Seven Good Years

[Eric Stahl]

Greetings,

You’ve probably noticed that while I occasionally comment on S-Tracks and in the forum that my own previously frequent new S-Track postings have not been heard for a while. I have been diagnosed with a rare illness, a condition that makes it difficult to control an instrument. The illness is not fatal and there is little pain, but it is incurable and disabling. It is not likely that I will be able to record and upload anything new.

I have greatly enjoyed the nearly seven years that I have been active on this site - most especially all of the good and talented harmonicaboogie members.

So many good experiences – communicating with other HB members, hanging out with Ben Bouman once when his band toured the states. The picture below is one that I took of the band that night in San Jose. Ben was kind enough to sit with me during breaks and talk harmonica. The Marbletones were all fun to talk with.

I've found that music/harmonica is a good way to meet fascinating people. A couple years ago I saw Harper perform (harp, didgeridoo, and vocals) and enjoyed BS'ing with his all-Detroit band during breaks (I was born in Detroit). Wishing Charlie Musselwhite a happy birthday, meeting Mark Hummel in a hotel lobby, having an enjoyable talk with Lee Oskar, bumping into James Cotton and Lazy Lester on a street near the clubs where they were playing, and John Mayall once in a casino hotel.

I hope that nobody will object to my occasionally uploading a previously recorded song, as I would enjoy staying somewhat involved with this sites community.

Best Wishes,
Eric Stahl

[jzinmass]

I am very sorry to read of your ailment.  I recall several pieces of yours in recent years (since nostalgia seems strong on the forum right now) that were brilliant.  You posted a solo with a flute with a strong Eastern feel- sorta of a transcendent call/response- I really liked it.  Another piece - Grey Skies- was very sweet, sensitive.  I cannot imagine how tough it is for you to lose your playing ability.  It is sad and I hope you find grace elsewhere.  Those were good years, expect more.
- I look forward to hearing some of your 'greatest hits', reading your comments and Forum postings.
Hang in there.
Jeff Z 

[RevJTBlues]

Eric, we have never met and unfortunately since the last time I was on here was 8 years ago, I haven't had the pleasure of hearing you play. I do want to say I will be holding you up in prayer. I don't know you personally and I don't know your beliefs, but I have seen miracles and will pray for you to receive yours.

Rev. JT Keller (RevJTBlues)

[RevJTBlues]

Maybe you could toss something in under the open mic as a solo. I'd love to hear something from you, you could even mix one together as The Best Of.

[Eric Stahl]

Throughout my life I have held God's love in my heart, and only recently begun to realize just what that means, being at peace during a difficult time, physically hammered and watching both of my parents pass on.

[Eric Stahl]

jzinmass, Thank you. Grey Skies was one of Steph's BT's from shortly after I joined this site. The melody that I added, I continued to develop through 4 or 5 different BT's, and tend to think of it by Bob Millard's [6-year later] title of 'Love Afar'. The other, 'Eastern' feeling piece, was with flute by a data center security guard who heard me playing harp, ran to grab his flute, and soon we were recording to Peter Holliman's Porter Green BT.

[Rick]

Hi Eric,

I posted a reply as soon as I saw your post, but as I read the thread now I"m not seeing it.   In the worry of the moment I must have lost it.

I wanted to say to you consider this site your site.    We look forward to you posting what you can, when you can.    We would love to hear some of your classics again.   

And just to expose this guy a little bit, over the years Eric has been a steady donor to this site, helping keep us afloat.    I myself and everyone can thank you for that!

Hang in there!   Find peace in the infinite wisdom of the Bible.   I just spent the last 3 years reading the entire Bible from the beginning to the end.   I'm not quite done yet.  Almost.   It is amazing what Jesus preached when looked at the context of civilizations destroying civilizations in the Old Testament.    So hang in there, and I will pray for you.   

If the harp becomes a little hard to navigate, maybe you can create backing tracks where the computer keeps the time.    So you can still very actively take part in things.   Just a thought.

   Rick

[Gorfalamu]

Eric,
I remember your work, particularly that flute thing--awesome! While I have turned my attentions and inventions in other directions, I have not forgotten that Harmonicaboogie.com was there when I was ready to take the next step and that people like you and many others were there to care and support and nourish new music.

So let us lurk together and see what this next crop of tin sandwich geniuses comes up with!

Cheers,
Gorf

[Ringer]

Eric

My deepest sympathy for you.  Hopefully this will allow you to once again reinvent yourself.  It's been a pleasure knowing if only through this site

[Blue In Green]

Hey Eric. Extremely sorry to hear about this. Known you through this site for all 7 years I guess. Always had your own style and you really played some great soulful harmonica.

[Lips Angelo]

Hey Eric,

Been missing hearing your posts.   I knew you had issues with work and having a hard time posting, but now this.    After the blood clot in my leg, I had a tumour come out on my neck in my salivary gland.   It ended up requiring surgery that required them cutting through some muscle and nerves in the right side of my face and neck.   Aside from the 17 staples in my face and the drain tube hanging outta my neck, there was a chance of loss of feeling and possible muscle control issues.   I remember feeling so worried about the possibility of not being able to play and how difficult that would be for me.  My leg is kinda of trashed now, but the parotidectomy healed up okay and was only not able to play for a month or two.  I truly am sorry that you have to go through that man.  That's tough.   life can sure throw us some curveballs Eric.    Try to keep positive and post some best of stuff.   Does your condition allow you to learn/work on a different instrument??     

[Rick]

Hi Mike,
Boy, I had no idea about your latest health complications.    I'll keep you in my prayers too!

  Rick

[RevJTBlues]

Eric I had my church pray for you during yesterday's service.

[Eric Stahl]

Thank you, for all of your thoughts and prayers.

[brett]

Eric,

So sorry to hear of your health challenges. I feel like all of us harmonicaboogie current players and alumni are like one big extended family of harp players, and it's always tough to hear when one of us is having difficulties in life.

I'm glad to see you reaching out and staying in touch. I remember your work and supportive spirit here well and would love to hear some of your 'greatest hits' again.

Warm regards,

Brett