Diggsblues
1364 posts
Jun 16, 2014
3:37 AM
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Harpaholic
459 posts
Jun 16, 2014
8:22 AM
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Was this to demonstrate how to destroy a classic song?
Well done!
I don't dig that chipmunk harp at all!
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Sarge
416 posts
Jun 16, 2014
9:01 AM
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phenomenal harp playing!
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Wisdom does not always come with old age. Sometimes old age arrives alone.
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The Iceman
1734 posts
Jun 16, 2014
9:29 AM
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Enjoying the artistry and funkiness.
Am not a fan of this type of harmonica effect.
Would enjoy it more if it wasn't played over "Scratch My Back", but rather a George Clinton inspired track.
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The Iceman
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Suffering Heath
72 posts
Jun 16, 2014
10:42 AM
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Holy shit, that's a solo.
Deadly punctuation mark he stabs on the end with, "Yeah - good luck this year, man."
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http://www.thebluesprofessors.com
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Diggsblues
1365 posts
Jun 16, 2014
11:20 AM
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Wow tough crowd. I'm sure Jason could play it "Traditional". This is my version.
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nacoran
7808 posts
Jun 16, 2014
12:29 PM
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Sounds like an electric piano. Nothing wrong with that. :)
Could have done without the Cowboys joke. :(
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Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
First Post- May 8, 2009
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Ted Burke
26 posts
Jun 16, 2014
12:45 PM
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Nicely done.I am not a fan of harp effects either, but Jason gets a tone that's musical and is able to get some tone variations when the need arises. Most of what I've heard others do is mere bleating, overdrive, echo, science fiction rollar coaster jive. This, however, bakes the pie just fine.
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atty1chgo
964 posts
Jun 16, 2014
1:11 PM
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Excellent playing, don't like the tone and effects though. When I heard his tone way back when at HCH, it sounded fuller. This stuff sounds a kazoo.
Last Edited by atty1chgo on Jun 16, 2014 1:12 PM
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John95683
166 posts
Jun 16, 2014
2:31 PM
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As much as I appreciate Mr. Ricci's talent and skill, I just can't listen to him for very long. I prefer Emile and Slim Harpo. I guess I'm just an old fart.
Last Edited by John95683 on Jun 16, 2014 2:47 PM
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Libertad
251 posts
Jun 16, 2014
2:51 PM
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If everybody played the same it would be a sad world...... if everyone played like Jason it would be a miracle! I don't get negative posts, why bother? If you don't like it fine, thats your choice.
Can you imagine listening to Bach and saying, yea technically good, but I prefer Schubert :-)
In my book he walks on water!
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atty1chgo
965 posts
Jun 16, 2014
3:13 PM
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@ Libertad
"I don't get negative posts, why bother? If you don't like it fine, thats your choice.'
-- Yes, it IS our choice. But asking people to shut up is no way to go through life, my friend.
I don't see anyone here having criticized Jason's playing. It's the tone and the effects that are garnering some comment. Try reading and comprehending the comments please.
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The Iceman
1736 posts
Jun 16, 2014
3:44 PM
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One reason I like this forum is that it is loosely moderated.
Everyone should be able to state their opinion without being judged, no matter how we differ in our etiquette.
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The Iceman
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tmf714
2573 posts
Jun 16, 2014
4:39 PM
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I don't see where Libertad told anybody to "shut up"-
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Libertad
252 posts
Jun 16, 2014
5:58 PM
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atty1chgo I think it would be worth you reading my post again......at no point did I tell anyone to 'shut up', my Friend!
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9000
198 posts
Jun 16, 2014
6:29 PM
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I think it's important to remember that Jason and most other musicians aren't playing to the harp players. They [we] are playing to the audience. Jason uses effects frequently and effectively....He also plays straight ahead without them much of the time. I heard quite a bit of applause at the end of the tune. Sit down with him sometime...knees to knees and trade some acoustic licks with him. His acoustic tone and presence are a force to be reckoned with...in my opinion.
Jay
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Music speaks where words fail.
