Acoustic Musicians Wanted to Jam, Record, Perform

Springfield MA

Description

Soulful keyboard harmonica (melodica) player in the Valley seeking to practice, record, or gig with other acoustic players. My interest is in blues and roots music performed on acoustic instruments. I am breaking new ground with innovative techniques on the keyboard harmonica, getting blues harp and clarinet-type sounds from it. A refreshing change sonically and melodically from the blues harp. A perfect fit for blues and roots music. If you are an acoustic guitarist/singer who sees your audiences melt away before the end of the set; or maybe you feel your performances are getting a bit tedious from familiarity; I may be able add the icing on the cake that keeps the sound soulful and the audiences attentive. A duet, with musician interaction, can offer so much more entertainment value to an audience. I do not mix well with straight-rhythm folk, pop, and rock. I can help with call-and-response blues, and swing, and the funky side of pop and rock. For example, I mix well with music by Keb Mo, Billy Branch, Ray Charles, Bonnie Rait, Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Jimmy Reed, Slim Harpo, etc. After playing keyboards in blues and soul bands for decades, clearly the move to keyboard harmonica is driven by artistic expression, innovation, and "success by being different." I am a professional career guy and family man, drug free, and recently retired. I am now ready to pour myself into a project. I am looking for others to jam for avocational advancement; or to rehearse and record; or to gig. I am wide open to many possibilities if the music has that swing quality. Only those willing to be in full compliance of current COVID prevention procedures need respond. Weekday morning or afternoon sessions are preferred, but I can be available anytime for the right mix of people and music. I can offer a large and comfortable performance space with recording capability. I would welcome opening a line of communication and sending along live recordings of my playing to those who respond with a summary bio and ideas about their musical vision.