Now WHY would I put my ass on the line to make a ridiculous statement like that? I have a reputation to protect, after all.
Because I'm simply floored by the creativity and execution in plain view (and hearing) in this just-uploaded YouTube video by Tom Ball. He plays all ten (?!) harmonicas in it.
Please give it the full attention it deserves.
If, after watching this video, you disagree with my thread-title, please feel free to post competitors for the award I've bestowed on it. Brilliance at this level knows no competitors. It just is what it is--as this video/recording simply is what it is. Whatever the hell it is.
Last Edited by on Oct 06, 2011 7:11 PM
A nice walk down memory lane, i can't handle this style of playing, its clever imho, and very talented, but the mind boggles at what kind of music one prefers if you play like this.
That's why it amazed me: because I don't particularly go for this kind of harmonica music! But even I know when I've been licked. Yes, it's just...too much harmonica. Three cheers for that!
Ant: Did you know they have been releasing huge volumes of the original Popeye daily strips? There are five volumes so far. Each around $30. Amazing! Steamrollin': Tom Ball is a harmonica hero, playing for years in the blues duo with Kenny Sultan and putting out many CDs, but also a top session player in Southern Ca. and probably the most recorded bluegrass harp player ever as well as a stellar classical guitarist. He also wrote two classic harp instruction books, one on Sonny Terry and one on the two Walters. My guess is he is just aware of his harp history and wanted to make a one time tribute to harp bands of yesteryear. Personally, after going to SPAH around a dozen times, I have a greater appreciation for harp band music and own around 10 CDs of that style and am amazed by how often they wind up being played. Good music is good music.
Quite a bold statment indeed.....you could open youself up to a lot of criticizm you know LOL. I really don't hear any Little Walter, or Popper.....is it really worth listening to ( he said tongue firmly planted in cheek)
It's certainly worth a watch/listen. Gotta enjoy the pop culture references & acknowledge the technical prowess to play so many types of harmonicas. Though both musically & visually I dont feel Im going to set time aside to watch & listen again.
Funny that the video production is mentioned when it is one of the very rare harmonica videos out there that aren't just a video of someone playing. I really prefer watching & listening to other videos like Alex's latest videos or FilipJers latest 'playing while...' doing something else videos. Both include enjoyable acting & preferable music to myself.
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Steven Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Really cool job of composing, arranging, playing, recording and mixing it. ---------- Excuse my bad English. Click on my photo or my username for my music.
That was cool. Very busy. A lot to take in. I like alot of different types of music. But there's a special place in my heart for quirky stuff like this. Dr. Demento type of tunes. Neato.
