LIP RIPPER
313 posts
Sep 28, 2010
12:44 PM
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This is difficult for me. I'm two plus years into learning the harp, work at it every day and still really really get into it.I don't ever want to quit it. But, two weeks ago this Conga/percussion/trombone player called. He said he had a guitar player and a drummer lined up and wanted to know if I would be interested in playing with them just to see how things went. I play Bass and sing. He and I have played at a couple Jam sessions in the past. Anyway, I said sure. So the mix was a country/rock influenced drummer, a latin influenced Conga etc. player, a 60's-70's rock influenced guitar player and me the blues guy. We had a good session. So they called last week and asked if I would be interested in practicing every Sunday 2-5pm and putting something together. I said yes, we played this Sunday for over 4 hours. Now I've not been playing Bass much or singing alot. I have dedicated at least 45 minutes every morning to harp practice. I usually come home for lunch and play a little to. Last week on lunch I practiced Bass and vocals. To keep up with everything I'm going to have to pactice harp in the morning and the rest at noon and after I get home from work. All this and having to keep a home as well as make a living is, well I'm afraid of two things. One getting behind on harp or two, not giving enough to the band. This is a weird predicament. I don't want to compromise any of it. I hope I'm not biting off more than I am willing to chew. I hope Harp playing isn't moved to the secondary position. I still must make time to have fun with my wife too, we have hobbies together outside of playing music. I never thought the opportunity to play with good musicians would give me such anxiety. These are good musicians. The best guitar I've ever played with. The best group I've ever played with. You know, I've been in other groups and always felt that one or more players could be better. There were many moments Sunday during practice that I'd just look at the Guitar player, look at my wife, shake my head and grin. I'm just venting and at the same time looking for input from others.
LR
Last Edited by on Sep 28, 2010 12:45 PM
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TNFrank
263 posts
Sep 28, 2010
12:52 PM
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That is a tough situation to be in. Play bass and sing and actually be in a band or play harp, no reason you can't add a bit of harp to some of the songs in the band. If the guitar player is '60's and '70's influenced there's no reason you can't do a couple Dylan tunes or add a bit of harp to the intro of a song before you pick up your bass line. Being in a band is a great way to learn even more. I say go for it and try to add a bit of harp where you can. I'm sure the other guys will go for it too. Congrats and good luck.
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Harmonicas:
Hohner Big River in Low F,G,A,Bb
Hohner Special 20 in Bb
Suzuki HarpMaster in C
Suzuki FolkMaster in D,E,F
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captin beef harp
32 posts
Sep 28, 2010
9:25 PM
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the bass player in cream (Jack Bruce ) played a mean harp check out wheels of fire
song train time but its has mostly drums and harp and vocal i learned to jam from this one as a kid now im a great big kid they should like some harp too everbody does good luck bro
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Greg Heumann
796 posts
Sep 29, 2010
9:33 AM
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Getting to make MUSIC with people you like and respect is a rare luxury. I say go for it. The instrument you play is secondary.
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/Greg
Last Edited by on Sep 29, 2010 9:34 AM
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Joe_L
666 posts
Sep 29, 2010
9:11 PM
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There is nothing wrong with playing the bass and singing, if you enjoy it. Greg is right!
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oldwailer
1360 posts
Sep 29, 2010
11:37 PM
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What a beautiful problem you have! Congrats!
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The Gloth
472 posts
Sep 30, 2010
12:28 AM
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yeah, I say like the others : go for the band. Playing with good musicians will make you a better musician, hence a better harp player. You'll ever find time to play harp, but playing in a good band is a rare oppotunity.
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http://www.buddybrent.be
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LIP RIPPER
314 posts
Sep 30, 2010
4:50 AM
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Thank you for the help and words of encouragement, you're right.
LR
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