Went to see Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown concert in Philly last weekend - my motivation was mainly to see Mickey Raphael - I'm a big fan but have never seen him play live.
Anyways, I was not dissapointed - his licks are sparse & understated but really very sweet sounding & tastey w/ gorgeous vibrato. He one of the best examples of using space and not overplaying (lest willie's boot would be up his rear end)!
The thing is playing with Willie is like riding a bucking bronco - he's about the most all-over-the-place musician I've ever heard. It took Mickey a solid 30-45 seconds or longer on EVERY SINGLE song to find the right harp to use (would blow thru easily 3-4 before deciding). This took him out of every intro and sometimes 1/2 the song. Never seen anything like that before from a pro - looked frustrating as hell - actually felt bad for him!
PS - Mickey's rendition of Georgia was the shows highlight!
mickey has been with willie a long,long time over 30 years his band seems to have very low turnover Im quite sure would not trade mickey for anybody to blow harp in his band
My favourite player. How I envy you in the US being able to get to such shows. My favourite Mickey Raphael solo is on 'Half a Man' from the Pancho & Lefty CD.
Mickeys understated playing is proof that 'less is more'.
I attended a bluegrass jam recently where I was the only harp player. Prior to the start of play I was sort of made to feel a bit uncomfortable ie like I was not really welcome. But at the end of the evening the organiser thanked me and invited me back. He said that my contributions fitted in well and I showed a lot of consideration and allowed everyone else plenty of space. He said that their experiences with harp players was normally very bad as they tended to always overplay. I think listening to Mickey Raphael is a lesson we should all have to take.
Whilst Mickeys playing is understated his overall contribution to Willies great sound is definately not understated.
The same is true at every bluegrass event I've ever been to where they didn't know me. You just gotta strut in like your the cock of the walk (disclaimer: that expression refers to a rooster, play some sweet chord rhythm and all is OK. Bluegrass players love harmonica when it's played well. They just aren't that crazy about most harmonica players.
Mickey has one of the best jobs in the world. Chugging along with Whiskey River and whatnot. I saw him pull out a 48 chord once. ---------- David Elk River Harmonicas
"Red Headed Stranger" is one of the greatest country albums ever, and arguably one of the greatest popular music albums in history...it is full of Mickey's classic ensemble playing, but is really a must-have for any music collection. Also, any live CD or greatest hits CD (I have the one called "Greatest Hits (and some that will be) ) will offer you a wide range of Mickey's backup playing, and also some great songs. The Daniel Lanois-produced "Teatro" from the 90's is a very interesting album as well, with some really cool harp parts played on a variety of harmonicas. Gotta git yourself some Willie!
WOW guys - Mickey himself just sent me an email! I was thrilled - who knew he was on this list??! What a terrific guy and such a stellar example of what being a sideman is all about - complimenting the singer - not taking away from them. I will surely think of his restraint and taste-fullness every time i hit the stage now (ok my stage is usually at a pub with about 20 people but still...)!
The only folks who want harp players to play a zillion notes or take 48 bar solos are other harp players - Mickey seems to really get this! ---------- ~Banned in Boston!
willie is not only into the blues,as evidenced by the milkcow blues cd,but his stardust cd was a grammy winner showcasing some timeless classics like blue skies(hoagy carmicheal) mickey compliments his band very well by his awesome harp fills
would have loved to hear him play thru the bullet Greg - that video is great - unless i missed something (i mean this was a willie concert so the smoke was thick!) he played soley thru the Beyer at the philly show. but you just gave me a good reason to go see him again (not that i really needed one...)! ---------- ~Banned in Boston!