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jnorem
285 posts
Jun 16, 2014
6:40 PM
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Man, I cannot in any way get with that effect he's using there. It sounds like a cheesy synthesizer patch you'd hear on a dance track that was produced in Belarus.
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Call me J
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atty1chgo
966 posts
Jun 16, 2014
6:53 PM
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Let me go on the record and say that I think Jason Ricci is a gifted musician and a master harmonica player, one of the very best. That being said, it's too bad the Kool-Aid drinkers feel the need to overlook the shitty tone employed here. It's not about "playing to the audience', 9000, and it ABSOLUTELY HAS NOTHING TO DO with his technique and playing.
If you like it, continue to do so. But as Fletcher (the Civil War rebel character ably portrayed by John Vernon in the movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales") told the Union general:
"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining."
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9000
199 posts
Jun 16, 2014
7:32 PM
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Fortunately, I don't need anyone to judge my opinion. It is about playing to the audience. Pretty sure Jason wasn't thinking, "Let's see what the boys on MBH watching Youtube at home on their computers think of this effect." I can't think of any one player who's been criticized on MBH more than Jason....mostly for being creative a little outside of the "allowable" parameters. I appreciate his courage to go his own way. I'm really glad to see him getting out there and playing again....effects or not....and setting such a powerful musical example. BTW I use effects VERY sparingly.
@atty1chgo: "Kool-Aid drinkers" puts your comments into the category of sarcastic, inflammatory BS for me. You must be an awesome player to have such an sublime understanding of the Fung Shui of harmonica effects!
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Music speaks where words fail.
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jnorem
286 posts
Jun 16, 2014
7:44 PM
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What was that effect, anyway? How is it done?
Edit: Never mind, I looked into it.
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Call me J
Last Edited by jnorem on Jun 16, 2014 7:56 PM
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atty1chgo
967 posts
Jun 16, 2014
8:04 PM
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@9000
I don't profess to be an "awesome" harp player. i am very average.
Your debate technique of building that kind of straw men to knock it down, and your use of an ad hominem attack on me is truly dumb and unfortunate. Attacking me doesn't make that awful tone in the video go away. Quite frankly, I don't give two shits what Mr. Ricci was thinking. But it sure doesn't appear that it was about the way he was sounding.
This whole discussion is quite hilarious. We spend thousands of words on this Forum commenting on getting the "right" harmonica sound - through tube amps, vintage mics, modified mikes, modified amps, effects pedals. We talk about elements and miking and tongue blocking and everything else. We all know what sounds good and what doesn't most of the time.
But let someone make statements less than complimentary about a certain great harp player who has admirably struggled and won over personal demons, statements that have NOTHING TO DO with his personal life and EVERYTHING TO DO with the sound of what he playing in the video, and all of a sudden our ears and sense of hearing must be failing us according to some.
This isn't about his courage, 9000. Please don't change the subject, or worse, start a pity party. It's about one man's opinion about a poor choice of effects in ONE performance. I don't know about you, but I would pass on buying a recording that sounded like that. Just my two cents. It's not worth talking about, really. If you like what you hear, by all means enjoy it. I don't.
Last Edited by atty1chgo on Jun 16, 2014 8:09 PM
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kudzurunner
4744 posts
Jun 16, 2014
8:08 PM
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The "shitty tone" thing is a very old complaint that has been wheeled out of the garage repeatedly. Jacques Attali talks about this idea in his book NOISE: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF MUSIC.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise:_The_Political_Economy_of_Music
Any time you hear somebody say "shitty tone," they're basically shouting "That's noise!" or "That's not music!" They're abjecting an element of musicality--tossing it over the fence and saying "We don't even need to discuss that." But the stuff that upsets people in that way is, Attali argues, precisely the stuff that we should be paying attention to and even valuing, since, he claims, it offers us a kind of prophecy of the future. It tells us where we're going. It's useful information. Unless we want to become the Clint Eastwood figure in Gran Torino, going "grrrrrrrgh!" at every single element of the contemporary world that grates on us, we should pay closer and more responsive attention to the stuff we hate.
