I love the sound of a blues harp. I love playing harp. But more than that I love music, especially black inflected music.
I've been watching a gifted singer on American Idol this year. So, for the all-around music fans in this harp-oriented forum, have a listen and look at a singer who has had my undivided attention whenever she's appeared on TV these last three months:
Hope I embedded the video properly. If not, you can see her here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7acuT6Sydc4
I posted it here because I read and post to this forum more than any other, though I'm not a prolific poster at the best of times. I posted it also to remind us harp players that our constant talk about harp (and blues) must not let us forget the wider world of music in all genres.
This video illustrates the highest aspirations I have as a harp player, as a musician-- to channel that mysterious muse that informs the greatest music at all times, and to communicate that to the audience in a way that transports them, for a while at least, away from their day-to-day earthly concerns.
Her performance this week of "Somewhere" from West Side Story was one of the most incredible vocal performances I have ever seen in 65 years on this planet. I say that with zero fear of exaggeration. She has the soul of Aretha combined with the chops of Celine Dion and something very special all her own. This woman is from another dimension. ---------- LSC
My wife and I are fans of the show, and have been impressed with how much some of the singers have grown, in their presence, control and just general professionalism. Its really great to see people with that inside them bring it all out-she sure did last night. WOW!
My favorite ever was Joshua Ledet (sp?) last year. Goose bumps every time he sang.
+1 on Joshua. I suspect he is one of those artists who will be much better off having not won Idol. My daughter and I were just talking about him today.
What I find very heartening is there are a lot of young artists these days who revere those who came before and are bringing it into the contemporary world. My favorite example is Vintage Trouble, who I first discovered through a posting of a video on this forum. Since then I've seen them three times and even had the great pleasure of hanging with a couple of the guys at Antone's. If you ever get the chance, do whatever it takes to go to the show. Sell your first born, put the Mrs on the street, whatever. Seriously, like you had a chance to see Sam Moore backed by Led Zeppelin before anybody really knew who they were. You won't see baby Jesus but you will get religion. ---------- LSC
Last Edited by LSC on May 10, 2013 8:25 PM
"-- to channel that mysterious muse that informs the greatest music at all times, and to communicate that to the audience in a way that transports them, for a while at least, away from their day-to-day earthly concerns."
Grey Owls harp version reminded me of this vid :) Judith Hill: "Feeling Good" - from the singing show... [The Voice]
Last Edited by Frank on May 13, 2013 12:16 PM
Watch American Idol on FOX at 8 p.m. tonight. This is the last show of this year's competition. Results tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Candice Glover, one of the two finalists, is truly a gifted singer. Those who aspire to put soul in their harp-- watch, listen and learn.
Frank-- Judith Hill is also a gifted singer, my favorite on "The Voice". I'm guessing she's yours too.
But Candice-- she's only 23, yet she's up there with Mahalia Jackson and Billie Holiday. A singer with her voice, jazz sensibilities and soul comes 'round every half century.
