Re: [Harp-L] Why Musicians Hate Harp Players

[Mike Wilbur <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sadly !

Mike Wilbur



On Jun 17, 2013, at 10:30 PM, "Brad Hatfield" <BHatfield@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Here in Cincinnati, we recently had our annual Blues Challenge. Of the 22 bands, only 1 had a harp player.
> 
> Brad
> www.BradHatfieldBand.com
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg Jones" <greg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Harp-L" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 3:26 PM
> Subject: [Harp-L] Why Musicians Hate Harp Players
> 
> 
>> This is a great topic and one that is so much better than endless
>> discussion on combs.
>> 
>> Musicians dislike harp players because one extra body in a band takes away
>> from the cut essentially reducing by 20-25% the amount the other players
>> get in a 5-piece vs. a 4-piece.
>> 
>> The harp is a lead instrument which is a bit counter-intuitive because it
>> is a lead instrument that really shouldn't lead on every song and every
>> verse.  Also, harmonica players are notorious for playing over vocals. The
>> guitar players are guilty of the same infractions but they get a lot more
>> grace because they do serve a purpose when they are not playing a lead and
>> that's to help keep the rhythm. Plus a lot of them sing, too.
>> 
>> Sunglasses and a fedora can only take us so far.  As a general practice,
>> unless we can play endless creative licks like His Ricciness.. we should
>> probably play less and leave them asking for more..
>> 
>> Hats off though to Mr. Greg H. of Blows Me Away who I believe has served
>> the harp playing community well by providing good products that help us
>> monitor our sound which is another sticking point between us and the
>> musical community.
>> 
>> By no means a gigging expert here, but rather one whose felt the sting ...
>> 
>> *Greg Jones*
>> *16:23 Custom Harmonicas*
>> *(210) 445-6600*
>> 1623customharmonicas.com 
>