Greetins All, I have barely ever posted any audio here so here are 2 -heckle at will. The first is a blessing to some of my very favorite things, my kids and redfish. The second is from recent party with one of the bands I infiltrate. They’re more like regional clans that perform tribal rituals. This is a JJ Grey Mofro tune from last weekend with Blind Staggers Review - a very spirited wall of joyful noise.
I like your version of Amazing Grace. Nice playing with a good solid tone. Very clear notes and smooth transitions between the phrases. My only suggestion would be to play with some of the notes here and there to add some extra colour/tonal dimension to the tune. For some inspiration on how to achieve this I'd listen to Todd Parrot playing the same tune. Having said that though. You should be proud of what you played as it had all the right elements and is a very solid foundation, which will only get better the more you play it.
Kingley, thanks and yes, I'd heard Todd's. I'd also heard the one from HCH. It's great and his treatment with different positions certainly gives it, as you say, extra color/tonal dimension. I do like it straight and clear without much inflection. It comes off as a cappella.
The Amazing Grace is done elegantly and tastefully. The "wah wah" hand effect seemed to be done for almost every note and could have been implemented more sparingly. As for soulfulness and execution, you're ready to impress many and get on the stage with that piece. It is well crafted and enjoyable.
In the video with the band, I could not really hear your harp. I know that it was ringing in the background somewhere, but I couldn't really make out what you were doing. Perhaps I need a second listen. However, I was very curious whether you chose first or second position on that piece because the song seemed to me to lay out nicely in first position.
But fret not! Since I was not able to hear you, I listened to the video of you sitting on a log with your children. For that video even though it was not up for review, I must say that you have a really good melodic mind about you. You are not chugging about in a freestyle, but tackling notes for what they are on the harp. I like it. Keep digging into it and see what else you find. Overall, keep playing and choosing the effects you place on your melodies wisely. It is easier to hear any little thing you do when you're playing single notes and doublestops at the rate of which you play those melodies. When you're machine-gunning notes or shotgunning chords, it is hard to hear the intricacies. So keep making your playing intimate and layering it on with the best natural effect of what harmonica has to offer. ---------- Hunger is the best spice.
Thanks for the thoughts. The wah take surprised me because I didn't realize it was so pronounced. It does distract some as I use it to initiate most phrases. I hadn't actually heard it that way but I will be more aware and maybe apply it more intentionally.
