Date: Tue, 29 May 2001 08:22:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Mojo Red Subject: Blues & Bones... or ...How I Almost Hit the Big Time
Hi gang,
The Blues & Bones festival this weekend in Denver was a great success, despite threatening weather.
I was unable to attend Fri. and Sat. nights, but, from all accounts Delbert McClinton, Anson Funderburgh & Sam Myers, and Sammy Dee were all awesome on Friday night. On Saturday Curtis Salgado, Marcia Ball, Eddie Cotton and Erica Brown just smoked.
Sunday featured Chris Daniels, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Rosie Ledet and Coco Montoya to finish the festival.
I was scheduled to do a harmonica workshop on Sunday, just before Rosie. The Colorado Blues Society had its "Back Porch Stage" set up to offer entertainment and workshops between acts on the main stage.
Well, I was all set up and ready to go, with my band's lead guitarist Jimmy Seville, ready to do backup when I was told that Rosie was a no-show and could I do a 45 min. set on the Main Stage. What!?? Ulp!!! HooooBoy!
We scrambled -- no bass, no drummer, no set list. Local blues princess Little Mary was on hand and we whipped together an accoustic set in about 5 minutes... OK, Boss, we're ready!
Then... "Oh never mind... Alvin Youngblood's going to do an extended set and Coco will go on early. Just do your workshop as scheduled."
Whew! Oh my little heart!!! Talk about a RUSH! ~Almost~ hit the Big Time. LOL!
Anyway, my workshop went on an hour late, but it went very well. Opened up with a version of Juke gathering about 30 - 40 people to the little stage.
Handed out a sheet explaining the harp layout and notes available through bending, some blues scales and the Circle of Fifths.
I talked about the harp, positions 1-3 and their value to crossharp play. Then I demonstrated a song in each position. The crowd really seemed to enjoy what I had to present. I ended my spiel with a version of The Work Song done on chromatic. Very nice reception from the crowd!
Thanks to Harp-L and Harp Talk members Dave Minson, John Kippley, Kim Waugh, Mark Bucannon and other friends who came out to support me. It was a great experience and I'm thinking it may lead to more work.
Stay well!
Harpin' in Colorado, - --Ken M.
One thing struck a chord later, after my roller-coaster emotional experience settled down. I was ASKED to play the main stage. That felt REALLY good!
===="When Big Walter played, the blues fell all over you." - --Sam Phillips
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