[Harp-L] Re : Inappropriate playing

[Andy Vincent <av1901@xxxxxxx>]

I was a Harp-L member way back in 1996 (ah, those days of Mike Curtis, Barry Schaede,  rockett, Chris Michalek, John Frazer, etc...) and my opinion hasn't changed on what BBB so eloquently and clearly coined (nown & verb) as Gus. 

Playing a harp in the audience while a paid performance by an individual, duo, or band is taking place is just not cool. It is even worse when the paid band includes a harp player. It is one reason that harp players are sometimes looked down on. Did I ever Gus? Yes, in my much younger years, I was guilty. I admit it. I feel bad about it, too. Have I Gussed in the last 30 years? No, I know better, and I worked hard to hone my skills in blues jams and in a band that works hard to book gigs. 

If you would like to sit in on harp at a paid gig, express that request on break and abide by the decision given by the band. Use common sense with who you ask (local bar band - ask, national act.... nope, don't do it). Don't ever be that guy (Gus) who plays along in the audience, no matter how quietly and unobtrusively you think you are doing it.

The beauty of the blues as an art form from a harp player perspective is that there are many opportunities to play harp at blues jams. In my area, on a Wednesday night, I can play in 3 blues jams within a 40 mile radius. There's a really high quality blues jam most non-weekend nights of the week. I can do Tuesday night at Warmdaddys and Sunday at the Twisted Tail, both in Philadelphia, as well. 

When I attend a paid performance, I want to see and hear who I paid to see and hear, not someone in the audience who happens to have a harp in his pocket and no shame. 

Andy Vincent

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