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From: Anthony May
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 09:59:56 +1000 (EST)
Subject: Arranging for harmonica

This is a topic that I'm interested in but can get no joy from the
archives. Has anyone ever written a book, pamphlet or postcard about
arranging melodies for the harmonica? I know people like to play tunes in
the original key, so do I, but at times I get the urge to be adventurous
and work things out differently.

Example: for a long time I played 'Summertime' in A min, I got the dots
from a Steve Jennings book. Then I wanted it to have a different sound
(after I heard the Sidney Bechet version I think) so I started to play it
in Bmin. That was nice, far more draw notes and the tonality fitted the
tune better, in my opinion anyway. Then I added a chorus in Emin
(following another tip from a different Steve Jennings book, I think, by
leading off from the last note). Now I have have a version that that I'm
nearly happy with and that'll do me. I find that blues melodies in E often
sit nicely in D or F on the chromatic. But it would be nice to learn
something from those with more experience and ability. I know that
performers and professionals have constraints which make this type of thing
difficult at times(I read some of the xeroxing thread) but my only audience
is a 5 yr old and a dog and they don't get fed if they don't make the gig,
and like it.

So, any tips or sources on harmonica arrangements/arranging? The kid and
the dog feel I need all the help I can get.


Tony May
a.m~um.gu.edu.au
amay~otmail.com