[Harp-L] Chromatic vs diatonic--Norman's story, continued

["Norman Vickers" <nvickers1@xxxxxxx>]

Dear Grant:  Thanks for your note.  I glad it resonated with some.
I went to a leather shop and had them make a holster for my belt.  Since
1979, I think I have worn out about three.
Maybe my current one will last and I and it will wear out about the same
time. (smile)

One of my exercises when I'm on a long drive by myself is to play Star
Spangled Banner in all 12 keys.  Playing with jazz people gives one chance
to play up to five flats as horns and reeds love the keys with multiple
flats.

I haven't done it myself, as I've been blessed with tolerant musical
companions, but the "play along" CDs which Jamie Aebersold sells ( he's
on-line and will also mail you a catalog) is another option.  There are
other play along albums but I think Aebersold has the largest selection.

Robert Bonfiglio, a Harp-L listmate, and longtime student of Cham Ber Huang
has some workshops from time-to-time.  This, in my mind, would be a
wonderful inspirational experience.  Likely everyone on the list knows that
Bonfiglio has an  career performing  the Villa Lobos Concerto for Chromatic
Harmonica with symphony orchestras the world over.

On other point, regarding always having harmonica readily available.
Frequently on meeting people, I will be told, 
" I play harmonica, too."  My reply, " Show me your harmonica.  A REAL
harmonica player always has at least one on his person."  Once, some years
ago, I had hired a slightly demented lady piano player for a little party at
my home.  One driving her home about midnight, it seems she'd locked herself
out of the house. We had to call the locksmith to get her back in.  In
conversation it came out that she was a pianist and I a serious amateur
harmonicist.  He replied that he, too, was a harmonica player.  I gave my
standard reply, to which he responded:
" Does it count if it's in the truck?"  Indeed it did.  So the two of us (
both stone-cold sober) ended up playing some harmonica duets outside his
lock-mobile in the dim overhead light of the truck.  A memorable moment for
both!
Thanks for listening.

Norman Vickers
Jazz Society of Pensacola,
www.jazzpensacola.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Grant Walters [mailto:grant@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Monday, September 02, 2013 6:32 PM
To: Norman Vickers
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Chromatic vs diatonic--Norman's story

thanks Norman.

I really appreciate that.
I've played paying gigs for years on the diatonic in a band with a close
friend.
The other night ( off the clock) he heard me play my CBH and loved the
sound.What is that!
he had never heard me play it and I confessed I was only able to play in
certain keys with any fluidity . At that moment he wanted to hear this on
stage.loved it. we both decided I needed more keys.( natural idea).and maybe
a lazy approach.
I feel  you are right sir.I should just learn the scales and runs so I am
not handcuffed like I have been for the past  few decades.with a couple of
keys. I will force myself to learn it the "correct".way.
on the Chrom.

I had never considered a holster.yeah .a holster...
If it were easier to have it ready when the mood hits.I would be so much
better by now. Your story has inspired me.to keep it by my side..or on my
side.you know what I mean. It has to be available.not in some drawer.

Obviously, my success on the diatonic sprung from it fitting in my pocket.
Your story inspires me.must have a holster around here some where.

Grant Walters

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