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

[Maurice Nazzaro <mauricenazz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The harmonica is an easy instrument to play but its hard to play well. I think far too many harmonica owners fancy themselves as players. I have been a working harmonica player for years and host a weekly jam and I see it all the time. The harmonica is an instrument and should be treated as such by learning how to play it. 

Maurice Nazzaro
Sent from my iPhone



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
>