bandstand

This quote comes from a panel discussion with Dennis Gruenling, Rod Piazza and Joe Filisko at a past Harmonica Masterclass Workshop. I asked the panel what they like to hear in other players when listening to them on the bandstand and Joe states, "I do think it's very important that you take chances on the bandstand and I think the audience really enjoys seeing you sweat a little bit and seeing you go into new territory. And if you fail... if it didn't work out... continue reading...

1) Play a Quick Chord - Playing multiple holes is a great way to clear spit. If you can incorporate this spit-clearing chord in the music, even better.

2) Quick Aggressive Tap on Leg - When the harmonica makes a dead-stop on your leg the spit keeps traveling and clears the reed slot.

3A) If not a memorized solo, avoid the stuck hole in your improvisation. continue reading...

I usually see a blank face when a student is asked by the the band before playing their song, "Is there a quick change?"

If you don't know, then say no... most blues harp songs don't use one... it's a safe guess. continue reading...

Tone is created by the player... with their embouchure (for a harmonica player) or with their hands for guitar, bass, piano and drums. Good players can play at a whisper-quiet volume with huge tone. They can also use a rig (mic, amp, etc.) that the average player may feel is lacking and make it sound glorious. If your rig doesn't break up until you have it set real loud, then tame it with lower-gain tubes or use a smaller amp so that you can drive it harder. continue reading...