RE: [Harp-L] help with acompanying Piano

[Buck Worley <boogalloo@xxxxxxx>]

Drew,
Consider using a harmonica in TET intonation instead of JI because pianos are in TET intonation. Lee Oskar would be a good medium priced harp in TET.
The song key = G. At the beginning of your loop the first bar is a split bar G/C7 so that first G get 2 of the 4 counts in 4/4. The chords are G, C and D (with some 7th chords). Basic 1, 4, 5 and at the end, instead of the traditional turn to the D or 5 being resolved to the G or 1 chord, it stays in the G or 1. There's a couple of C9 chords in there following the D (I think). I just listened to it twice and played it on guitar then harp.
There are a couple of spots where you are hearing a funky timing or tempo thing. I think those spots are where there is a split bar and it sounds a little funky. You will just need to know when those quick chord changes are going to happen.
I think The Iceman was referring to the 3 hole single bend giving you a b3rd in the G or 1 chord. Definitely do that if you are using a C harp in 2nd position. Play some b7ths where it fits (2 hole double bend on the G or 1 chord / 2nd pos and 5 hole draw). As Ben said, a low F harp in 3rd position is certainly a good option especially on splits. Consider mixing it up; 2nd and 3rd positions.
Also, use "padding" (long notes or 3rd position splits as Iceman said). Select your spots carefully as to not step on the piano too much. Consider laying out on the 1st time around then bring in the harp (see last paragraph). Consider asking the pianist to play less on a verse so you can provide more lead. If the song dynamics build, that may be your time to throw in some soulful licks sort of a call and response thing. Ask him/her if he wants you to come in strong during the intro as well as the outro. If you feel good about what you are doing, ask for a solo or half a solo or an interlude in the arrangement. And most important, remember it's not a blues gig but a song to help folks enter into worship. Pray and play in that spirit.
I've done a lot of church music in the P&W band with pianist Dick Tunney as band leader. He is one of the best, has a Grammy and several Dove awards under his belt but for about 4 years we had no lead guitar making Dick and me the lead instruments and even with all his accomplishments he always lets me choose what songs I feel the harmonica fits and he is always very generous in allowing space for me to play. All that said to convey to you: don't hesitate to make suggestions about the arrangement. No room for pride or ego in church!Regards,Buck
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] help with acompanying Piano
> From: fitgo@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 23:44:20 +0200
> To: drew@xxxxxxxx
> CC: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> 
> The song is indeed in G , C harmonica 2nd position fits very well.
> F is also nice because you're in 3 rd position which is good because of the chords the piano player is using.
> If you want to play 3rd , use a low F ...
> 
> 
> Ben Bouman
> www.customharmonicashop.com
> www.harmonicainstituut.nl
> www.marble-amps.com
> 
> Op 15 okt 2013, om 23:19 heeft Drew MacFadyen het volgende geschreven:
> 
> > Thanks for the advice.  First, my ear training needs work…I told the
> > pianist that I wanted to play my C harp in 2nd position so he should be in
> > G.  I was attempting to play my C harp and ended up playing mostly
> > chords…in first position.  Thanks bujohn49 for suggesting the tune was in
> > fact in C and using my F – MUCH better.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Iceman – great advice.  I sort of found myself avoiding 3 draw in my
> > noodling.  Long single notes – I haven’t quite figured out the timing/tempo
> > so I ended up playing a couple of split octaves and sort of mimicking the
> > beat of the piano – I will try more slow single note stuff tonight (lots
> > more practice needed).  I feel a bit better (now that I am in the right
> > key, I think) and am going to go practice with the pianist tomorrow.  I’ve
> > mapped out a couple of riffs that I think work.  I will upload what I work
> > out with the pianist tomorrow for any additional suggestions.  This harp-L
> > community is awesome.  THANKS!!!!
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Regards,
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > *Drew MacFadyen*
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > *From:* The Iceman [mailto:icemanle@xxxxxxx]
> > *Sent:* Tuesday, October 15, 2013 5:02 PM
> > *To:* drew@xxxxxxxx; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> > *Subject:* Re: [Harp-L] help with acompanying Piano
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > don't think of it as you accompanying the piano, but the piano accompanying
> > you.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Try to imagine that you are playing a blues melody...long tones, simple
> > single notes. Keep in mind that the piano has a gospel minor third sound to
> > the I chord as he plays it, so be mindful to not play three hole inhale,
> > but choose three hole inhale first bend...a la blues scale on the harmonica
> > in 2nd position.
> 
>