We all have to do it a one time or another! After 30 odd years of playing harp, I've finally learnt it. Quite a change in technique for me, as primarily a lip purser I've hitherto played long lines in a Butterfield sort of style, but decided I needed to get my tongue blocking chops up to scratch. This is the start of the journey - feel free to be brutal!
There’s the very cool harp look and the very uncool harp look. The very uncool harp look can be very cool when you can play cool. ---------- Phil Pennington
When I play out- or do a video to post- I dress pretty well. BUT the important thing to me is, deliver the music with heart and commitment and all the skill I can give. Which you did. Illegitimus non carborundum. ---------- Music and travel destroy prejudice.
Rharrt - great Walter pics - I knew he was a devotee of the cardigan! And your good self rockin' the look.
I actually do make the effort style-wise when I play live, and I collect classic Anerican menswear of the late 50s and early 60s in the Ivy League style - I'm talking Madras cotton jackets, herringbone natural-shoulder coats and sta-prest slacks, soft-roll button downs and slim ties, Weejun loafers, tab collar shirts. Maybe even get a little jivy with a shark skin suit. I could go on!
Naturally, this all makes me play much, much better! Harpeaux Edwards
Last Edited by Gareth on Oct 14, 2018 11:12 PM
sez Gareth: "Naturally, this all makes me play much, much better!"
I know we are kidding around a bit here, but how about this concept? If taking the time to dress sharp (blues style here) puts one in the right frame of mind and makes one play better, why not bring this to "practice"?
I've taught "There is no "practice". There is only "performance"". In other words, no throwaway approaches. No slouching.
This helps accelerate the learning and ability of students that I've taught over the years.
So, next video you post of your playing, do it up to the max! ---------- The Iceman
Thanks Harpoon_man, the track comes from a Hal Leonard book of classic blues harp transcriptions (Help Me, Walkin' By Myself, Juke, etc.) that icuded a download code for the backing tracks. You can get it on Amazon. ---------- Harpeaux Edwards
