A guy who hosts a jam near where I live played and sang Summertime the last time I was there. I was planning on asking to accompany him on harp the next time I am there, so I started listening to different versions and learning the melody.
I didn't know that Willie Nelson had recorded an album of Gershwin songs when I stumbled upon this video. People tend to talk about harp players who are the primary soloist in en ensemble, but as a singer I can really appreciate someone who knows how to accompany without walking all over the vocals. I think Mickey Raphael's harp on this is perfect. Nothing flashy or difficult just beautiful phrasing and timing.
When I accompany another singer, whether on harp or guitar, this is what I want to be able to achieve.
I got to see Willie with Mickey several time in the 80's around Dallas and in the hill country at a couple of picnics. I've always dug Willie's style and arranging and Mickey has fitted his harp work pretty much perfectly to Willie's ethos. Jolene and I do a more swing version of Summertime but If I thought I could pull it off I'd lean more toward Willie's. I think too, some of Willie and Mickey's best work was the album Redheaded Stranger. ----------
