Bart Walker was in town a few weeks ago. He heard me play thru a vocal mic and asked if I had my own harp gear (no pun intended). He is playing a big venue in east TN this weekend and invited me to join him for a set.
After watching some of his stuff on YT I am just blown away. This guy is the real deal. I hope I can at least do pretty well. I'll give it my all.
What really is mind boggling is that I'll be jamming with Reece Wynans. For those that do not know Reece, he was key boardist with SRV the last few years of Stevie's life.
SRV is my favorite artist of all time. I could ask Reece a million questions but I will try to contain myself.
Any of you guys know Reece? Bart is a helluva nice guy.
I've got my own little band and have sat in with a few more, but this is different. Any advice on what I should or shouldn't do and how to carry myself would be greatly appreciated. I'm already putting a two beer limit on myself and that is only if the band sips a drink as well. Damn, hope I can sleep the next couple of nights!
The only advice I have is to do what comes naturally, be humble, and play your ass off. Reese is an awesome musician. If there's one sound I like almost as much as an overdriven harp it's a B3. I'm jealous. Have fun!
Good luck. Must say that I'd be feeling pretty motivated too. Lot's of tasteful space in that clip. Backing that I'd really hold out for the right notes at the right time (always?) and remember to use space & dynamics. Let us know how it goes.
My 0,005 cents: if they keep the same places on stage, you'll be in the center. And I suppose they'll make room for you to perform one or two solos -pain to imagine that you could make an accompaniment. So, I think this will allow you to sleep enough this last couple of nights. I wish you success!
Don't waste time worrying. If they have a CD. Get it and figure out the keys to all the songs. Try to jam along and find fills that work. This will get you use to the tempo of what they do (unless they play different live). Anyway By doing this you will have peace of mind because you know you did what you could! You'll be perpared! When it's your turn to solo LET IT RIP! Play with meaning, direction and enthusiasm! Have fun and be entertaining!
I'd be scared to take that gig! You must've impressed the hell out of the guy.
I have to say, if you can turn the head of a guy who plays like this and has a band like this, you don't need any advice here. Just play your ass off!
Bart's Strat looks like mine and Reece Wynans? I'm just switching to playing keys after a ten year lay off. He'd feel like a cornered virgin if I had the chance to collar him!
Kudos! Do well! I'm rooting for ya!
P.S. Vids or it ain't true.... Ha!
Edit: I mistakenly called Bart 'Reece'. I'd had a couple glasses of wine. Ha!
Last Edited by on Sep 06, 2012 2:25 AM
Thanks guys for some kind words and great advice. I really do appreciate it. I was playing within myself the night he heard me. Simple and in control ...with emotion and big tone. You guys have preached it. Maybe I'm finally starting to listen.
Great opportunity,definately a cloud nine flight,and some great advice.I like the doing your homework to prepare post by chromatic.Two cents try a nice powerful third position solo on at least one number big tone/right notes,that is in your wheelhouse.Then surprise them with some tasty high low licks,a few go a long way.Pretty over the top,badass underneath.Easy for me to say,good luck you will do us proud,but don't overthink it.Those cats going to set you up pretty.
Last Edited by on Sep 05, 2012 9:15 PM
i agree with the "humble" comments. when i play with someone new, i focus on simple, tasteful and spare. you make a big impression that way, since harp players in general get a bad rap for being over the top. if they want you to step up more, they'll let you know, but if you overwhelm they typically won't comment, but also won't invite you back.
plus, when you do get the nod, you can go all out and it makes a bigger impact.
but hey, these guys asked you to play. why do you care what i think?
I care what all you guys think garry. If i didn't I would not have asked so many questions here. Everyone does not always agree on everything, but getting many views does help create a more broad, real world perspective.... no matter what the topic!
