My cat is going crazy. I got a chromatic harmonica for Christmas, and now that the family’s cleared off and I’ve got a little space to practice in, I’m trying to wrap my mouth and my brain both around this new instrument. No easy task.
It drives the cat wild. He wails along like he’s in pain, but he won’t leave the room. In fact, he goes and fetches his plush cat toys and brings them in, too. I don’t know if he’s filled with desire, or sadness, or joy. But he can’t help crying; that’s just what music does to him.
I’m the same way. I pulled up a recording of the legendary chromatic player Larry Adler doing Cheek to Cheek – made by videotaping an old portable record player spinning a 78 – and I couldn’t help wailing along either. I’m about as good as the cat. Thank God the late Mr. Adler couldn’t hear me. Anyone who says you can’t suck and blow at the same time has never tried to learn chromatic harp after spending 20 years playing diatonic.
Then I pulled up a related video: one of Eva Cassidy’s versions of “Over the Rainbow.” The cat’s curled up on the floor now, purring quietly, maybe waiting for me to play some more harp. And I’m sitting staring at a 3×4 inch image on my computer screen with tears rolling down my eyes.
I don’t know if I’m filled with desire, or sadness, or joy. But I can’t help crying; that’s just what music does to me.