Now that I've had a few days to sort out some of what I took in at BHF this year I'd like to take a few minutes to share some thoughts. I have to admit I had some doubts going in to my 2nd BHF since the pre-fest publicity seemed to be a bit lackluster. Before I left I said to myself, man, do I really want to do this? But man, now I'm so glad I did.
BHF was so dense packed with wonderful information, entertainment and comradery, it's hard to know where to begin. In fact for me it started before I even got there. Being on the same flight out of Chicago with Joe Filisko and Buzz Krantz, both willing to share any harmonica wisdom they posses, really got me revved up and ready to take it all in by the time we landed in Columbus.
The scheduled seminars and concerts alone were worth the price of admission, but maybe the most amazing thing about BHF is the impromptu nature of what goes on in the hallways, siderooms and this year even outdoors (the weather was perfect). Everywhere I went there were small jams turning into larger ones, players asking and answering questions, sharing technique and learning from each other. Here's Filisko in a corner with a group of focused harpers soaking up his knowledge like sponges; over there, Mike Stevens willingly sharing his playing secrets and stories about his legendary 8 hour practice sessions that eventually landed him in the hospital. How about some one-on-one time (at 3:00 AM) with Doug Tate (over a glass of fine Scotch) to get a better understanding of the famed and mystical "glottal stop"? No problem. Ask and you shall receive. This goes on for 3 solid days from mid-morning 'till early the following morning. Sleep deprivation is par for the course. Everywhere you go it's "hey let's jam" or "say, can you show me how you did that 1st position minor thing?" (Thanks George).
As for the scheduled events, I found that it's best to pick in advance which ones to attend and then try and tear yourself away from everything else that's happening so you can go to them. Some seminar highlights:
- -Mike Stevens on Acoustic Playing...Mike makes you feel at home, like an old friend right off the bat. With his partner, the incredible Raymond McLain on banjo and fiddle, Mike demonstrated his lightning fast and spot-on techniques for bluegrass diatonic, replete with overblows, precision bends and the ability to make the harmonica a legitimate bluegrass instrument. Harp as rhythm instrument. Harp as mandolin. Harp as fiddle. All with tone to the bone. Top shelf stuff from two of the nicest guys and finest musicians that I've yet had the chance to meet.
- -Joe Filisko's Diatonic Workshop...What can be said about Joe that hasn't already been said on this list? OK, how about this: he is the most generous man with his knowledge that I have ever encountered (and at BHF that's really saying something). The guy has dedicated his life to the diatonic harp. His understanding of it's mechanics and history is seemingly infinite. His ability to perform soulfully with near flawless technique and to impart those attributes to his students is remarkable. Anyone who's spent time with Joe knows what I'm talking about.
- -Sandy Weltman on Klezmer Harmonica...A student of Howard Levy, Sandy is an amazing Jazz player (all diatonic w/lots of ob). His Klezmer seminar was enlightening and the stuff this guy can do on a 10 hole is pretty astonishing. Backed by the wonderful Carolbeth True on piano, Sandy's music punctuated the seminar with some of the most refreshing and original harp playing I've heard.
- -Rick Epping on servicing and tuning...Rick was right in the spirit of BHF 2000, ie: sharing your knowledge. A 13 year veteran of the Hohner company, Rick presented a no nonsense, highly informative overview of harp maintenance. Genuine inside information.
- -Peter Madcat Ruth: Hootin' and Huck-a-puckin'...No doubt one of the most entertaining and downright funniest guy I've heard play the harp...not to downplay his amazing skills on the instrument - the man is a true master. Precision, tone, speed, phrasing, melodic structure, soul, it's all there. In large part there seemed to be a diatonic theme at BHF this year that centered on rhythmic playing. Madcat demonstrated this in his uncanny ability to play train style and fox case (a la Sonny Terry), with enough rhythmic variation to keep it fresh and intriguing. To wrap up his seminar Madcat put on a virtuoso one-of-a-kind performance using sound toys as props while playing the harp through mouth, nose, and I think sometimes his ears, all the while never missing a beat. World's most coordinated harp player. You had to be there.
There's so much more I could write about BHF but this post is already too long. The concert performances were stellar, but I'll let someone else cover those if they care to. My eternal thanks to all the terrific players and friends who made this event so special: Jack Ely, Buzz, Joe, Mike, Raymond, Sandy, Rick, Madcat, Buddy Greene, George Brooks, that 1dude, Steve moandabluz Grimm, Allen Holmes, Dennis G., Richard S., Douglas, Bobbie, John Hall (great auction John!) Jackie from Norfolk, John Costa, David Fairweather, Rich Rittenhouse, JRRoss, (sorry if I've forgotten anyone or misspelled your name). Man, what a blast!
