DATE: Fri, 02 Sep 1994 00:29:42 CDT From: Wolf~ol.com Subject: Fwd: Intro. from new member
--------------------- Forwarded message: Subj: Intro. from new member From: WolfSA
I think I've died and gone to Harmonica Heaven!!
I just found out about this group and subscibed yeaterday. I am very pleased with the immensely full mailbox today, and with all I've read. It is very gratifying to find such a large group of Harp Lovers. If you all don't mind, I'd like to introduce myself and add some comments and a question.
I am a harp player in San Antonio, Tx. I've played for the last 7 years and have gained a decent reputation among our small, but dedicated music culture here. I play mostly blues, but work well with folk, country, jazz and other styles. We don't have many harp players here, at least not professionals. Though there are many harp lovers in town that try their best, and are slowly learning. I hope to gain a lot of knowledge from this list, since I'm no Little Walter myself and have a long way to go.
Re: The subject of rude players. I've read the many comments on this subject and have some thoughts since this has been an important area to me. One of the problems with playing harp in this area for many years has been that most of the bands became "harp-shy" from having to put up with many disrespectful players, who tried to get attention by playing loudly and obnoxiously in the back (or the front for that matter) of the clubs. It took a long time and a lot of good contacts for me to be able to sit in and then perform regularly with the many bands and musicians I now call friends. I try to encourage new players when I can, but I've taken time to develop a good reputation. So, when I here or notice someone (usually drunk) wailing away in the back while a band is trying to perform, I feel it necessary to set that person straight and get them to use a little respect and etiquette. Maybe this problem is particular to Americans, but I've noticed way too many rude harp players who really need to sit back and not try to force themselves on a band. Fortunately, in the past couple years, our many open jams and forums have been better organized and the harp players have been given the proper times to take there turns, and respect is the order of the day. The several harp players that do show up are now doing their own sort of policing in order to upgrade the reputation of the harmonica in this town.
It is just as important for a player to learn when to play and when not to play, while up with the band. Again, many musicians have been quite pissed off over the novice harp player that gets up and plays from measure one without stopping thereby destroying the dynamics of the group. Myself, and others are trying to educate players that the harp has it's place in the song, and not full-tilt-bozo from start to finish. So, this issue is of concern to me, so the more we educate our fellow harp players the better.
Re:chromatics
Though I've gone on, I do have one question: I'm mainly a diatonic player, but have had some chromatic experience. I played an old Chromonica64 until it went belly-up, and have not played for awhile. I'm looking to get a chromatic again, but want one available in most keys and has the capability to bend notes somewhat. I'd prefer one with at least 3 octives. Any Suggestions? Your responses can be sent to me directly to the address below, if you don't want to tie up this list.
Thanks for hearing me out and am looking forward to a long relationship with this group!!
