Harp Column Blogs: Brandee Younger

I just broke down and looked up the word "blog" and it said what I thought it would: short for web log, a blog is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.  Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs.

Kim asked for regular blogs ranging from the cookiest gig to all of the business that goes on behind the scenes, and I have not been living up to my end of the bargain with fear of boring the life out of people.  She set no limits at all, and only asked that I not use profanity (I'm doing pretty well with that thus far).  I then worried that nobody would read or comment on the blog.  To my surprise, I learned that people actually DO read them!  I usually receive personal emails, myspace or facebook messages with comments, thoughts and feelings about them instead of comments here on the site, and I can live with that.  It's great to know how people feel about some topics, and how people handle different challenging situations.  So with that in mind, I'm going to work to live up to the true meaning of a blog and write on a more regular basis, incorporate more pictures and...be a blogger.  Wear my heart on my sleeve :)  I'm also looking forward to learning more & more about everyone else's experiences.

I’ve been receiving quite a number of emails from harpists, asking all sorts of questions about the JVC Festival last month, so I’m hoping to address most of those here.

The concert was absolutely beautiful…every little detail, from the rehearsal, to the red Steinway.  It was a musical tribute honoring the life and music of pianist & harpist, Alice Coltrane with Ravi Coltrane, Geri Allen, Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette, Ed Feldman and myself.  We performed music from her earlier albums(Ptah el Daoud, Eternity, Journey in Satchidananda) and her latest album(Translinear Light), as well as some unreleased music. There were charts, or leadsheets for most of the music, not written out parts.

In addition to the music, a short film was presented highlighting the musical and personal life of Alice Coltrane. The same film was presented last May, 2007 during her musical memorial with many of the same musicians, yet it was viewed again with the same focus, intensity and adoration as the first time.  It was truly a moment to treasure.

It was certainly an honor to be able to perform with such masters---a privilege.  No schooling could have taught me what I've learned in 2-day increments, from these musicians.

Oh--and to address sound, I performed on my L&H 17, with 3 brand new custom pickups.  I know I have a blog posted on here about not finding great amplification, and wanting to keep the sound as natural as possible.  I’m so happy that I finally found what works!  I went to David Gage String Instruments, and after exchanging some emails and photos, they were able to install the David Gage Realist pickup into my harp.  Actually, 3 of them, to get the full range of the harp.  So, the harp projected very well at the concert and was audible, even next to Jack DeJohnette ;)


Photo Credit: G. Paul Burnett

Reviews:
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I’m on a quest to find perfect amplification.  Sure, I’ve been on a quest for quite some time, but lately, some gigs have been pushing me to action.  Mainly, the drummers!  

I became super spoiled at the Alice Coltrane memorial.  The high ceilings of St. John, the Divine Cathedral, combined with the oh-so-amazing mics, had me in a trance.  I have not sounded like that since ☹

After playing a few gigs where I put the harp down at points where I was just wasting energy, I started experimenting with the mics.  I’m sticking them underneath me through the sound holes, on both sides of the harp—you name it.  I called a couple of companies that are supposed to be the best in micing and pick-ups.  They weren’t too thrilled with me wanting something right away, so the next gig, I used a silly pickup that every harpist I know has.  I forgot what it’s called.  But, I used the pickup and a mic.  The sound was louder, but not better.  It wasn’t the warmth I wanted.  A few nights later, while playing at Birdland, I was miced Oh-So-Great.  It took one mic, clamped on to that handle thingy on the back of the harp (what’s that called?) and it was amazing!  But, it’s not mine.

So the verdict: I can’t carry that sound man in my pocket, but a well-known company is looking into designing a pickup for me, and in terms of mics, I’m still on the search.  

I’m wondering what everyone else does for great amplification, on stages with loud drums, pianos, saxes, etc.  I don’t like the sound of electric harps…


St. John the Divine--The Harp Sounds Great in Here!