kudzurunner
5016 posts
Oct 05, 2014
10:25 AM
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I've been going through lots of videos in the process of creating the "best harmonica videos" page (which is now up....it's the fifth page on this website....please check it out.) The following video struck me just as remarkable now as it was two years ago. It's not just a matter of having an incredible array of harmonica talent; it's also because, for some reason that escapes me, the PA system really did justice to everybody's harp sound.
It's hard to pick a "best" performance here, but I'll say that P.T. Gazell, to my ears, seems to swoop in out of left field and upend the party. It's partly a function of the melodic options that his specialized harp allows him and partly a function of the amazing tone that he ends up getting--like a big fat clarinet. But everybody is a winner here, and Jimi Lee's fantastic guitar playing makes it all happen.
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The Iceman
2175 posts
Oct 05, 2014
10:53 AM
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pretty dark.. who's playin? can see Phil and Annie.
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The Iceman
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nacoran
8041 posts
Oct 05, 2014
1:05 PM
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If it helps narrow it down, one guy seem to be a bald white guy. Hmm, maybe that won't be helpful...
Hmm, from the description...
"A constellation of harmonica stars improvises before a crowd of blues harp lovers at Foxfire Ranch in Waterford Mississippi during Adam Gussow's Hill Country Harmonica 2012. Jimi Lee plays guitar and harmonica and is joined by (in order of appearance) Scott Albert Johnson, Brandon Bailey, Mitch Kashmar, Todd Parrott, Annie Raines, P T Gazell, Phil Wiggins, Jimi Lee, Deak Harp, and Billy Branch."
As long as they had a harp in their hand I'd recognize Scojo, Brandon, Todd and Annie right off the bat. I tend to 'watch' a lot of videos while I'm doing something else, so my facial recognition software isn't up to date. I keep just missing Annie Raines shows. She plays a lot up in my neck of the woods though and eventually I'll get to see her live.
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Nate
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First Post- May 8, 2009
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Littoral
1147 posts
Oct 05, 2014
1:30 PM
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PT was pretty amazing. I must reluctantly added that there was one solo that was not fun.
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JustFuya
589 posts
Oct 05, 2014
5:49 PM
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Not a competition. Just a great collection of harp talent on one stage with each having a unique touch. Love the feeling. Nobody was busy without putting their heart into it. I can only imagine the rush.
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kudzurunner
5018 posts
Oct 05, 2014
7:32 PM
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The extended description of the video has a complete list of the participants.
"A constellation of harmonica stars improvises before a crowd of blues harp lovers at Foxfire Ranch in Waterford Mississippi during Adam Gussow's Hill Country Harmonica 2012. Jimi Lee plays guitar and harmonica and is joined by (in order of appearance) Scott Albert Johnson, Brandon Bailey, Mitch Kashmar, Todd Parrott, Annie Raines, P T Gazell, Phil Wiggins, Jimi Lee, Deak Harp, and Billy Branch."
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florida-trader
527 posts
Oct 06, 2014
6:49 AM
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I was fortunate to have witnessed this Pro Jam live. It was amazing. It happened toward the end of Sunday if I recall correctly. I had attended workshops led by Mitch Kashmar, Todd Parrott, Annie Raines, P.T. Gazelle and Jimi Lee. Adam had “interviewed” Phil Wiggins and Mitch on stage during lunch breaks – kinda like a talk show host – very comfy. Mitch and Billy Branch had performed on Saturday night and I was impressed that they both hung around the next day to soak in more of the experience. Deak had put on a great session of his unmistakable Deak Harp groove. And Adam also treated us to a very energetic OMB show which was spiced up with a little sour mash he generously shared with the audience.
HCH is a very intimate experience. Everything is centered in an open air pavilion filled with about 50 picnic tables, a kitchen on one side and a stage at the front of the structure. Our amazing hosts, the Hollowell Family prepared sumptuous home cooked meals (for about 200 people) served cafeteria style. It was all right there. There was really no place else to go. It created an atmosphere where, like the proverbial “fly on the wall” I sat and listened to these harmonica superstars swap stories with each other and compare notes about their respective playing styles. For the entire two days it was Harmonica Utopia. This Pro Jam was kind of the culmination of everything that had been building up over the weekend where each player was able to put their own unique style and talent on display – not to out-do or compete – but to add flavor and perspecitve to the performance. It was surreal.
Two closing thoughts. One - I was super impressed with Jimi Lee. Not only is he a great musician but he is an iron man. On Sunday I would venture to say that he played the guitar for 14 hours pretty much non-stop. He accompanied everybody. He was also incredibly patient and gracious as he led several workshops and jam sessions which included some beginners that many would have had a hard time dealing with. I never even saw the expression on his face change from anything but encouragement and compassion. And Two - the only thing missing from that Pro Jam was a solo by our host who I was think was deliberately trying not to hog the limelight. Adam, I know that as the host and organizer you had a million details to attend to, but I really wish you would have taken a turn at the mike. That would have been the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae.
And one last question. When is the next HCH?
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Oct 06, 2014 6:52 AM
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paulbunyn
101 posts
Oct 06, 2014
10:34 AM
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I was there too. I loved every memorable second of the whole weekend. I hope it happens again soon.
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groyster1
2688 posts
Oct 06, 2014
3:40 PM
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I went in 2010 and 2012......that pro jam topped it all in my opinion....and like tom,would love for it to happen again...went to the last 2 SPAHS...great but not HCH......and I have not mentioned foxfire ranch and the hollowells....and the corn wine and "you like corn whiskey?"Ill be right back!!!wonderful hosts.....so much happiness....
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kudzurunner
5020 posts
Oct 06, 2014
8:23 PM
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florida: I steered clear of that particular jam because no matter what I played, I would have ended up somewhere down towards the bottom. I'm no fool. It was more fun watching that than trying to keep up with that.
As for HCH: I'm not supposed to talk about this quite yet, but there is, at least theoretically, a special one-day HCH-connected event taking place in conjunction with a certain well-known northern mississippi blues festival.
Please save the date: Thursday, June 25th. I can't say anymore right now.
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bluemoose
1006 posts
Oct 06, 2014
9:11 PM
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oh man...how come all this great harp stuff is right around my birthday? I missed the south Ontario thing last year...so may have to make it up.
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MBH Webbrain - a GUI guide to Adam's Youtube vids
FerretCat Webbrain - Jason Ricci's vids (by hair colour!)
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bluemoose
1007 posts
Oct 06, 2014
9:15 PM
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+1 on Jimi Lee. Did a Gindick camp with him. Outstanding gentleman.
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MBH Webbrain - a GUI guide to Adam's Youtube vids
FerretCat Webbrain - Jason Ricci's vids (by hair colour!)
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