I hear Jason's tone as a deliberate attempt to create a new, somewhat unfamiliar sound. It's not an unfamiliar sound overall--it sounds very 70s synth, in fact--but considered as a blues harmonica tone, it's certainly a long way from South Side Chicago. Good! I think that exploring new sounds is a worthwhile thing, and I think that that sort of experimentation is something we should encourage from the creative souls among us. There are people who don't like Billy Branch's chronic overreliance (so to speak) on a chorus pedal, but I'm not one of them.
"I enjoyed your earlier, funnier movies" is a line from a later Woody Allen flick. It's Allen's way of mocking critics who would presume to interfere with his creative freedom. Movie lovers are free, of course, to decide that he should have stopped with "Sleeper," or "Take the Money and Run."
"Manhattan" and "Annie Hall": what a waste of time!
And of course Brecht was an idiot. Shitty tone!
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Jun 16, 2014 8:18 PM
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jnorem
288 posts
Jun 16, 2014
8:18 PM
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Oh, bullshit. It's just a bad choice of effects; the effect is crap and it does matter that it sounds shite.
Do you really think that what Jason Ricci has done with that effect is "new"? To me it sounds like a bad choice, a wrong-minded choice that doesn't serve the music at all. A gimmick, you know what a gimmick is don't you?
Bad taste. I'm saying that what Jason Ricci does there is in bad taste.
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Call me J
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CarlA
524 posts
Jun 16, 2014
8:37 PM
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@jnorem
What you and attychgo seem incapable of understanding is that this thread was not started as "please critique my playing" theme.
If JR posted this video, and asked for opinions on his playing style and choice of technique, than fair play. But this is not the case here.
The old adage of "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. It's called common courtesy and politeness, as well as simple respect for a professional musician who has been nothing but helpful to most everyone on this board.
By the way, can I download and of your mp3 on iTunes? I would love to hear your creative and sublime harp playing!
Last Edited by CarlA on Jun 16, 2014 8:47 PM
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Destin
77 posts
Jun 16, 2014
8:45 PM
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I thought that was pretty sick. Closed my eyes and it sounded like a clean organ type of tone.
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jnorem
289 posts
Jun 16, 2014
8:46 PM
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This has got to be the nerviest forum I've ever been on.
Look here, Carla. None of this is directed at you personally. It's just an internet discussion forum.
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Call me J
Last Edited by jnorem on Jun 16, 2014 8:47 PM
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eharp
2176 posts
Jun 16, 2014
9:08 PM
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Then if anybody posts anybody else's playing, we are to be positive about it or say nothing?
That'll make for a boring forum.
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JInx
803 posts
Jun 16, 2014
9:32 PM
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It's only because the guy is so over hyped here. Expectations are too high. I thought the performance wasn't too bad, maybe a little pretentious. But that's what I hear about my own playing, so maybe I'm just projecting...
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
Last Edited by JInx on Jun 16, 2014 9:33 PM
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20REEDS
7 posts
Jun 17, 2014
12:02 AM
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I would cut him some slack, He didn't post this, someone else did. It looks like a small gig, a perfect time to experiment and see what works and what doesn't . Without experimentation there is no progress. Only the bold take risks and like everybody, sometimes those risks don't pay off
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20REEDS
8 posts
Jun 17, 2014
12:07 AM
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Don't mind Jay
Just accept that he is one of the most opinionated forum members the world has ever seen. He is like this with almost everything, if you are offended, don't get fired up. Just ignore.
You should see some of the all about jazz forum threads he participated in...
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The Iceman
1737 posts
Jun 17, 2014
12:21 AM
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Not many disagree that Jason has talent. However, not everyone has to personally like everything they hear.
The statement "I don't like it" can be a valid one. To be called wrong for stating this is unfair. However, without stating how one feels and making a comment like "this sounds like crap" is not the most effective way to dialog.
John Coltrane had talent. Personally, I don't like "sheets of sound" music. This neither invalidates Coltrane nor does it call into question my personal feelings about his music.
