Re: [Harp-L] Chugging and Choo-Choo Noises

[Mike Wilbur <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have to agree with Doug on this.
If a diatonic was specifically built for Train Sounds, I would take up the Trombone again.

I know Choo-Choo and Chugging has a important place in Music and certainly a historical significance in American Blues, Country and Blue Grass.
I respect that.

For myself.....I'll take the bus






Mike Wilbur


> On Oct 17, 2014, at 10:07 AM, Doug Schroer <dougharps@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Thanks for posting a very nice clip of chromatic harmonica playing Gershwin
> well.
> 
> You know, I have never heard anyone say that chromatic harmonica was "made
> for chugging and choo-choo noises."  It isn't.  It was designed to play
> music that the diatonic could not perform well.
> 
> Regarding Richter tuned diatonic harmonica (designed for chords), there is
> an historical tradition of playing "chugging and choo-choo noises" in a
> folk style that can demonstrate mastery of certain techniques, and that has
> been used to entertain many.
> 
> "Chugging" can also be used as part of rhythmic self accompaniment in
> blues.  I do not engage in train and fox chase renditions, as it is not my
> thing, but I respect the technique needed to perform this well.
> 
> Can't we appreciate a chromatic harmonica performance without a swipe at an
> old school diatonic technique?
> 
> I wish you had just posted the YouTube video without the "Chugging and
> Choo-Choo Noises" heading.