[Harp-L] Robert Riffing

["Robert Laughlin" <harmonicaman1968@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Trying to "standardize the nomenclature" is a legitimate, though frustrating pursuit, in terms of the harmonica, since harmonica players of great reputation have, from long ago, found new ways to develop, or augment the simple, "natural" tones of the harmonica by the use, the discovery of various "tricks", using varying embouchures or holding methods, "bendings", etc., besides types of microphones and various means of amplification.

The harmonica has indeed become an instrument by means of which people often "expect" suprises, "out-of-the-box" quantum leaps of talent, diverging from the more "standard" uses historically, to find, invent, discover so many variations on the "normal" harmonica tones.

Either that, or it's just a toy for children, or geezer gatherings in permanent press.

The press for standardization is useful, especially in the context of teaching harmonica skills, but evasive, as well. Is there a world-wide "international board of harmonica", to determine standards? I think harp-l, or SPAH may be a close as it comes, though I'm entirely unaware.

Things get boring if we only learn to expect "the usual", however refreshing a talented, skillful harp player may be, having a repeatable, recognizable style of his/her own. Variety is the spice of life, as they say.

Some skills are indeed teachable. Most skills, I would say. Others, you develop on your own, and you might even be so lucky as to develop a "signature" style, as so many of the "great" players have, whom we  often strive to emulate.

But the basic skills are teachable/repeatable, thankfully. (Though I'm certain that most harp players have had those "Wow. What was THAT?" moments, even while playing alone). There's always room for fresh discovery, regarding technique. In fact, it would seem necessary for each player to develop his/her own style, based on things like mouth shape, hand size, etc..

Robert's speech-o-the-day-o-matic

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