Re: [Harp-L] Parking for the Blues Blow-Off Tuesday, August 13/ Now SPAH update

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

That's ok, Mike. Maybe next time. ;)
 
Yeah....it was SUCH a big (and packed) SPAH....so MANY people and I  
honestly didn't touch base with my closest friends all that much. That's  the only 
'flaw' in having such a huge number of people in attendance--it's  
difficult to get to spend time with all of those you wish to...not only so many  
harps, but so many people--so little time. ;)
 
 
BUT: I have to add that I was most pleasantly surprised by just how great a 
 guitarist Gary is (he accompanied Brendan onstage!) He insisted on us 
jamming  together although I'm not that used to one-on-one live playing usually  
practicing to my Ipod/CD's, or playing in a far bigger group at SPAH or at 
my  former club. He said he was forcing me out of my comfort zone and it 
worked! We  played some Simon and Garfunkel tunes which sounded pretty good, 
thanks to  him.
 
 
Just a couple of years ago I couldn't play at all like this so it's a big  
step by my reckoning, and I appreciate it. (Ta much, Gary). I really enjoyed 
 meeting you at SPAH--and you kept me in stitches that day--you're a very 
funny  guy.
 
 
The reason I love spending time at the Sardo Brothers play-along too  is 
because I have NO ONE to play harmonica with where I live and the relative  
anonymity--they're super nice and talented guys who can play in other keys  
but make a point of sticking to C for the typical lobby group play at SPAH 
which  welcomes newbies and those who enjoy playing Key of C chromatics. It 
also allows  for a wee bit of improv here and there for those who do know the 
songs. They  have a huge repertoire but keep their SPAH play to what their 
audience wants.  They also welcomed me into their fold and missed me when I 
skipped a couple  of sessions. Now that's kind. 
 
 
With Gary I got to play my A chrom and he figured out how I do what I do on 
 other keyed chromatics (it's been a matter of discussion on 
Slidemeister--how  some can make the mental switch from one chromatic to another without 
having to  'think' about the key changes). Pretty cool.
 
 
Also totally cool to finally get my two long-awaited Jimmy Gordon harps  
from the brilliant customizer and my sweet friend Jimmy Gordon who looked 
GREAT,  since he's been fighting his illness for some time. I remembered too 
late that I  was supposed to ask him to bring his CD along too since I want an 
autographed  copy. Sigh. But I now have Jimmy Gordon harps!! Wow!
 
 
Spent time with our very sweet French ami Patrice Rayon. Although he speaks 
 heavily accented English, my rudimentary French helped me understand the 
more  complicated points and we managed to communicate well enough. He 
brought some  gorgeous Brodur custom harps and a white Starwars looking Yonberg  
prototype I felt would be perfect for MadCat who played it--it sounded  
amazing and is just offbeat enough to be perfect for his act.
 
My looooong conversation with Robert Koch (Robair if you're nasty, a/la  
Jason) into the wee hours of the morning caught us up on each other's lives.  
We'd communicated online prior to Dallas but I'd had to cancel then. A most  
interesting man who was responsible for bringing the 'French contingent' to 
SPAH  this year (Michel Herblin, etc.) I have a brief vid on my Ipad of 
Robert  accompanying Brendan playing Brendan's own all-draw for Chinese music 
chromatic.  The music is exquisite and Brendan truly is THE most innovative 
and creative  human I've been privileged to meet and hear at several SPAHs.
 
More later from this best SPAH ever.
 
Elizabeth
 
"Miss u too Gary....so many harps....so little time"

Mike Wilbur



On Aug 20, 2013, at 11:43 AM,  gnarlyheman@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

> 
> 
> On Aug 20, 2013, at  7:17 AM, Mike Wilbur <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
>>  "Geez Sorry Elizabeth 
>> I really wanted to catch up with  you."
>> 
>> Mike Wilbur
> 
> "I am sure glad I  did!
> Scotty and I got to jam, and also her help was invaluable when I  was 
trying to help run sound at the jazz jam in the lobby on Friday  night.
> Slim Heilpern also aided me immensely.
> Hey Mike, did we  connect?"
 Gary