Jazz harmonica player Howard Levy will be in Europe for a short series of concerts. As usual, the Germans get the biggest share of his stay, with two concerts with sax and clarinet player Michael Riessler. Jan. 30th in Münich will also feature accordionist Jean-Louis Matinier and Jan. 31st in Hof is a duo with Riessler. There are two more trio dates announced in Hamburg in March.
Howard will also perform his own Concerto for diatonic harmonica, as well as pieces by Piazzola and Bartok with the Chursächsischen Philharmonie directed by Florian Merz in Bad Elster on Feb. 3rd. The event seems to be heavily sponsored by Seydel, more info here.
Finally, Howard will hop over to England for what looks like an amazing masterclasse and concert in Richmond upon Thames, Surrey on Feb. 8th. Howard will be acommpanied by a jazz trio composed of Geoff Castle (piano), David Jones (bass), and Chris Dagley (drums). The NHL is obviously getting involved, and you can find more details here.
Anybody have a theory on why Europe in general seems much more supportive of harmonica players (especially solo-ists)? Seems like many American greats have found Europe more receptive (think Larry Adler, Howard Levy, etc.). Is there a bigger audience? Is the instrument more respected than in America? I only started playing and being seriously interested in the harmonica about 6 months ago, but prior to that, I'm not sure I could have actually named a harmonica player (other than Bob Dylan; granted, while I have a diverse interest in music, my blues exposure has also been pretty limited prior to now). I'm continually amazed at how players like Howard Levy and Jason Ricci remain hidden beneath the vast American patchwork of pop and high culture.
Making the reverse trip over the Atlantic, I'm happy to say Le Monde de Kota will be playing their first U.S. gig in Washington, DC on March 26 at the Maison Francaise de Washington. Doesn't seem like many big harmonica players make it to Washington too often. Frédéric Yonnet (located in DC; www.fredyonnet.com) is the only player I can think of...
Posted by: marc | January 19, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Marc,
I'm not sure if Europe is more supportive of harmonica players, but I'd venture to say that perhaps there is a circuit in Europe for instrumental music in general and jazz in particular that is more dense and pays better than the US circuit. The European Jazz Festivals in particular are numerous and well spread out geographically over the European countries.
About Kota, that's great! Will you be there ? If you are, you should definitely tell us how it went. I'm venturing you will be blown away.
Ben
Posted by: Benoît F. | January 19, 2007 at 02:29 PM
I'm hoping to make it. I'll let you know if I do.
Posted by: marc | January 19, 2007 at 09:23 PM