Went to hear a good blues band last week and the lead singer was playing a little harp, badly. He was about to do another song when he stated that his D harp was shot. I hollered from the crowd that I could play that harp part for him. This guy didn't know me from Adam. He said, go get it. We did the song and it came off great. When i sat back down a fellow approached me and asked if I wanted to be in a new band. I said "Hell Ya". The band is a four peice doing Blues rock. We have had two practices this week. A lot of standards but with a high energy, aggressive, somewhat heavy edge. These guys are good! We picked a name. Led Foot! I'm 60 yrs old and starting in a band. LOL. Now they want me to sing also. I'm nervous about this part. Hardly ever sang live. What is a good lyric site? Thanks, wish me luck...BN
Great news! I feel like a whippersnapper having started being in bands and singing at the age of 50. My first musical partner insisted I not sing (although he didn't sing himself) and my second one insisted that I do sing.
I have been focusing more on singing than harping the past few years because my harp teacher told me that the shortfall in a lot of blues bands is the vocals.
For vocal coaching, I can recommend heartily these two.
The first one is about what to do after you take that diaphragm breath. He gets into the meaty stuff around 3:05.
I have posted this before, but the second one is a very good quick way to open up your voice. When you do a lip roll or trill through a song, feel where the vibrations are on the mask of your face and try to hit the same areas when you sing.
Barley you are one lucky man! I'd say definitely find your center, then find your good keys and octaves, and go ahead. Sing! This gives you some say in what gets played. If you're like me, you like some choice but are also a team player. I'm excited for you! ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
Barley - that's a great story. Inspiring. A lot of guys would not have had the courage to speak up. Way to go. Congratulations. ---------- Tom Halchak www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Way to go Barly !!!! The funny part is that if you had followed all the "Nay sayers" about sitting in uninvited - would this have happened???? I'm almost 95% sure, based on my 110% totally professional experience and my cold hard brutal opinion....NO!!!! I hope everything goes well. ----------
LMAO, Jawbone, your killin me!! Thanks for the support folks. So far so good with the band. We have a gig at the Radisson, hiring a sound company for the PA. I have the big amp thing covered in spades but may not need big power with a good sound man. Mr Wailer, thank you for those links. Really nice folks, you made my day...BN
After watching Adam's 1st video for his new YouTube channel, you know the part where he say's "you need to be a little crazy", it occurred to me that a "What harmonica related insanity did you commit today?' thread might have a place here.
