Posted by Patrick J. McKenna on June 17, 2001 at 13:51:23:
Gospel music provides a great avenue for the harmonica player to follow. Southern Gospel, like secular R&B, features a lot of interesting and even some challenging harp riffs.
For melodic styles, you can find plenty of material in any hymnal. (This is just one reason why I strongly advise any aspiring musician to learn to read standard music.)
After services, talk to the pianist. If she or he can play without being totally dependent on following each note printed (some do not even know how to simplify a piece of music!), you can play the melody while the pianist provides a light accompaniment and you both can make beautiful music. (I know a man who once played a kazoo for special music...with interesting
results!)
Gospel music music can also help to shatter the old image of the harmonica player playing just R&B or R&R.
To those who have read this far, I welcome any feedback...even comflicting opinions...and wish you success in your endeavors.
Patrick