I'm not gonna be the one to come right up to his face and criticize his harmonica playing....
yippee kai yai, m@thaf@cker.
Actually, very good harp playing. He plays right where he is at - no show off, no fast licks, plenty of pauses between ideas, obviously well within his confident comfort zone.
Very similar to how I encourage my beginning students to play after 6 months of lessons. ---------- The Iceman
Last Edited by on Jun 24, 2012 11:17 AM
He made in record, in the 80´s I think, with Robben Ford, where he played really good harmonica on a couple of tracks. Singing kinda sucked, though. Then I heard him play on TV a few times during th 90´s -- not impressive at all. Here he sings with greater confidence, and the playing is completely OK. As Laurent says, great sound -- and of course that helps a bit --, but maybe he´s had time for some harmonica practice.
I think there is a great lesson here. He does not try to be a vocal or harmonica virtuoso. He keeps it simple, uses what he knows and doesn’t really screw anything up. He takes his rounds and he has fun…you see it in the smile.
He’s being backed by what I expect is a band of full time musicians and he lets them carry the heavy stuff…smart. He’s an actor and there he’s taken some big risks. That’s what he’s trained for and that’s where the risk reward ratio makes sense for him.
Nothing to add, guys. I found he was at ease, like he is in his movies. I don't know whether he's talented, but if yes, he doesn't overdo it and especially doesn't conceal his pleasure.
He obviously doesn't do it for the money. Maybe he is bound in his own nut shell and doesn't give a &@%^ about the critics opinions. Maybe he is like us and really enjoys playing the harp regardless of his skill level (I personally like it). Maybe he has the money, nerve, and resources to get on a stage with a good band and play just for the fun of it and the experience/rush. I have read lots of people put down his playing,I think they are being too hard on him because his harp skills are not on the same level as his acting skills. If he was an unknown, I think he would get better reviews. I look forward to reaching his skill level. Seems there are a lot of non-harp players that really like his music. You go Bruce! Keep doing what your doing and Screw the critics!!! You still got a lot of fans that like to hear you play!
