Re: [Harp-L] playing other instruments at gig

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

I`m the harp player in an Irish band, its my main instrument but I play a
lot of bodhran as well. Its a nice choice of instruments because more often
than not songs that dont lend themselves well to harmonica usually sound
great on bodhran. I`m also singing more these days and find it a wee bit
easier playing bodhran and singing than I do harp and singing !! :-)

Gary


On Wed, Apr 2, 2014 at 5:39 PM, Michelle LeFree <
mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Do I play other instruments at gigs?
>
> Yes, I do love to rattle dem ole rhythm bones and have a variety of
> hand-held percussion instruments that I use to contribute to the rhythm
> section (which is often absent in the acoustic settings that I prefer
> Harmonica is not always appropriate, plus I play a lot at open mics and
> jams where there may well be more than one harmonica player.
>
> Not many people even know what rhythm bones are, let alone have seen them
> played. Plus, I make my own bones out of bleached-out ox ribs. They are
> pretty to look at (to me anyway) and make unique sounds. Great conversation
> pieces. People are easily fascinated when I rattle them with one hand and
> when I whip another pair out and play with two hands I see a lot of smiles.
> But bones are ~really~ inappropriate to annoying in certain tunes, so
> knowing when to lay off becomes a necessity. That's when the tambourine,
> jaw harp, eggs, etc. come in handy, again carefully choosing the
> appropriate time to whip them out.
>
> But... Even when the harmonica is the wrong apparent choice, at least in a
> melodic setting in a solo or accompanying role, playing some tasteful
> rhythm harp can evoke lots of smiles both in the crowd and on the stage.
> Learning to percussively and rhythmically attack those beautiful chords ala
> one of my harp heroes, Paul Davies-style, has come in very handy for me.
> Even harp players are surprised when they hear that and few can keep up if
> they aren't afraid to try. (Thanks, Paul!)
>
> At least that's the way I see it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Michelle
>
>
>