GamblersHand
701 posts
Jun 02, 2019
12:49 PM
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I've been playing in an Americana group for a few years now - it started as just an informal get together but we eventually got to playing the occasional gig here in London.
While this is very much a hobby band we decided to record a few tracks to maybe use as a demo, or probably more likely just as a momento.
Still, I'd welcome any constructive criticism of our sound or my performance - I sing as well as play all the harmonica.
Somewhat oddly in this band both singers trade verses in most songs; except Old Number 7 where the other vocalist sings lead throughout. For reference I'm the first vocalist in La La Blues, Do Wrong Right... you'll work it out I'm sure
https://soundcloud.com/user-987501780/sets/long-string-hawkers
The songs are by Pokey LaFarge, The Devil Makes Three and The Wiyos - all music worth checking out. Dark Side of the Road is an original.
thanks in advance!
Last Edited by GamblersHand on Jun 02, 2019 1:20 PM
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Bilzharp
187 posts
Jun 03, 2019
11:05 AM
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I enjoyed that. Great pub band and interesting instrumentation. Drums, bass, banjo, sax and harmonica? I heard a guitar solo in one song but couldn't pick it out as a rhythm instrument elsewhere. Does the other vocalist play the sax and pennywhistle? You're both good singers and compliment each other well. I prefer your singing style to the growls and other inflections that the other singer uses but that's probably just me. Your harmonica playing worked quite well, both for soloing and accompaniment. I could probably learn a thing or two about restraint from your playing. Nice job. I'd definitely stick around for a second pint to listen to you guys!
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nacoran
10126 posts
Jun 03, 2019
1:38 PM
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Nice!
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Nate
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First Post- May 8, 2009
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GamblersHand
702 posts
Jun 04, 2019
11:56 AM
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Thanks Bilzharp and Nate for listening and the kind words
@Biltzharp - the other singer just sings, though is learning some harp. The baritone saxophonist also plays tin whistle, plus occasional piccolo, trombone etc. Yes that means we're a seven-piece (sometimes eight, with banjolele/kazoo), so we make next to no money.
The guitarist also plays rhythm, and one of the challenges is getting the sound tight with all that strumming! Makes me appreciate the musicianship of the string bands that manage to arrange this stuff so well.
One thing - and I'm probably reading too much into it - you said my playing worked quite well - what could I improve to make it work well overall? Always keen to identify my work-ons.
thanks again
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snowman
464 posts
Jun 05, 2019
7:13 AM
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I thought it was Darn good and happy----- little 2 step --everything fit thanks for post
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BronzeWailer
2108 posts
Jun 05, 2019
4:58 PM
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I liked it. The band has a good-times vibe and sounds like the real deal. Your vox are fine too!
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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Bilzharp
189 posts
Jun 06, 2019
7:10 AM
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"One thing - and I'm probably reading too much into it - you said my playing worked quite well - what could I improve to make it work well overall?"
Gambler,
Mostly just keep doing what you're doing. I thought the harp on the first song sounded a little pitchy in spots. Maybe just my ears, maybe you were pulling too hard or maybe it was the harp itself because your playing on the next song, La La Blues, was spot on - especially your expressive hand cupping.
I think you're wise to not add a bunch of rhythmic chugging with this group. You already have drums and banjo providing a percussive rhythm. I think harp would just muddy it up. It might work on a song where the banjo is doing more rolls than strumming though.
Listen to Sonny Terry, Phil Wiggins and Mickey Raphael for some good acoustic accompaniment ideas.
Take any advice from me or anyone else with a grain of salt, don't get bogged down and keep having fun with it!
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GamblersHand
703 posts
Jun 08, 2019
5:34 AM
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Thanks Biltzharp, appreciate the feedback. FWIW I thought that track had my most inspired playing! But relistening I can see that leant a little too much on the blues notes and slurs for a very major-key song.
Thanks all for listening, even though definitely not modern and not really blues!
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