Re: [Harp-L] Some observations on 12th position on the diatonic

[tacopescado@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I really enjoyed that though it seems that one can be just as  
expressive on that song in cross harp. It lays out perfect in G on a C  
harmonica. Why did you choose 12th position?

I believe that many years ago I wrote on harp-l, to your chagrin, that  
some of the best harmonica playing I've ever heard was Mad Cat with  
"Sky King" and "Brubeck and Sons." Studying those records along with  
Norton Buffalo's first two LP's helped me fluidly scale the harmonica  
from holes one through ten. I may not have groked that without the  
help of those LP's. As most of you know the harmonica changes between  
holes 6 & 7 and it becomes a different instrument on the high end.  
Madcat and Norton illuminated me on that.

In 1976 I saw an awesome San Diego PBS show of Brubeck & Sons with  
Madcat, and when Dave introduced the band he said, "they're jazz  
musicians trying to make a living playing funk rock 'n' roll in a band  
called Sky King." Correct me if I'm wrong Madcat, it's been awhile.  
The next day I went to Tower Records and they had one copy of Sky King  
in the back room and I bought it. Only copy I've ever seen. It's one  
of the best records and some of the best harmonica I've ever heard.  
Once, in 1975 when I was rookie harmonica player, a guy came down the  
Mission Beach boardwalk in San Diego, heard me attempt to play and  
asked to play my harmonica. He then proceeded to riff from hole one  
through ten over a 12-bar groove. To this day, I still believe it was  
Madcat though I have no proof.

I still believe that Little Walter was the best ever and wrote the  
book like Hendrix did on guitar but Madcat and Norton amongst others  
helped pave the way.

TP

On Jan 28, 2012, at 4:05 PM, Peter Madcat Ruth wrote:

> Here is a link to a YouTube Video of me playing a song in 12th  
> position:
>
> Madcat - Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1UyPh3Z3LI
>
> The song is in the key of G.  I played it on a D harp (12th position).
>
>
> Peter Madcat Ruth
> Musician - Grammy Award Winner
> madcat@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> www.madcatmusic.net
> www.youtube.com/user/petermadcatruth