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The Iceman
Last Edited by The Iceman on Jun 17, 2014 12:27 AM
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wheel
289 posts
Jun 17, 2014
12:31 AM
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The most controversial thing on this video it's a bored audience (except children)! How they can not to start dancing and shaking?!
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Konstantin Kolesnichenko(Ukraine)
my music
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Libertad
253 posts
Jun 17, 2014
1:33 AM
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When players like Little Walter started using the harmonica in performance, experimenting with different amps and microphones they were taking the instrument to new places. Before that it was used 'old style' melodies around the camp fire. Without innovation and experimentation an instrument will die. This doesn't mean that everyone has to like it. There are some amazing players on here, technically brilliant that really get the crowds excited..... that frankly leave me cold. But I am not going to snipe every time someone posts a clip of theirs.
There are people taking the instrument off in all directions, its a healthy thing. If all you want to do is listen to the greats of yesteryear on your wind up gramophone, that is your business. I hope you get a lot of pleasure from it. If someone posts and asks for opinions, I am more that happy to make comments from my perspective, but why would I presume anyone is interested in anything I have to say, if I hadn't been asked?
Comments like 'the effect is crap and it does matter that it sounds shite' are plainly laughable and beyond contempt. Jason and a handful of people are true innovators, its what they are doing that will get young people interested in the instrument, not as a quaint 'old style' party piece, but as a modern, expressive. relevant, musical instrument. More power to him!
Just ordered an envelope filter :-)
Here is Lee Oskar playing with an envelope filter:
Last Edited by Libertad on Jun 17, 2014 2:43 AM
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Diggsblues
1367 posts
Jun 17, 2014
3:55 AM
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Sorry Jason I didn't realize this would be a roast.
Emile
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harpdude61
2016 posts
Jun 17, 2014
4:45 AM
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Anybody that is a premier performer in any field is subject to being criticized once in a while. Jason knows this.
You guys that know me know that I am a huge fan of Jason's style, techniques, and music. If I was making a Top 11 1/2 players of all time list similar to the one on this forum, Jason would be my #1 favorite (Cotton a close 2nd and Boogie McCain 3rd).
Still, this does not mean I like every song, effect, or solo he does. I'm not a fan of this effect with this song.
This forum would not be much if we were not allowed to like or dislike something and not be able to voice that opinion.
Make a strong fiery stand with your opinion....just do it tastefully.
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www.facebook.com/catfishfryeband
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kudzurunner
4745 posts
Jun 17, 2014
5:11 AM
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I'm absolutely fine with disagreements. This forum would be a boring place without them. There's a difference, however, between saying "I don't like that sound" or "It does nothing for me" or "Sorry: not my cup of tea" on the one hand, and "shitty tone!" on the other. Most of us get that.
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CarlA
525 posts
Jun 17, 2014
6:31 AM
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I believe that JR, as said before, is a true innovator and incredible player. I thought that this clip sounded absolutely fine.
In an attempt to appease the 3-4 forum members that have nothing better to say, let me put it this way. Jason, this clip sounded horrible!
The solo would have been much better, had you used a matsco amplifier, and green bullet microphone with a 1950 crystal element, HEAVY distortion, while playing verbatim LW "Juke" in an actual juke joint. Playing this in an outdoor festival environment was just absolutely bad taste. Jason, what were you thinking?!?
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The Iceman
1738 posts
Jun 17, 2014
6:34 AM
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CarlA - assuming you are being light hearted.
IMO, would have worked better without "In an attempt to appease the 3-4 forum members that have nothing better to say".
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The Iceman
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Libertad
254 posts
Jun 17, 2014
6:41 AM
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CarlA I have to disagree with you on that. I think the 1952 crystal element, the one with the blue wiring was much better, Everything else is just sh*t.... You obviously don't know anything about harmonica playing!
