I like getting my Gussow on! He could talk about his favorite recipe for his home made beef jerky and even though it couldn't touch mine I'd still listen intently!
Just kidding, I'm glad he's still sharing his blues harmonica thoughts with us!
---------- ~Ryan Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
I watched this video yesterday right before a fairly important "exposure" type of gig. It got me thinking about something one of my early mentors told me:
"Music, when you boil it all down, is a story. Every note needs to say something, even if it's just 'I don't know what I'm doing but I'll do it anyway.' Let everything you play say something."
All I'll say is this: I looked over all the frustrations life has tossed at me, tucked 'em away nice and neat, and when the time came, sent 'em through the harp. I sincerely doubt I'll ever play "Summertime" as sweet and sad as I did. So, once again, thankya kindly, Doctor G, for your words of wisdom.
This video makes me think the 4 noble truths of Buddha: 1) Life is the blues 2) The Blues comes from attachments to a things that don't last 3) There is a way out of the Blues 4) 8-folded noble path (morality, wisdom, meditation) leads away from living the Blues
I think that playing a blues harp, writing songs and listening to blues are all the ingredients of that 8-folded path. Especially if you play 8-bar blues. ;) With these tools there isn't much to be added in your way to Nirvana.
The other day I was figuring out a song while watching the news on TV. I got the melody right but it was just lacking something. On the news they interveiwed the poor mother whose daughter was murdered in Florida. It made me really sad for her. After I recomposed myself and started playing again it sounded much better--more like what I was aiming for. Our emotions have a huge influence on how we play.
Last Edited by on Oct 25, 2009 5:29 PM
gene, I love playing when I am happy. Music reflects what you are feeling. When you are happy you play happy, when you are mad you play mad I think. Now when you can control yourself to play with the same level of emotion no matter what the music is about, well then you really got something there. Try playing when you get sad or mad, its a GREAT vent...very therapeutic
