I've just set my next performance level. I hope I don't die before I get there! Everyone has just GOT TO check this out http://www.wimp.com/harmonicacarnegie/
Buddy Greene at Carnegie Hall, yes, most of us have seen this. Great stuff, but not new, so not EVERYBODY needs to check it out LOL
Last Edited by Gnarly on Mar 27, 2014 9:22 AM
Even though I can not play it nearly as well as Buddy, Jesu Joy is one of my favorite busking pieces. Even without the chording and turns Buddy adds, the piece is generally well received on the harp.
Both versions are great but the technical mastery of Howard's version is amazing. As I listened to it I thought, "It as if he is playing a keyboard with both hands!". He has a clear melody and countermelody going at the same time. Then as I listened to his comments he says " I think of the harmonica as a keyboard".
Unfortunately my primary instrument is trombone (also mentioned in Howard's comments). When you think trombone you don't get chords and countermelodies.
Time is Tight, yeah, I actually am bothered a bit with the way he introduced it. I think sometimes we harp players perpetuate some of the awe shucks-ism about harp playing. He plays them well, but there is nothing about classical that makes it inherently harder to play, in fact, the Lone Ranger Theme was one of the first melodies I picked out on harp. I don't play it as well, but it always seem the crowd is awed because it's classical, not because it's great playing (which it is, don't get me wrong, but his awe shucks suggests harp players who can't whip out some classical can't have great technique.
More than once when I have been playing "Jesu Joy" or "That Sheep May Safely Graze" I have had someone come up tot me and say, "I didn't know you could play Bach on a harmonica"
Or my favorite comment from a neighbor upon her learning I played the trombone, " I knew you played the harmonica but I didn't know you were a MUSICIAN!".
To be fair, there is a big difference between being able to get a tune out of an instrument and being a musician, whether that instrument is a harmonica, tin whistle or a piano. I am not sure I have earned the title musician yet.
Last Edited by STME58 on Mar 27, 2014 4:53 PM
the Irish Whistle has evolved considerably from its begingings much like the harmonica. I have a bunch of them. Everything from the old Clarke to a custom made maple tunable with delrin fipple. Much like Harps they all have a distinct sound.
If you get a compliment you are a not only a musician, you are a good one just for being heard. If you get an invite to Carnegie Hall you are a great one. Well, it used to be that way.
Did you find a source for the pennywhistle? If not I can help.
Last Edited by JustFuya on Mar 27, 2014 6:48 PM
Some interesting posts on this, thx all. Having not seen the clip of Buddy at Carnegie Hall for me it was an "awe shucks" moment, and deserved to be shared, my comment also was made as to being invited to perform at Carnegie Hall and that I hope I don't die die before I get there. (Probably, no definitely, will). Glad some got that and commenting about my own harp ability, and having an "awe shucks" reaction, probably without even having heard me play is a bit out of order, If anyone got invited to play at say the Albert Hall and just did Happy Birthday on 5 notes, no matter how they played it would be unlikely but Awesome. Thanks for the other mp3's and vids. Actually playing a quick Irish jig is not that too difficult and works very well with the harp and whistle.
Some interesting posts on this, thx all. Having not seen the clip of Buddy at Carnegie Hall for me it was an "awe shucks" moment, and deserved to be shared, my comment also was made as to being invited to perform at Carnegie Hall and that I hope I don't die die before I get there. (Probably, no definitely, will). Glad some got that and commenting about my own harp ability, and having an "awe shucks" reaction, probably without even having heard me play is a bit out of order, If anyone got invited to play at say the Albert Hall and just did Happy Birthday on 5 notes, no matter how they played it would be unlikely but Awesome. Thanks for the other mp3's and vids. Actually playing a quick Irish jig is not that too difficult and works very well with the harp and whistle.
