The concept of a harmonica trio, consisting
primarily of the chromatic (and/or diatonic)
harmonica, chord harmonica, and bass harmonica,
existed well before the advent of the Harmonicats,
later known as Jerry Murad's Harmonicats. But it
was in fact the Harmonicats who brought it to the
attention of the masses with their hugely
successful recording of the 1913 show tune,
"Peg O' My Heart", in April of 1947.
There were several factors that grabbed the fancy
of pop radio and people in general at the time -
the truly new and unique sound of the harmonica
trio, but also the use of one of the first echo
chamber effects, pioneered by recording engineer
Bill Putnam of Universal Recording in Chicago. The
first 1,000 pressings on 78rpm records were sold
out in two days after Chicago DJ Eddie Hubbard
played it on his radio show. Eddie is still active
as a very popular radio DJ in Dallas, TX. (Ref: Photo
/ Echo
Chamber / Eddie
Hubbard / Vitacoustic
Story).
Also with the use of spectacular arrangements
by Pete
Pedersen, the Harmonicats under his guidance
and tutelage helped to spark the interest of the
listening audience. The Harmonicats then became
the benchmark, by which all succeeding harmonica
trios are judged.
Trios are usually formed by harmonica players
having a similar interest, whether they are
members of local harmonica clubs, or simply
acquaintances with a yearning to assemble into a
playing group. However, harmonica trio
arrangements, or charts, are sometimes difficult
to locate, so it is common for trios to learn
arrangements "by ear" from recordings.
This is second best, but often a "necessary
evil."
As with any group, it is very important that
all members of the trio agree on the direction in
which they wish to go. This includes types and
styles of music, whether it be show music, dance
music, or any of the many other genres. They also
need to decide their goals - such as whether they
wish to play for self-gratification, or with
intentions of playing for tips or even for
specific fees, in a serious manner. This will
include every level of paid performances, whether
for local establishments, or taking to the road on
tours. And if this be the case it is a good idea
to join the American Federation of Musicians (AFM),
or similar musicians' organizations depending on
the country in which the trio resides, to be
assured of receiving competitive pay - or better -
for professional shows, or "gigs" as
they are generally known.
If playing for pay is the goal, serious time
spent in rehearsal on a regular basis is of great
importance. The tighter the group becomes, the
more recognition will be realized, which then
leads to respect, better gigs, and more frequent
call-backs. The satisfaction gained in being
recognized and respected for your talent is worth
every minute of work put into preparation.
Depending also on the seriousness of intent, a
member should be designated to make contacts when
searching for venues, or engaging booking agents,
and handle the business end of the contracts. That
same member, or another member agreed by all,
should track all appearances and payment received
for purposes of bookkeeping. It will be necessary
to track all CD/tape sales, accounting for income
and expense relating to CDs/tapes, and for
tracking all fees to be paid to the publishers of
selections on your recordings still in copyright
and not indicated as original or public domain.
Also all travel and lodging expenses will be
included in the accounting process. This is very
important, not only for income tax purposes, but
also for the knowledge of all members of the trio.
One area that is sometimes overlooked by trios
is finding a method of financing the group in
order to make needed purchases of equipment,
instruments, costumes, recording session time, CD
and/or tape production, and other expenses. The Dave
McKelvy Harmonica Trio resolved at the time of
its formation to set aside 10% of its net income
after expenses, such as travel and hotel, have
been paid. This "band fund" can then be
used to make such needed purchases without
out-of-pocket money being necessary.
Another important topic for the professional
group is one of dress. A performing group,
especially a show group, needs to be mindful that
a smartly dressed act will often impress the
audience even before the first note is played, and
indicates the sincerity of the performers to the
audience.
Whether the trio's intent is to be
professional, or simply playing for personal
enjoyment, it is so important that it be kept
within the realm of satisfaction for all
concerned. And especially if the intent is to be
an earnest effort at making a living as a
harmonica trio, the "fun" must be
evident on stage, and transmitted to the audience.
People are very perceptive as to whether or not
entertainers are enjoying their "work",
and can be won over by a trio even though a
particular off-night performance may have a few
imperfections.
Never tire of rehearsing your selections, even
though you may become totally bored with them, as
many times little changes in nuances, chord
progressions, bass patterns, etc, will make them
fresh again for the performer. There is always
something to be learned by rehashing a selection
repeatedly. Also, never forget that audiences
expect to hear certain selections over and over -
especially those with which they may be familiar,
having heard them by our many harmonica heroes of
the past - "Peg O' My Heart" will always
be requested, but also other selections such as
Richard Hayman's recording of "Ruby",
and Leo Diamond's recording of "Off
Shore", etc, will be suggested by your
audience. And - if your trio develops a
"signature" selection, be prepared to
play it often.
Do not be surprised if your audience exhibits
excitement at the "big harmonicas", as
most have never seen them before. We have a whole
new generation who have never heard of, much less
seen, the Harmonicats and similar groups. They
have not experienced the phenomenon of the variety
shows of Ed Sullivan, Milton Berle, Merv Griffin,
Mike Douglas, Perry Como and the many others that
offered a place for such groups to be seen. So
there is a new world of entertainment
possibilities opened up for our instrument, and
trio format.
There is a downside, however, but don't become
discouraged by it. As noted, today's world does
not offer the exposure that was enjoyed by the
Harmonicats and Harmonica Rascals, so the general
public is not aware of the harmonica trio as being
a unique and exciting offering. Unless the older
generation remembers "Peg O' My Heart"
specifically by the Harmonicats, they also will be
unfamiliar with the harmonica trio sound. (History
- after the Harmonicats recorded "Peg",
and it began getting a lot of attention, it was
also recorded by The Three Suns - accordion,
guitar, and organ - who also sold millions of
copies, so it will be remembered for their sound
as well.)
You will find that a performance will stir
excitement and awe in your audience, but they in
turn may have a difficult time transferring their
excitement to a friend or relative who has not
shared their experience. Agents experience the
same problem. When prospective buyers have
witnessed and enjoyed the harmonica trio's show,
the agent's job then becomes much simpler. We have
been told more than once that the description of a
harmonica trio brought to the mind's eye a group
of three amateurs playing "Oh Susanna"
on ten-hole diatonic harmonicas! This is not meant
to be demean our beloved 10-hole diatonic
harmonicas and the artists who play them so
proficiently, but only to depict what the general
public displays as their uneducated concept. An
edited five-minute video tape of a live
performance with audience reaction will go far to
help promote your trio.
There is a battle to be won - and we can all
have a hand in it.
References:
Harmonicats - http://www.harmonicats.com
Bill Putnam Photo - http://www.harmonicats.com/history2.htm
Echo Chamber - http://www.harmonicats.com/mlwkjrnl.htm
Eddie Hubbard - http://www.eddiehubbard.com/
Vitacoustic Story - http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~campber/vitacoustic.html
Pete Pedersen - http://www.pete-pedersen.com
Dave McKelvy Harmonica Trio - http://www.bassharp.com/mckelvy.htm
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