Filling behind and between the vocals is an art that is necessary for harmonica players. Sometimes it's just that a fill other times call and response. I think this tune that I recorded a long time back is good example of fills. If you work as a sideman you have to learn this, chugging all night just won't make it.
Another example... Back in the early 90s some friends of mine had a parody back that played in a collage town. This song was about a towing company that everyone despised. They asked me to lay down a track for this song. Not my best work but it was fun experiment to see what I could do with limited time. Came to the studio and was given one take... They were on a very tight budget.
A little caution to some of us: if you're sitting in with a singer who's not used to harpers filling BEHIND vocals, they will sometimes assume that you're tromping on them... especially if they are singing songwriters who play racked harp and cannot play behind their own vocals. I've come to the point where I've realized it's often about what they listened to: ZZTop or Muddy Waters... It's good to be judicious, as you always are Diggs.
Nice example Diggs, a little busy for me but you know that by now. If your setting in with a band you may want to discuss this with the guitar player also. Many will do all the fills, force of habit, and leave you standing there. They are not used to another lead instrument on stage. Visual ques of who does what are indispensable...BN
I love to create countermelodies, however, there is a fine line between a tasteful countermelody and stepping on the vocals. Communication between musicians is necessary both before and while performing. When all the parts are written out, communication is clear, but that is not typically the way blues are performed.
I would love to hear tips from experienced players on the art of the countermelody in a blues setting.
I spent a few years in the early 70's in a guitar/harp duo. I really had to learn the art of the fill when I started playing in multi-piece bands: often less became more. I often tell people that the harp is an instument that often makes the band sound better when the harp quits playing, lol !
There is a blues rap song "little red riding hood" that James Cotton did long,time ago.his piano man did the rap and James filled in behind,and it was fantastic.He played blues runs that were a little jazzy but fit like a tight glove. And he stayed low volume,I always felt and learned what backing up and being low when it is time too,with this cut...
Last Edited by nowmon on Apr 21, 2015 11:04 AM
