HarmonicaBoogie.com
- => Misc. Conversation => Topic started by: Beelzebob on July 21, 2018, 06:13:39 PM
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In 1982, I got onstage with some friends and played the very, very simple harp part to Neil Young's "Oh Lonesome Me." I really didn't like being a center of attention like that and I decided playing onstage was not for me. But....
There is a legendary blues jam every Saturday in Riverdale, Maryland, just outside of DC. I finally went and expected only to listen, but I brought some harps just in case. There were about 15 guitarists, four harp players, and it was very easy to just join in. I was rusty, but very well received. We jammed all the great blues tunes for a few hours, then two jazz guys came, which changed the focus and left me out in the cold. I did try to play the jazz tunes, but I always need to practice a jazz tune a lot before I can take a stab at it. So I started out feeling really good about my playing and then got humbled in a heartbeat. But that's okay, I met a lot of great guys and one nice lady. I badly need to buy new harps, but once I do, I will return.
The jam is part of The Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation. It used to take place at Mr. Edward's barbershop. He died in 1998. He was a good bluesman in the Piedmont style and became friends with Mississippi John Hirt.
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Good for you to finally take the next step. I stop going to jams because I didn't like spending all that time to only play a few songs. I prefer to play than to listen. I use to play hockey and it was the same thing. I enjoyed playing but not watching. At this late stage in life in life I don't play hockey and I still don't watch!
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Nice!
It's good to drop in to a jam, even if only now and again. Playing with other people teaches you things that backing tracks won't. It's good to meet new friends too. :)
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Sounds like fun Beelz. I love the sound of that one. Good stuff man!!
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Ha ha, I don't go to open mics for the same reason, you sit all night to play for 10 minutes or you can stay home and play for 2 hours.
But on the other side of it, you really do need to go out and play in front of people. When I play in front of people, I feel like (A) I just made a huge mistake and should stop (B) feel like I am giving blood. Ha ha, so it is a necessary evil!