[Harp-L] ROD PIAZZA: From Sonny Jr.

[SONNYTONE@xxxxxxx]

I could not resist putting my two cents on this issue. Yes Rod plays loud.  
To my knowledge he has some hearing loss, but he has always played either two  
Concerts, two Harpkings, whatever. If it is piercingly loud to where it is  
offensive, politely let him know during a break, what can it hurt. The big issue 
 I have is how many of you have stuffed your asses in a van for 20 years with 
a  bunch of funky musicians and done the REAL blues man scene. Rod is a  
Professional harp player, he puts on a great show, is a great harp player, and  is 
still making his living by playing harp and performing wherever they can.  
Some nights are sound man hell, but of course, EVERY sound man is an expert and  
will tell you so:) For someone to do this on the level he has consistently 
for  all these years, being a true first generation passed on player from George 
 Smith, hey fellas, there are not many of us left, is a testament to what he 
is.  Of all the harp players in the business Rod is one I have actually never 
spoken  or played with, and of course his name is on another amp, but who 
cares, I  would give one of my few good body parts left to be on the road and hear 
the  audience response. Then there are of course the in between gigs to make 
a  few dollars to keep going on the road, where maybe not many people show up, 
and  you still have to perform like it was a full house. Personally most of 
my  performances lately have been solo, butt naked on stage to mostly harp 
players,  and my heart still pounds from nerves after 30 + years of playing, I 
just want  to put on a good show like my mentor Mr. Terry did EVERY night no 
matter how  sick. So for all the touring harp players who put their ass on the 
line to make  a living, my hat is off to you. Mark Hummel had to stop by my  
house while on the road to fix his amp, even though at the time he was using a  
Victoria, no matter, Mark is my friend. You thought it was like, How many  
musicians Can you actually fit in an old van full of equipment;  all great guys, 
they were happy just to have a cup of tea at my house.  There are so many topics 
about harp, the actual performing with it, or talking  about the actual 
instrument, and various songs guys have done, or how the HELL  did Big Walter get 
that ONE note that Jerry and I hear when we listen to him,  how does Lee Oskar 
get that beautiful vibrato that sets him apart from everyone  else, you could 
have years of a list on trying to get to the bones of those  things and many 
other topics. I have heard most of the self proclaimed guys  who list their 
links, and sorry fellas, but you have a long way to go so take  your hand off 
your back, you will get a rash from patting it. I am the most  critical of my 
playing which is why mainly I have not put out that first  real CD, I don't feel 
I am ready.  And Rod is one of those greats we will  listen to for a long 
time, so give him, and all the guys that are truly saying  something their props. 
Jason Ricci right now is like Lebron James, his  candle is burning like a 
Super Nova, doing it over the course of 20 years will  remain to be seen, and I 
hope I am there to hear that young bad boy at that  time.  I have performed 
worldwide with Sonny, without those great  moments and all the ones that happen 
when performing currently, I would not have  the hope and strength to fight the 
fight I am now. Please don't take what  these guys do for granted, just talk 
to them. And if they still don't get it the  next time, email their agent and 
them and tell them the reason you can't  come hear them perform is their volume 
level. We need each other, performers  need an audience, and harp players 
need great players to listen to. Sonny  Jr.