[Harp-L] Audience response

[Dennis Moriarty <yodennis@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

          I am lucky enough to work with many many singers on a weekly basis as a result of being hired by Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson some few years ago. Although the context I play for them (Nick has since passed) is supposed to be blues it always reaches into soul as a result of the type of audience that comes out to our weekly show.......... I find that the audience responds to me similar to the way they respond to the singer(s). Sustained notes excite but not at the exclusion of tone, soulfulness, and timing. With the exception of intoxicated patrons who listen more with their eyes I find people heartily respond when I emotionally connect with them. I'm nothing special relative to the sophisticated population on harp-l but people pay to hear me in this and other contexts. No one asks for their money back and although they may not always get out of their chairs they do snap their fingers, tap their feet, and really listen. And that is because (in my opinion) the harp can be a very emotionally resonating instrument and when played sparingly with a few earnest crescendoes even someone of my talent can get them up. My best. d
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