rob't. Johnson's 100th birthday. We worked out an arrangement of two of his 
small but important catalog of songs and were well rehearsed. We were on stage 
for about 15 minutes and we did ourselves proud. There were 10 performers/bands 
on the bill including NW guitar legends Terry Robb, Mary Flowers, Baby Gramps 
and Joe McMurrian, who put the show on and leads the band called Woodbrain that 
my harp pro friend David Lipkind is in. All gave amazing interpretations of RJ 
tunes and everyone had a blast. 

Headlining the show was the incomparable Curtis Salgado who played two sets and 
flat tore it up on acoustic and amplified harp. I was just off stage listening 
to his very powerful acoustic harp set performance and got to talk to Curtis 
after his set. I knew he was one of the best blues singers around, and a great 
player, but wow, I had no idea just how great a player he is. Some of the most 
creative runs I've ever heard and tone to die for. Curtis live is an amazing 
experience. And he's a very nice guy, approachable and respectful of all 
musicians. You can learn a lot about performing from watching him on stage. 

Thanks for the lesson Curtis! 

Ross Macdonald 
www.sassparillapdx.com