Sorry I will stop now...... back to the home ;)
Last Edited by Libertad on Jun 17, 2014 6:57 AM
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CarlA
526 posts
Jun 17, 2014
6:59 AM
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@libertad
Lol
@iceman
We all still love you here on MBH, you will always be Maverick's wingman bro ;)
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Tuckster
1423 posts
Jun 17, 2014
7:07 AM
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First of all,Jason's tone is never shitty. The effect is shitty. I agree with Iceman,that effect would have worked on a George Clinton song. No good on Scratch. My speculation is that Jason has played this tune about 100,000 times and wanted to mix it up a bit out of boredom. It just did not work for me musically.
Last Edited by Tuckster on Jun 17, 2014 7:09 AM
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Greg Heumann
2745 posts
Jun 17, 2014
7:22 AM
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You all should lighten up. Here are 3 indisputable facts:
- Everyone is allowed to express their opinion.
- Jason is an outstanding harmonica player.
- Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
Bluestate on iTunes
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rainman
132 posts
Jun 17, 2014
7:44 AM
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Here is one of the most gifted harmonica players in the world playing for a hand full of people and he's trying to entertain, he's not mailing it in. I'm impressed.
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isaacullah
2811 posts
Jun 17, 2014
8:12 AM
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Wow, if that one little FX on the harp gets a bee in your bonnet, then I dunno what to say to ya. It's a wide world of tones out there, and believe it or not, it's possible to put "stuff" between your expensive vintage bullet mic and your expensive vintage tube amp, and still sound good.
I liked it, but I guess I like a lot of things that are deemed outside the canon of Blues Harmonica Tones.
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YouTube! Soundcloud!
Last Edited by isaacullah on Jun 17, 2014 8:13 AM
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walterharp
1414 posts
Jun 17, 2014
8:56 AM
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well, if I was going to be critical, I would say the band (not JR) is way weaker than most I have seen him gigging with live or on youtube.
If Ricci played this effect all night it would get boring, but a song or maybe two, adds variety, and is fun... playing an effect like this does alter your approach.. attach embouchure etc. and he seems to do it justice.
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jawbone
544 posts
Jun 17, 2014
9:52 AM
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Well here's my 2 cents - I would think that if the thread had stayed half assed cordial instead of going off in the direction that it did - I'm sure that Jason would have eventually chimed in and explained all the in's and out's of that particular gig, what effects and why he used them - probably all the info we wanted.
He has always been generous with his time and expertise for all of us on this forum - But after this... why would he want to.
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If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
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STME58
894 posts
Jun 17, 2014
10:16 AM
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I heard something on the radio this morning that made me think of this thread. The comment was that John Cage's compositions, 4' 33", "was one of the most influential and highly derided". Isn't it interesting that influential and highly derided are frequently found together?
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rockmonkeyguitars
99 posts
Jun 17, 2014
10:32 AM
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What comes to my mind is that what we are hearing isn't the real tone. We are listening through speakers that change the tone of an MP4 which changed the tone of the microphone that probably wasn't very good connected to a camera that changed the tone of what was coming from the PA which changed the tone of what came from another mic that changed the tone of what came from the amp. It's impossible to say if the tone was actually good or bad. What can be said is that it was good playing... very good playing.
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jnorem
292 posts
Jun 17, 2014
11:03 AM
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Jason Ricci's a truly great player, it's just that effect I don't like. Why isn't it okay to not like an outboard effect someone's using?
I didn't like Miles Davis' silly way-wah effect either.
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Call me J
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Honkin On Bobo
1205 posts
Jun 17, 2014
11:40 AM
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I liked the solo, disliked the effect he was using. It seemed more of a novelty to me. Had somebody just played the audio for me, I'd have thought it was an electric organ maybe? Which is OK are far as that goes (and obviously what JR was going for), but had I been at that show I'd have been kinda bummed that I didn't hear that great solo through just the PA or the traditional Chicago amplified sound.
But hey that's me. It is interesting though because I like electric organ in rock and blues. But when Jason picks up that harp, man, I wanna hear that awesome harp sound of his.
Just sayin'
Last Edited by Honkin On Bobo on Jun 17, 2014 11:48 AM
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