Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Inappropriate harmonica [long]

[The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>]

in a strange way, I wouldn't be appalled if someone WHO CAN PLAY was gussing in the back of the club and sounded good - as long as it didn't bother the band up front playing loudly.


The Gus Stigma, to me, is more along the lines of the one that can not tell that he is playing in the wrong key....


Believe it or not, I saw this happen at a very early SPAH. This player (who is now deceased) was playing along with Charlie Musselwhite (on guitar) as a mini performance and was using a harmonica in the wrong key and, somehow, was not aware. Talk about the audience feeling embarrassed while listening. 


I've often wondered what is going on in the ear to brain connection of people like this. Can't they hear how bad it sounds?



-----Original Message-----
From: mike <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: fjm <bad_hat@xxxxxxxx>
Cc: harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wed, Nov 7, 2012 8:46 pm
Subject: Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Inappropriate harmonica [long]


Oh we all have the ability to misbehave ...especially in a Tavern after a few 
Rhums but...
It's a good idea to promote restraint as a group and encourage giving the " 
players " the respect 
We would all want.

Jam sessions and invites aside !  We all know the difference ....

Mike Wilbur


On Nov 7, 2012, at 7:23 PM, fjm <bad_hat@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

> On 11/7/12 9:31 AM, EGS1217@xxxxxxx wrote:
>> I'd put money on the best players never behaving this way. Those like
>> Charlie Musselwhite, Jason, Chris Michalek,
> 
> 
> Then pay up because you would be wrong.  The first time I met Mr. Michalek in 
person he was on his honeymoon and travelling.  We went out to a local club to 
listen to some music and to my horror Chris took out a harmonica and played 
along with the band.  Granted we were way in back and the band was loud but the 
young women next to us heard the playing and liked it.  When I say I was 
appalled let me be clear that the etiquette of gussing never once entered my 
mind.  It was about Chris attracting attention in my vicinity.  My preferred 
public mode of operation is invisibility.  fjm