From: optim~esnet.com (Optimal Tool Design) Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 22:23:40 -0400 Subject: Another view of BHF
Ready for some more BHF posts? My wife and I went to BHF Friday night only, to sell my Gibson Skylark to the famous Joe Filisko. -Thanks Wade- Pulled into the parking lot and spotted a guy I was sure blew harp. Asked him if this was the place, he said yea, introduced himself as Adam Valleau and led us to Mr. Filisko. Joe promptly introduced us to Buzz Krantz and said he was the man. We then headed to a hotel room so Joe could try the amp. Along the way we met Paul Messinger who was carrying some kind of Stevie Wonder chromatic he wanted everyone to try.
In the hotel room were Richard Sleigh and Dennis Gruenling. Quick introductions, plug in the amp, plug in some old chrome mic, hand Dennis the Stevie Wonder chromatic and WOW ! BHF This was great. Never heard of Dennis Gruenling before, never heard anyone play blues chromatic better either. This kid may go places. Both Richard & Joe blew thru the amp and I kept my harps in my pocket where they belonged.
Later my wife and I went back down to where the planned BHF action was happening. People were playing all kinds of harps everywhere. Those foot and a half long chord harps were something else. The twisting and long movements required left us amazed. We walked into a room of mostly older folk playing old standards. The sounds were great! There must have been at least 30 people playing chromatics, chords and bass. I was surprised by the many women in the group, some taking the lead. I'm sure a recording of these sessions would be well received.
Steve Guyger and Rich Yescalis were next. Won't repeat the raves but I don't believe anyone mentioned that Steve played the harp both upside down and right side up.
The Blues jam was great fun. A few really stood out. Larry Eisenberg played so smoothly and effortlessly, the guy next to him had the best licks, I was told he is the owner of Harp Depot. Paul Messinger has a pretty, flowing sound. Sat right next to the former Mic'L, he enjoyed playing background, don't think many of the others could hear him. Couldn't persuade Dennis Gruenling to get out the chromatic during the jam. Some fellow Harp-Ler "BTN ?" , who sat right in front of us played some really sharp nasty licks and drew applause from the room. Most everyone sounded good but not knowing names, cannot give a rundown. After about the fifth go around I pulled a harp out of my pocket and gave it a try, seemed as if I played twice as loud as everyone else, oh well.
Did meet Doug Tate, Mike Easton, Renny Sance. Many other Harp-Ler's I wish we could have meet.
Perhaps a Harp-L dinner or gathering could be arranged for these Harp Festivals.
I always thought I lived in Harp wasteland here in western Ohio and come to find I'm just 90 miles from Harp Heaven.
Thanks Jack Ely, Katy Anderson and all you others.
Steve Grimm That 1 Dude
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