Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica players playing percussion

[Gary Mulholland <g.e.mulholland@xxxxxxxxx>]

I play harp in an Irish band and youre right in saying there are times when
a song does not need harp, I also play the bodhran ( Irish drum ). Its
definitely beneficial have another instrument up your sleeve if youre in a
gigging band. I would say I play 60% harp, 40% bodhran at most of our gigs.
I`m also the member of the band who took the time to learn the mixing desk
inside out so I`m also the sound guy for the band and that really does have
benefits when youre a harp player :-)

Gary


On Sun, Jun 23, 2013 at 5:25 PM, Michelle LeFree <
mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Dan Thomas wrote:
>
>  Several folks have mentioned the importance of leaning to play a
>> percussion instrument .  Been thinking of learning to play the "bones". Any
>> players out there play them with harmonica and have any thoughts?  Other
>> percussive instruments that would fit into a bluegrass, country or folk
>> setting? Thank You
>> Dan
>>
>
> Love dem bones! I play bones and harmonica, but so far not at the same
> time. This horse might be too old to learn that trick.
>
> However...
>
> Giving the harps a rest and contributing some rhythm can be welcomed by
> the rest of the band or jam circle. Harps don't ~always~ belong in the mix
> and it's very handy to have a back-up instrument. Also, since I play a lot
> in acoustic jam settings, contributing a little rhythm is always
> appreciated. I'm usually armed with a set of tuned jaw harps, an antique
> washboard, an acoustic stomp box, a tambourine, some brush drum sticks, a
> couple shaker eggs, and so on for the same reason. Bones don't belong in
> every song either.
>
> BTW, if you aren't already hip to them, all bones players should be aware
> of bonedrymusic.com <http://www.bonedrymusic.com/**default.asp<http://www.bonedrymusic.com/default.asp>>and
> rhythmbones.com <http://www.rhythmbones.com/>
>
> Michelle
>
>
>