From: CWILLIAM%gw2m~gmsmtp.samhsa.gov Date: 18 Jan 96 17:35:19 EST Subject: Re: Blues Drumming and First Position
Well, I am back catching up on about a months's worth of harp-l digests after a long govt furlough and then the Blizzard of 96 here in Maryland plus new E-mail software (GroupWise). Enjoyed the Paul Delay chromatic exchange between Mike and John and as always Doug Ts witty comments. Hugh and Chris, thanks a lot for keeping this list going-open or closed.
Re: blues drumming - I find that no matter what kind of amplified music I play the most important other musician for me is the drummer. I tell drummers this. Basically I want a drummer who can follow me, keep everyone together, and who I don't notice or when I do I am very pleased with the dynamics and fills. For me jazz drummers are usually the best technically but country drummers can keep it simple and steady and blues drummers can do a lot with a small drum kit. What I really dislike is a burnt out drummer who just can't stay on the beat, speeds up and slows down and can't play different rhythms, IE, shuffles, swing, boogie, mambo, cha cha, Reggie, rock, etc. I have run into this a fair amount at jams.
When I go back and listen to recordings by Toots who sometimes uses a metronome, Little Walter who often did not use a bass player, Charlie McCoy's country arrangements and even Magic Dick's version of Whammer Jammer - the drumming always stands out to me as a complimentary and essential part of what the harmonica is playing.
Re: First Position - Winslow was on target about the middle notes of the "harp" not being used as much in blues in first position. For melodic playing of course this is an essential and only complete scale without bending or over blowing. However for blues I find that practicing an 8 bar blues song such as Key to the Highway will let you use the entire the 10 holes including the middle notes in many variations. Also the old chestnut of Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White lets one use the complete range of the 10 holes. Kim Wilson's version of this is prime example. I like to play it on a low F harp and also in the Key of F on the Chromatic (Harmonicats version) as opposed to Kim's version in A. If my memory serves me correctly I think Ric Estrin does a fine 1st position live blues on the live Little Charlie and the Nightcats album and uses more than the low and high end of the harp. Finally I find the 6 hole overblow very useful in 1st position blues-like the 3 draw bend it gives you a nice Bb on a C harp.
Glad to back. Charlie Williams, Clarksville, Maryland My new and shorter E-mail address is cwilli~amhsa.gov
PS - My wife gave me a custom made all brass Joe Filisko harmonica for Christmas - key of C. If folks want I would be glad to give a product review.
