This was recorded 2 years ago, live open air, in front of some 40 friends and locals from little belgian city of Jodoigne.
Since, I've been listening to many blues artists from 30's to 60's including the great harp players that I never cared to listen to before. So, I think my playing has changed a bit since we recorded this, mostly in terms of tone and a lot more tongue-blocking.
Anyway, I would appreciate your opinions on this, any critics will be welcome.
Last Edited by on Jun 01, 2009 1:19 PM
I am usually very critical about the way I play ; here, after several listenings, I think that's not bad, put aside the mistakes of rythm in the first part (on a D harp). Not so well structured, but it's pure impro. I believe that, now, I can keep a stronger groove and soloing as well.
There's also one thing I'd like to share here : I read once an interview of a band called Ozric Tentacles (ever heard of ?), 90's psychedelic band from England. They used to play a lot of long guitar and synth solos, partly improvised, and what they said is that, when playing, if they fucked up, ending on wrong chord of whatever, they repeat the mistaken part so it sounds like they MEANT to play that way. I read this some 15 years ago but it marked my mind and I often rely on that idea when I play "free" (I mean playing outside of licks you learned or found before).
That can be heard some times in this recording.
Last Edited by on Jun 02, 2009 2:45 PM
I read a while back on this forum that someone once said - it might have been Coltrane - 'If you play a wrong note, play it again: twice.'
I didn't spot your mistakes. You do the kind of stuff that I like to try out at at home - though better - but with an audience in front of you. Depending on how confident you are, that live audience can make most people lose anywhere between 5% to 50% of their technique. Way to go. I was impressed and still am.
Those triplets I highlighted on the video, they're tough at that speed. I'd be over the moon to pull off that kind of technique. ---------- 'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
