Other web Sites
Harmonica Blues  Harmonica Amps
Harmonica Links Harmonica Pages
• Archives Home
• Years
 · 1992
 · 1993
 · 1994
 · 1995
 · 1996
 · 1997 		 · 1998
 · 1999
 · 2000
 · 2001
 · 2002
 · 2003
 
Web HarpL
Ebay Searches:
Amps:
Microphones:
Effects:
Harmonicas and Gear:
Harmonica Music and Instruction:

 

 

Harp-L Archives

[Previous Message] [Next Message]
[Next in Thread]
[Start of Thread] [End of Thread]

Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001 06:57:49 -0500
From: pkrampe~meritech.net
Subject: Daily Almanac - August 8

I have no events to report for today.

I began playing the harmonica when I was a sophomore in high school. When
my sixteenth birthday approached, my parents announced that they were going
to take me out for my birthday to see Larry Adler perform at The Tango
Lounge here in Chicago. I had never heard of Larry Adler at that point and
felt a bit disappointed that my folks would be taking me to see somebody
from their era.

The Tango Lounge was one heck of a swank joint, charging a $50 cover charge
and my dad, always handy with a bribe, finaggled a ring-side seat. The meal
was excellent and we soon settled back for the evening's entertainment.
Ellis Larkins came out and did a few numbers on the piano. Then, out came
Larry Adler.

Please realize up until that moment, I was content to play as good as Bob
Dylan. From the moment Adler started to play, I was electrified. He
whipped through an amazing collection of pop classics and classical pieces
that absolutely floored me. This is what a harmonica can be. Not simply a
hobo's or cowboy's instrument, but capable of beauty and elegance. Hearing
Larry Adler play harmonica was like being dance enthusiast seeing Fred
Astaire for the first time. Just an absolute revelation into the
possibilities that the harmonica holds. I decided then and there that I
wanted pursue the harmonica for the rest of my life.

After about two hours the show concluded. My dad told me that since he was
hanging around, I should ask Mr. Adler for his autograph. I took my
harmonica out of my pocket and approached him. Adler was talking to an
older, white-haired gentleman as I approached and he turned around and
looked at me. "May I help you?", he asked. "Gee whiz, mr. Adler, I've just
started playing harmonica and you're the greatest and....yadayadayada" was
the best I could blurt out. Asdler turned to the guy he was talking to and
said, "Wait a few minutes Georg, I'll be right back with you"

"So you play harmonica?" he said, "Let's hear what you can do" Now remeber,
I just heard him play for two hours like he was channeling God on a good
day. Adler finally calmed me down enough to play a little bit. He gave me
some tips on how to control my breathing and embrouchre and encouraged me to
continue working at it, that I could go a long way if I worked hard at it.
He gave his autograph and said I should look him up when he came back to
Chicago the next year.

The Georg who had to wait was none other than Sir Georg Solti, who was there
to hire Adler to play with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. When Adler came
the next year, I looked him up after the performance and while he seemed
just a bit put off that my playing had gone more Blues than Classical, he
was pleased that I had pursued the instrument.

Years later, when the Encyclopedia of the Harmonica was published, I sent
Larry Adler one of the first 10 copies as a token of appreciation for his
kindness so many years ago. He wrote me back that he was both pleased and
impressed. I'll always keep that letter as one of my most cherished
memories.

Now Larry Adler has left us. A harmonica player's harmonica player. A man
who took the harmonica from the instrument of ragmuffins to the concert
stage. He elevated our humble instrument like nobody before or since. He
was arguably the best that ever played and his influence cannot be
overestimated. I'll remember him as a kind man who made Solti wait while he
gave lessons to a 16 year old kid.

Thanks for everything, Mr. Adler

Peter Krampert, author
The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica