Four years ago a friend of mine asked me to help him get started on harp. He loves blues and the harmonica especially.
We hooked up about three times and then he kind of disappeared and wasn't interested in getting together.
A year or so later, about the time I started my band, he went public that he was fighting ALS.
He started coming to shows and as time went by I could tell that his disease was advancing quickly. He is at the point now of wheelchair bound with one arm useless and the other a short range of motion. His breathing and throat muscles are starting to be affected.
He called me to his house the other day to ask me to play Amazing Grace at his funeral. I could respond in no other way than "it would be my honor".
I really want to do this for him. I'm a very emotional person so my worry is holding it together. Maybe it shouldn't even be a worry.
Yeah, I play memorial services--and singing at one can be tough if you are affected by the circumstances, but I bet you can get thru a tune on harmonica. Amazing Grace is a good call, we are much more suave than pipers at this sort of get together, wonder why they get the call instead of us? Probably don't even think of harmonica players . . . Remember that you are playing for the living and helping them get thru the pain, death comes to everyone but while we are here, we can be kind to one another.
Last Edited by Gnarly on Mar 23, 2015 9:09 AM
Yes, I played Amazing Grace at a friend's service (at her request). I played Jon Gindick's version in 12th position on a G harp. It went very well, and I'm very glad that I did it.
Did you just play one verse? I currently play it in fist position top octave, slow and sweet, and then go to a bluesy version in 2nd position on the first few holes. I will look at 12th. ---------- www.facebook.com/catfishfryeband
The tune is pure major pentatonic scale, so can be played easily in a number of positions. I like it in 2nd pos., personally, because of the expressive possibilities in the lowest octave. As for how to play it, I'd say play it the way you can play it most expressively. Nothing wrong with making it a bit bluesy in places. ----------
John I was uncertain about bluesy as well, but he reminded me that I played a 2nd position blues version for him a few years back. I'll give him what he wants.
Did you build the song with all 3 verses in 12th? I was thinking maybe using an "A" harp. Start in 1st up high, go to 12th in the middle, and end it with blues in 2nd down low. ---------- www.facebook.com/catfishfryeband
I have no doubt that you all are better players than I am, but I had a couple of things in mind:
1. I wanted to keep it simple so I wouldn't screw it up. 2. The song is so well know and powerful that I thought it sounded best in a simple 12th position, and I played all three verses that way. 3. It wasn't about me or my playing. It was all about paying tribute to my friend.
Anyway, it worked out fine. Whatever you do will be great, I'm sure.
you say right in your opening paragraph"he loves blues," go ahead and play the bluesy version.
i don't think you should worry about holding it together or not. it is one situation wherein it is perfectly acceptable to show any amount of emotion that you feel.
i wish you all the strength you deserve,good luck. ---------- www.shakeylee.com
I tell ya. I just practiced the song. Emotions will be there, but I am determined to do it.
I just figured it out in 12 position in the middle of the harp. You can play the whole thing with no bends.
So...I'll start out slow and sweet, with a verse in first position. Top end of harp.....Then play in 12th with a slow Scottish feel or even waltzy.....He said he wants low down gutsy blues so that's for sure in cross for the last verse.
I did a nice acoustic version in the church for Vicki's moms' funeral 8 years ago, played with the melody as the most important without too much ornamentation.
Mine was 2nd position.
Church acoustics are usually wonderful.
The song is a good one for what you have in mind,Harpdude. ---------- The Iceman
Last Edited by The Iceman on Mar 23, 2015 4:43 PM
Yes sir, I have, to a man who was truly my brother in spirit and music. A guitarist and I- members of the same band Robin had been keyboardist in- played Sittin' On Top of the World. When his wife called me with the news of his sudden passing and the request to play I instantly knew for some reason what song was the one.
Robin and I were kind of twins in spirit. Hard to describe but the friendship, while short, was deeper than most. So to know he was gone and it was on me to play harp and sing a song at his memorial, this was a huge responsibility. Now I don't pretend to know anyone's spiritual position, but for me, I had to have a conversation with the Big Guy and ask him for strength to carry out this last thing for my bud. I found it when the time was at hand. Robin would have been proud. ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
Agreed. It's not about me and my playing. It is to honor my friend. I still want to make it special for him. What's different with my situation is he wants me to play the song again for him before he passes.
Thanks friend . . . Music is a blessing, sometimes we take it for granted, but it seems to work in mysterious ways. If it hasn't exactly saved a wretch like me, it has made life easier.
Played at our bass players funeral, on stage, right over his casket, with his wife in front row -- whew! It was truly an honor. I played and sang Trouble in Mind first (with some tweaks to the words to customize) and then the more upbeat When I Lay My Burden Down (also w/tweaks). Good luck, harpdude. Still love you, Brian Perkes -- Star Valley Superman!
When I 1st moved into my current house about 15 years ago, there were 2 brothers who lived next door. 1 was a singer in a pretty successful rock band and the other wrenched (pit crew stuff) on dirt trackers. The dirt track brother came down with ALS.
One day I came home from work, and sitting in my driveway were about 6 fishing poles and a couple of tackle boxes. My 1st thought was, "WOW!, The Wifey hit the jackpot at some garage sale", but then I started looking at the gear and it was all way to nice for any garage sale. Well, the dirt track brother had only lasted about 6 months with ALS, he had just passed away, and his brother told me they had always fished together and he did not think he would ever be going fishing again.
I am looking at those fishing poles leaning in the corner right now.
Death don't have no mercy in this land Death don't have no mercy in this land He'll come to your house and he won't stay long Look down the road, one of your family will be gone Death don't have no mercy in this land
With harmonica . . . key of Am, F harmonica, so that's 5th?
Last Edited by Gnarly on Mar 24, 2015 7:15 PM
