The sound on this video doesn't quite capture TC's power, but when we get to the cutting portion, just before the 5 minute point, things get interesting.
My solo early on was long, because my amp barely had any volume through the PA for the first 3-4 choruses. Then TC, who had stepped offstage, turned it up, and I kept on blowing.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on May 24, 2016 8:55 AM
It was a great show. It was good to see Adam perform with Sterling and then to be able to get up and play with a full band. TC and Adam - a couple of pro's pros. ---------- Tom Halchak www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Adam, this is an amazing segment that many of your acolytes will scrutinize for a long time to come, myself included. Thanks for sharing it.
I've a quick question if you don't mind. Like many who wonder at your playing I always watch with a close eye, trying to glean every bit of information about your incredible harmonica skills.
Something that I've always been curious about in particular is what you do with your hand cup as you play. It's unique AFAIK. I've never heard you mention it. I've wanted to ask you about it for years and now is a good opportunity.
You seem to move your right hand more in time with the beat than associated with individual notes as in a wah or hand vibrato. In fact I really can't hear how this right hand motion affects your tone in any significant way. It almost seems more of a way to keep time than to influence your tone.
Can you share your thoughts on your interesting hand effects? What's behind them and how do you view them?
Thank You, Sensei.
Michelle
---------- SilverWing Leather - Custom leather creations for musicians and other eccentrics.
Last Edited by mlefree on May 25, 2016 2:24 AM
I wasn't aware that I did anything weird with my hands until I saw myself on video for the first time. It shocked me. All that flapping is completely unconscious, completely involuntary, and I have no idea why it happens. It just happens. I'm sure it's distracting--or perhaps entertaining--to viewers. If I could stop it, I would, but I can't, so I don't try. I don't think it negatively impacts my playing, but I also don't think it adds anything. You may be right about it having something to do with timekeeping.
The only thing I'd tell a harmonica student is: Don't TRY to copy my hand motions, since that would probably interfere with your own approach. Just do your own thing.
Yeah, I noticed it before too. Never thought of the timing rationale, I always thought it was a subconscious expessiveness thing, kind of the way people often use their hands in conversation as a way of expressing themselves. As a viewer/listener, I would characterize it as noticeable but not distracting.
After rewatching the video with Michelle's comment in mind yeah could be timing. Either way great vid.
Last Edited by Honkin On Bobo on May 25, 2016 6:27 AM
My guess is that the hand thing is muscle memory from playing accoutically. It has little or no effect playing through a mic but like most of us, I would bet that you play without a mic more often than not (woodshedding) and the opening and closing your cupped hand has a pronounced affect. ---------- Tom Halchak www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
