Re: [Harp-L] Tips for Playing Harp in a Blues Band!!!

[jeffrey baker <acornfr@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ditto !


On Jun 18, 2013, at 11:33 AM, Jeremy Bustillos <jbustillos@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Tips for playing Harmonica in a Blues Band!
> 
> 
> 1.  Start off by playing in the RIGHT KEY. (unless you can play in multiple
> positions or modes)
> 
> I can't tell you how many times harp players show up to a Jam I host with 1
> or 2 harps but continue to play along with the band because one or two
> notes on a C harp match notes when the band is playing in G.  I bring 22
> harps to gigs I'm hired to play. You never know what the bands are going to
> pull up or if the guitar player is tuning down to Eb because he's having
> vocal problems.
> 
> 
> 2.  Figure out who is going to play the fills!  This is the simplest thing
> to do with the guitarist or pianist before the song starts. Sometimes you
> have to figure it out on the fly but that would require you to LISTEN!!!
> It's perfectly ok to shake or play the turnarounds during this time but
> nothing more.
> 
> 
> 3.  Stand off to the side until your solo.  The stage area is very
> territorial.  When it's your turn to shine move towards the center and show
> 'em what you got…when you're done…go back to the side=Sideman!
> 
> 
> 4.  Nerves get the best of us, especially when you are playing with Name
> guys or musicians that are more experienced…..Don't blow your wad on the
> first chorus!!!!! Start off soft and build your solo…best trick in the
> world when dealing with loud guitarists and drummers…PLAY SOFTER….If they
> are decent musicians, they SHOULD come down in volume to try to hear you.
> It's ok to turn around and signal the drummer to lower the volume.  FYI,
> the Drummer controls the volume on the stage!
> 
> 
> 5.  If the guitarist or pianist are playing a repetitive line that you can
> pick up, play along with them!!
> 
> This work well with horn players as well!
> 
> 
> 6.  Figure out what you're going to do when you're NOT playing.  This why
> standing off to the side is key. If you're self-conscious about how you
> look on stage…side staging is a must!
> 
> 
> 7.  FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS MINOR BLUES, play the MINOR
> THIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   How many times have I heard  Harp Players ply the
> major third over MINOR BLUES!!!!!!  If you can't bend the major third
> down,  work on it or ry playing in 3rd position!!!!  Musicians notice
> little things like this!!!!
> 
> 
> This is not a definitive list and you guys probably have more to offer.  If
> you want to change the stigma of the Fedora/Sunglasses Harp player, I think
> this list is a good start!!!!
> 
> 
> JB