I know there are many of us out here in the hinterlands who would love to know what's going on a SPAH. If you're there, please post here. (And yes, of course, if you feel like starting your own SPAH threads, please do that. No hard feelings.)
I will be blowing like hell in Virginia Beach tomorrow night.
Jeez, that was just this morning when Buz wrote the above. Let's see, since then I have been to a class where we learned to play a Big Walter tune (Easy), a class on doing horn lines on the harp, a huge jam session with Richard Sleigh on guitar--many notable players in the room--a panel discussion and concert with Mark Hummel, Steve Baker, Joe Filisko, Richard Sleigh, and Charlie Musclewhite (who also backed Richard on guitar and was very cool). Then there was a jam session in my room with Buddha, Zhin, Buzadero, Superchucker, and others.
Then some people went out to get some food for lunch and we had another jam and lunch--there was a lot of beer at lunch--and brandy--might have been some whiskey in there--I'm a little hazy on the details.
Right now everybody has gone to the concert with Christelle, James Conway, Paul Davies, and Joe Filisko--but I'm in my room pacing myself for the jam session with Joe Filisko that starts at 11:00 and goes to 1:00.
Zhin was getting a lot of video of things--maybe he will post some of them.
The pace here is a little hectic to a person like me who thinks it's a big day to go to Safeway's for a loaf of bread on the same day I work out at the gym. . .
Last Edited by on Aug 12, 2009 8:09 PM
As I mentioned to Greg Huemann last night during the evening stage performances, just when I think my many decades of screwing around with these goofy little gizmos has brought me to a place where I'm plateau-ing and just need to practice more.....I get a new charge. James Conway's Irish set was an absolute joy to watch. I know guys like Power, Conway, Yerxa etc plumbe these depths as a matter of course. But, after that set I am now enthused to buy and explore more of this genre for harp.
Now, if we could only keep the SPAH youngsters from drinking all the booze in our room.
Many thanks for the heads-up Buz it is very much appreciated by those of us who are unable to be there. It sounds like you are having a great time although you haven't mentioned the farting in the room yet.
I've seen some of James Conways videos and, yes he does have the knack of moving the whole harp thing along to a higher level. Wish I could have seen him live.
Hope the rest of your SPAH experience goes well and thanks again. ----------
G'day all, sounds like you are having a great time, could you tell me is the James Conway the same bloke who used to play for the Backsliders here in Australia. The reason I ask is that I saw a documentary on him and he had MS and was getting close to being confined to a wheelchair. Regards Neil
Yesterday, at Filisko's "Teach-In", Mr Conway was gracious enough to both chart out the 'bagpipe tuning' as well as patiently explain just how he does that. I don't have the sheet with me, but essentially, a "D" harp gets a couple of sharps in the middle holes and the 1 hole becomes both draw and blow to "D". He holds the drone in and out on the 1 hole while using his mouth to open up to catch across the holes, and his tongue to do the interior work. Awesome. It has given me a special side project to break up my usual workouts. (far more practical than playing with no hands and the silly thing shoved in your face). Buddha can count on at least one request for a "bagpipe tuning" in the future.
My other highlight of the day was watching Zhin hump Charlie Musselwhite's leg.
Very cool video of James - but what he does with the bagpipe harp here might lead you to believe it is only slow, or boring, or ... Buzadero can attest - what he did with it in concert at SPAH was much more energetic and absolutely, totally mind-blowing. ---------- /Greg
8 days since the end of the SPAH '09 edition, and yes this is the time to say thank you.
1) To Tom Stryker, Paul Davies and Warren Bee who made this convention one of the best (probably the best) harmonica experience of my life. The organization of this kind of event takes a lot of time, dedication and energy, and they've been OUTSTANDING at any levels.
2) To all the players I've met : sitting with the chromatic players, jamming with the bluegrass players like Carrie and David, being in the blues circle and listening to Rob Paparozzi, Richard Sleigh, Steve Baker, Todd Parrot, Nic Clark, Gary Smith, the legendary Buzz Krantz (Buzz I love you) , TJ Klay, Dennis Gruenling, Gary Smith, Will Scarlett, Dave Barrett, and everyone else (I can't mentioned everyone) who have been inspirational and a priceless emotional experience.
