There's a thread of this name on the main forum, and I thought about posting this video (just made it today 7/10) over there. But, that discussion has become very contentious and off-topic
So, here it is. I know there are some imprecise bends in there, a couple of flubbed bits, but wanted to open the floor for critiques or comments. I'm playing on a MB 1896 in C, 2nd position.
Hopefully others here will use this thread for the same purpose.
First off, I like it, I like the sound of it and the inflections, timing and little fills generally. It's musical and pleasing.
Re the bent notes. Well, as always I'm never sure about sweet melodies that include some of the harp's bends. But apparently all harp players think they are fine so what do I know. And objectively I thought you handled them very well.
During the improv section after 2mins or so, I think there are some actual wrong notes in there, over one of the chords e.g. around 2m35s or 3m09s. I've not worked them out, just sound dodgy. Probably a non-scale note or a major over minor or something like that.
I have a few songs that have more than three chords, gasp, and it's often hard to find enough valid notes to make an actual phrase to fit the non I-IV-V chord. My tactic now is to work out just one note that fits really well and go with that for the duration of the chord, rather than trying to shoe-horn in a phrase of notes that nearly fits but not quite. Especially if it's a nice draw note that can be inflected.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Jul 11, 2016 4:55 AM
Thanks MTG . . . Yes, when replaying the video I kept thinking I was hearing some clunker when I went up to the high end. Trying to pinpoint, but I keep thinking 5 draw was discordant at the times I used it
Haven't listened sorry but just noticed the conversation and have played this song a few times. I used to try it in second, but more recently been using 12th...only because I was copying bill galison's chromatic version, but using diatonic. Anyway, I suspect the reason it works ok in 12th is that is naturally a major position and maybe that is why the 5 draw could be a problem when you attempt it in second. I haven't analysed it, it's just a hunch.
You well could be right (I only know 1st, 2nd, and 3rd so far). It's kind of become a hobby of mine, transposing songs I like into second and seeing if they work (or can be made to work after a fashion)
I just wanted to say that as a beginner with virtually no knowledge of music theory I felt that was a nice piece of easy listening music. You had the rhythm and feel down and that's the most important thing as far as I'm concerned.
It's a shame the original topic got derailed...Sometimes it's more appropriate to look at music as an art rather than a science.
Harmlessonica - in case my comments came across as a 'criticism sandwich' I want to stress that my main impression was that it sounded musical throughout, and that IS the most important thing. I thought Rontana would like to know about the few dodgy notes though, but IMO this aspect is much less important.
MTG, sorry I should clarify I wasn't referring to your comment or other constructive posts but rather the eventual direction of the original topic on the main forum.
I don't mean to imply theory isn't important, just that there's no need for arguments over minutiae.
Thanks Harm . . . I appreciate the comment. Playing strictly at home for my own enjoyment/amusement, it's often difficult for me to judge progress. I have zero desire to play live or in public . . . born without any semblance of a performer gene . . . but that means I receive no objective feedback. Thus, the occasional video on this site.
Thus, I welcome and appreciate any comments or critiques, whether they be general impressions, likes, dislikes, or more specific things such as MTG offered.
To me, playing harp is 100-percent about having fun.
Last Edited by Rontana on Jul 12, 2016 6:16 AM
I just came across this thread and enjoyed the listen. Like Harmlessonica, I'm still a beginner and don't quite have the blues in my ear yet. I thought that it was some easy listening.
If you are looking for a place where you can post videos and get some criticism and tips for improvement, you should check out harmonicaclub.com. Every month they have a song of the month that a lot of the members try to learn together. Many comment and give advice. If I had more time, I would definitely be more active in that group.
Thanks harpsquealer . . . I'll check it out. I'm currently pretty active on harmonicaboogie.com. The entire site is dedicated to woodshedding (tons of backing tracks are submitted by members) but is more blues oriented. Lots of feedback and a generally fantastic site
