[Harp-L] What do YOU do?

[Michael Peloquin]

Brian,
I loved what the harmonica added to the song, your tone and ideas and the blend they achieved in the mix. I could have used about 30% less of the riffs/answers in certain parts of the song.
The problem is usually the other way; they use us too sparingly or bury us in the mix. Either way, it is out of our control — unless it is our project.

Keep on playing great stuff—



Michael Peloquin

Check out my DVD sets: Pro Harmonica/Pro Saxophone Secrets Made Simple<http://harpsax.com/>  http://harpsax.com<http://harpsax.com/>



________________________________
From: Harp-L <harp-l-bounces at xxxxx> on behalf of brian stear <brianstear at xxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 6:31 PM
To: Harp L. Harp L. <harp-l at xxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] What do YOU do?

Here's what I perceive as not a good example of harmonica in a song:
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DbvjxPVEaSNU%26feature%3Dshare%26fbclid%3DIwAR0MhoRqMfpr-aEub_cvMtL-6yt57ExZ6ulZCO4m4Ull2lxz_V2S4jD7G9o&data=04%7C01%7C%7C7105fe8a7a904aef1e8808d885e9e5f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637406586926765896%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=CkdWJjMEGoUs8e12%2FRy9lhdp46pCrJRWmx0LLtwwN5Q%3D&reserved=0

Seems like too many licks are everywhere, some when the voice is singing, some too loud. For me, it distracts from the song at times. The artist said he wanted me to be happy with the end result, so I presented a version with a lot less harmonica ( my idea  ). He prefered his idea, which was for me to play a lick at almost every space.. To be fair, he did pay me for my services. After he made his choice, I let it go. But when I listen to it, it bothers me.So, my question is;  Since I was hired to produce a product, then it's the customers to do with as they wish? Should I be grateful that the harmonica gets featured, whether or not I think it's a good example? Is it like baseball, you don't always hit a home run, but just keep swinging?  Obviously, if I was a high level player, I assume I'd have more artistic control. But at what point would YOU guys just let it go and say, well, that's what they want?    I know a bunch of you have way more studio and recording experience. That's why I'm asking. Disclaimer: The artist is very satisfied, and has me on tap to do something else in the future.
Thanks for any and all insights!
Brian