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Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 12:34:43 -0400
From: robert paparozzi
Subject: Re: Rob Papparozzi and the Hudson River Rats (or something)

Hi Richard...thanx for making it down to hear the band, I'm sorry we
didn't get a chance to chat, but sometimes the breaks go by pretty
quick.

I did notice a larger contingency of Harp players last night.

But Trumpets Jazz Club is unique in that the owner is a multi
talented an Italian Chromatic Player (Enrico Granafei). He also is
pretty good on Vocals and Guitar! I've tried to answer a few of your
questions below about Tone...etc...hope this helps and thank you for
supporting the "Live" music...let's try and chat on the next one.-)!
(see my comments below)

Richard Kraus wrote:
>
> Saw Rob and his band last night at Trumpets (a mostly
> jazz club) in Montclair, NJ. This last 30 days or so
> I've seen Gruenling, Mayall and Papparozzi - a pretty
> good month any way you shake it.
>
> I expected more blues, but Rob played a widely varied
> (and enjoyable) set of jazz, blues, rocked up numbers
> and pop. The owner of the club, Enrico, sat in on one
> number and they had dueling harps - very good stuff.

Yeah, if I'm playing at a Jazz Club even if they bill it as a Blues
Night, I try to slip in a few Jazzier Tunes to keep the "Jazz Regulars"
from splitting. I invited Enrico up for "Days of Wine and Roses" and we
Traded the Melody and solos back and forth in "4's" (four measures
each). It was Fun and Enrico is a terrific Chromatic Player.....I'll see
if I can post some info on his CD's in the future.
>
> I noticed that Rob does not tightly cup the mike for a
> Chicago type electric sound. In fact, he frequently has
> one hand off the harp or uses acoustic techniques and
> has what I would call a more acoustic style (as opposed
> to Chicago/electric). Not a criticism; although I think it
> gives him a "smaller" sound than he might otherwise have,
> it also allows for a wider variety of harp techniques, which
> he obviously has.

Rich, for me, it's all about timbre and dynamics, not that you can't get
these with a 'tight cup'....you sure can. Dennis Gruenling, Piazza, and
GH Smith are perfect examples of the how to get "that" sound.

I think a big pitfall of some of the less experienced players out in
the clubs today is that just buy a Bullett and a Bassman amp and feel
they've now bought 'their sound'. Any good Chicago Player will tell you,
that is just the 1st and easiest step, now you have to hone in on
Settings, Grip, Tone, Feedback Control and many other little nuances
that make a Chicago player a Great Dynamic Soloist. Plus, I haven't even
started talkin' Embouchure, Breathing and Throat techniques etc. they
all come in to play and are concomitant with the aforementioned
electronic gear in getting,
"That Big Fat Sound".

That being said, with my tone, I want a mic with an element that can
amplify and reproduce "cleanly" what I'm playing. I've worked hard to
get a good acoustic tone and their are textures that are an integral
part of "my" sound. Even if I'm playing a full night with a band that's
playing Electric Chicago Blues, I'll opt for my Shure sm-57 w/ a mid
sized Fender Amp (Deluxe or Twin). The Harp Players that come up to me
on those gigs, want to know what special efx or "hot rodding" I've done
to get, such a "Biting-Fat tone from such a 'clean rig'. I really wish I
knew more about "Tube Swapping" and Rectifiers etc.....but I've always
been able to work my tone from 'within' if that makes any sense???

Sometimes I want my sound small if I'm 'comping' behind another
soloist so I've developed all kinds of Hand adjustments and quasi off
mic techniques using a 'hand-held'. This way it's easier to cup tight
when it's time to slam out a lound fat solo. These type of manipulation
(for me) are very cumbersome with a large Bullet type Mic in hand.


>
> I noticed Mayall also does not cup the mike and, in fact, he
> played throught the same mike he sang through - I think he
> also just played through the PA. His style was ... unusual.
> I'd be interested to hear Harp-Lers opinions on his harp
> playing. I thought he was unique (and that's important), but
> not nearly as good as..., for example, Rob or Dennis. Mayall
> did put on a good show and had a fine band with him when
> I saw them at the Turning Point.

Man I love Mayall, haven't seen him since the Fillmore Days!...sorry
I missed it! I guess his sound was developed in a Harmonica Rack ie:
"Room to Move" . Lots of his earlier playing was with a rack and he
played Keys or Gtr. So he is hearing it quite diffrently and I guess now
if he's out fronting the band, a PA mic is totally sufficient for that
"mayall" sound.-)Sounds like he still go it!!!!
>
> If Rob's out there, thanks for a good show last night.

I'm here...You are quite welcome......see you soon i hope...happy
harpin'...rob paparozzi
>
> Rich K