[Harp-L] Re: Pocket Full of Soul pre-premiere

[HTownFess <Spschndr@xxxxxxx>]

The PFOS event sure looked like a success all around from everywhere I
stood or sat.  The movie works, at this point: I think it can hold the
attention of non-harpheads too, as well as gratifying us.  Lots of
great lines in there, and I thought the opening is masterful (talking
heads interspersed with Magic Dick playing "Whammer Jammer").
Hundreds and hundreds of people out for the event, and just a storming
musical avalanche for them and casual passersby (it was in a public
park): Jason Ricci's band backed up Guy Forsyth spur of the moment,
local stalwart Dave Nevling did several songs, Gary Allegreto tore it
up, Survivorman Les Stroud displayed remarkable performing chops (he's
clearly got a background doing it), and Jason Ricci did his thang and
topped the evening off as only he can.  Just a very good vibe
permeating the event, hard to imagine it going much better unless you
could get everybody in the movie to show up.

Maybe you know most of what's in the movie already, but it's
gratifying to see it all in one place, and numerous icons prove
themselves to be quite articulate about the instrument.  In
particular, I thought John Popper displays more awareness of and
appreciation for the history of the instrument than people give him
credit for, he's used very effectively in the movie, and Sugar Blue's
insights are unmatched in their clarity.  They caught dozens of
players, literally, in a heartfelt mode; it sure hurts to see Gary
Primich again, but there he is, for a moment more, sharing some major
insights.

Remarkably coherent movie, considering; I guess the basic structure is
narrative, relies on history, but it's interlaced with discussion of
what the instrument means and demos of what people do and have done
with it.  I sure didn't think it would be easy to do, but they pulled
it off pretty well in the draft they showed.  I enjoyed watching it--I
can't say more than that.

Incidentally, the PFOS guys were very supportive of people who
submitted theme songs: that's what Dave Nevling was doing up there, as
well as some of his other originals, and they worked the submissions
into the PA loop.  Made me forget the song rights flap.

Wish y'all had been there, you'd have had a good time--I guess stay
tuned for movie release.  Props to Todd Slobin and Mark Lampert & all
responsible for Saturday's event.

Stephen Schneider