Re: [Harp-L] Distorted harmonica versus Clean harmonica sound question

[Cljdm@xxxxxxx]

Hi Randy,
 
There are plenty of examples of Blues being played by the artists you  
mentioned, without distortion. Butterfield would in the middle of a tune, heck  
in the middle of a solo, go to the PA mic and play "acoustically" on a 
number of  tunes. Seemed to work well for my ears.
 
Best of summer to ya,
Chris Mastakas
 
 
In a message dated 8/8/2012 10:53:20 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:

I feel  that distorted musical styles in blues fit because they fit the 
distorted life  style(s) that blues seem to stereotypically represent. The 
distortion puts you  on edge, alerts your self survival systems, gets you ready 
for 'fight or  flight', raises your blood pressure and in general gets you 
ready for a big  surprise or shock. Clean cut playing wouldn't fit. 

I would think that  distorted style wouldn't be apropos when playing to 
Mozart. 

smokey-joe  


On Aug 7, 2012, at 1:29 PM, Randy Singer wrote:

> I play  both amplifed distorted style AND clean harmonica style into a 
mike and  PA.
> 
> Of course, it seems much more fun to play blues, etc with  a distorted 
harmonica amped sound.
> 
> But here is my  question......
> 
> Some of the greatest blues solos are done with  the amped style.
> 
> I wonder if if some of the greatest amped  blues soloists like little 
walter, jason ricci, william clarke, etc, would  have played their signature 
songs as well if they played them without  distortion?
> 
> Anyone wish to chime in????
> 
> Do  YOU feel you can play hard core blues all night armed with only a 
mike? Isn't  that the true test of a legitimate blues harp player? Not to use 
effects or  distortion as "crutch".
> 
> best,
> 
> 
> randy  singer