3) To ALL the harmonica companies: Seydel, Suzuki, and Hohner have made a terrific job. The availability of Rupert Oysler, the kindness of Sissi Jones, the outstanding dedication of the Suzuki team have to be recognized and mentionned.
4) A Special mention to Seydel (RupertOysler), Blowsmeaway productions, and Jeffrey Spoor from http://cumberlandcustomcases.com/. Without them these wonderful days wouldn't have been for ever in my life.
5) To Jimi Lee who played wonderfully with me
6) And Finally to JASON RICCI: from the Blow-Off till the end of the convention, Jason has been available, kind, wise, and always happy to provide the best advice he can give for everybody
Christelle Berthon
Official website : http://www.christelleharpqueen.net http://www.youtube.com/christellester http://www.myspace.com/christelleberthon
Glad fun was had by all..We the member of the Harp club ib Phila. are wondering how we can have the SPAH held in our town. I never went to one so I dont know the connection. If you know the President of SPAH please have him e mail Fredrider51@aol.com Thanks
jon, if nothing else I know we're planning to see if we can get a few workshops in the next year. I'm stoked if we even get half of what we had discussed trying for! I almost went this year but my job gave me a buncha crap & that really wasn't a choice anymore.
---------- ~Ryan Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
ya i wanna come to one of the wednesday meets but i just blew out the clutch on my car. :( im realy gonna try to go to spah next year no matter where it is. but the closer the better. i dont like planes anymore but i will take one if i have too.
I stayed away from the blues jams so nobody felt inferior, especially the foreigners. I did notice one jam where Jimi Lee started making me go through a bunch of keys during which somebody folded and packed up the harps to leave because that person couldn't stand the attention being focused on me.
Oh well. I had a blast playing papa duck with my ducklings.
I'm happy that nobody got killed via murder or suicide.
Last Edited by on Aug 25, 2009 6:01 PM
I actually got a hug from a certain French player and even got to hang out with her every now and then throughout the course of the convention.
Ever shared a cab sandwiched between 2 Chris's in the backseat? I don't recommend it. lol
Surprisingly everyone was on their best behavior. Well... all but one certain minor player who's a big big star who acted out with a small small heart. All I did was smiled, nodded, and waved... and got the evil eye at me follwed by a snob (nose in the air) gesture. :(
That was my one and only unpleasant experience at SPAH and I can live with it. :)
Everyone was awesome. (except that one pubescent brat)
The people I hung out with mostly were Chris, Roberto, Dave Fertig, Buzedero, Oldwailer, Billy Citrin, Otavio, James Conway, Todd Parrott, Brandon B., Jay Gaunt, and Nic Clark. These guys made SPAH a great experience for me. The all made me feel at home.
By the way, playing after Jay Gaunt in the blues circles is some pretty scary shit and it messed with my confidence real bad. But Jay/Brandon/Nic who are obviously younger than me were big enough to give me the "talk" about not caring about worries and just play for the sake of playing when they noticed I had the blues after the jam... Those boys are wonderful human beings and they are the future of harp. Thanks again guys!
just like dog training. Shove them in a corner and beat them until they bite or die. Everyone so far has learned to bite and be stronger because of it. I call it the "the school of really fucking hard knocks - the cliff note version."
I don't create harmonica players I create badassitude.
Christelle can be pretty sweet when she chooses to be. She actually tried to cheer me up when I got too caught up on comparing my playing with others and felt blue about it.
In general, there is a powerful level of respect and empathy that takes over everyone when they are at SPAH. I've decided to make it for every year now even if it makes me poor. The lessons learned and the friends gained are absolutely priceless.
Being at Chris Michalek's place was something else. Tough love instead of the fluffy crap that goes on at SPAH. Would I do it again? YES. But I won't need to for a while. He's imparted a lifetime of wisdom in only a matter of 5 days and a 1000$ fee. My head still hurts and my entire body is still sore to the core but I'm happy.
I will never look at the harmonica or harmonica players the same ever again. One of the many ultimate lessons I've learned is to expect ANYTHING and listen first before making judgment. There are things we don't hear even though we think we do unless we are truly paying full attention. I've realized I commit that sin all the time but now my ears are more open.
