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From: Alan Adamson <71042.32~ompuServe.COM>
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 16:48:56 -0400
Subject: Master Class Workshop

I read Michael Will's post today with his comments on the recent Harmonica
Master Class Workshop in San Jose and it prompted me to add a few things.

This was my first big harmonica event and it was a powerful thing to be
around some great harp players for these two days. It kind of gives you a
sense of where you are, where you're going, and reassures you that the time
put into practicing and playing this small misunderstood instrument will
more than pay you back in the years ahead.

There was such a wealth of information at this event that to completely
describe what went on there would be impossible in this forum. But, here
are a few quotes and tidbits that I picked up and would like to pass along
to people listening on harp-l.


Mark Ford -

First big influence - Paul Butterfield

When I asked Mark about his great vibrato he held up his hand (with no
harp) and made a doo oo oo oo sound and said just do that with a harp for 8
hours a day. Wherever you are and whenever you ca,n just do it and you'll
get it.

Mark tongue blocks pretty much all the time for his tone.

"getting good harmonica tone is one of the hardest things you will ever
have to do"
- -Mark Ford


Andy Just -

When someone asked Andy if he soaked his harps in say Whiskey for example
it brought the house down. After the laughter stopped Andy said "well that
kind of takes care of itself naturally"


Gary Smith -

When asked about Marine Bands he said "I hate 'em" When asked if the
Marine Bands were better a long time ago when he started playing he said no
but they cost 2.25 so it was easier to deal with.

Apparently Gary has a love hate relationship with the Marine Band as he
plays them exclusivly and recommends them for the Chicago "Little Walter
Tone. Rod Piaza and Paul Delay also stick to the Marine Bands for the
diatonic harp of choice.


Mark Hummel - first time I have seen Mark Hummel and he is truly an amazing
harp player. If you get the chance don't miss him! Mark also tongue blocks
almost everything after switching from being a pucker player.


Paul DeLay -

Paul said song writing is so important. There's always another guy that
will come along and play better and faster than you. But if you got the
song then you got it all.


Rod Piazza -

The Rod Mic is cool. I don't know how much better it sounds but it's cool
enough to own one and I'm gonna get one soon.

When asked about harps... Rod said the best harp is a "free harp".


There were lots of memorable things during these two harp packed days. One
of the best that stands out in my mind is when I was re-packing my bag in
the Hilton lobby next to Mic'l Will who was playing blues on a grand piano.
There was no one else around at the time and I looked down to zip up my
pack... when I looked up at the Piano and Mic Will were sourounded by harp
players taking turns jamming with him and having a great time. That's what
it's all about for me... and Mic'l, way to go playing with DeLays band!
Sorry I couldn't have been there to see it.

Next year we hope to see more of you and plan to stay an extra night
because missing the last jam leaves you a little empty.


Alan Adamson
San Diego, CA