Adam's less #172 teaches how to play "Cotton Needs Picking" by Rev Dan Smith--Great stuff--and it seems to be the same song with different words. This just great stuff--this kind of music is why I love harp. . . ---------- ==================================== Always be yourself--unless you suck. . . -Joss Whedon
I like Reverend Dan's stuff and love his voice. One thing I always liked is that he played in other keys like Ab and Bb, which doesn't seem to be as common for blues players.
As y'all know, Rev. Dan was sits in my second-10 all-time greats list. He has one of the most soulful acoustic harp sounds of all time. Rhythmically he conveys a sense of great energy within complete relaxation. He constantly modulates his tone with hand cups in a beautiful way. As for what he's actually playing: he's singing through the harp, transforming a sung melody into a remarkably complicated and yet natural sounding melody/rhythm fantasia. I love what he does.
I saw him live only once, in 1984 or 1985 at the Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival. He was amazing live.
I've been listening to,playin' and buying gospel and blues records for at least 30 years..yet never heard of Rev Dan before..this is the sort of Harp that got me started in the first place ..so simple yet soo not. Thanks for posting.
Darrell Mansfield did a Dan Smith tribute album, The Lord's House, several years ago. It's not really in the style of Rev Dan but if you like his songs, Darrell's playing is great. ---------- Ozark Rich __________ ##########
I've got that Darrell Mansfield album too, and yes, it's a great tribute. But I do prefer Smith's acoustic playing, because it emphasizes the natural harp sound which imho fits better to this kind of music.
@Jehosaphat Rev. Dan Smith cd's are frequently for sale on Ebay, look for seller-id "tsmusic" (=not me). Currently I don't see a RevDS cd listed, but that changes every other week.
