Re: psychedelic harp 101

["TD" <sixtiesjazz@xxxxxxxxx>]

I too have long wanted to find a core group of musicians (probably younger)
that like to sit around a bonfire and have extended, acoustic modal jams. I
know such creatures exist but so far I haven't found them in my little neck
of the weeds.

As someone that is trained in the basics of Classical and Jazz, and who has
listened to both for many years, I can tell you that even in modal music,
where you often have 7 tones to play with, it is not necessary to play only
those notes. The key is to return to them as a home base, just like soloing
on chords.  Use your ear. One of the great things about grooving on one
scale is the freedom that it gives you to use 7+ tones to create melodic
lines with.  This was what blew Coltrane away when Miles forced him to play
over one or two scales. It makes the creative process  simpler then trying
to create fresh lines over constant chord changes. Harmonic improvisation is
still an option, but melodic improvisation can be more effective,
particularly to the ears of an average audience.  If you want to hear what
can be done with melodic solo lines over scales then listen to Kind Of Blue,
followed by Coltrane's Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings. Modal jazz
is not that far removed from what the Dead was doing (or the Garcia/Grissman
stuff).
/tim
sixtiesjazz@xxxxxxxxx

- ----- Original Message -----
From: <alciere@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 6:23 PM
Subject: psychedelic harp 101


>
> I've been playing along with Dark Star (Grateful Dead) from Live Dead an
> album length song.It lays out well with a D harp playing A Myxolodian and
E
> Dorian. The key of the song is hard to pin down-the bass player is playing
> melodically, making the actual key amorphous. The rhythm, the dynamics,
the
> energy all flucuate. At times the band seems telepathic.
>
> I don't know of any harp players doing extended psychedelic jams. I'd like
> to work more towards that goal which means a lot more practice and more
> music theory. I don't have the jazz knowledge, the extensive classical
> background,or the years of bluegrass and jug band music to draw on.Running
> up and down a myxolodian scale in itself won't work, not for 25 minutes
non
> stop. For now I'll practice some extended jamming when I need a break from
> the more structured routine, and once in awhile when I need to build up my
> endurance.Someday I'll be able to play through a 25 minute song and keep
it
> fresh and interesting.
>
> Rainbow Jimmy
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