The melodic tones emitted from this tin-sandwich bear less resemblance to the blues played by the downtrodden in old movies than the sounds of the milongas frequented in Argentina.
Joe Powers doesn’t just play harmonica, he performs with a sound likened to an accordion and the energy of a room full of dancers.
Powers’ choice of instrument may be unconventional compared to a trumpet or a cello, but to him, the harmonica comes closer to one’s own voice than any other instrument could.
The harmonica has the ability to bend pitches, phrase like a violin and vibrato like a voice, says Powers.
Powers received his first harmonica as a Christmas present from his aunt Susana at the age of two, and began to use this present as a vehicle of personal expression.
“I never chose the harmonica – it chose me,” Powers said.
By the age of 18, Powers was writing original music and playing in his own pop-rock band, but with no formal training, he felt himself lacking in knowledge of music theory.
Influenced by musician friends, Powers enrolled at the University School of Music and Dance where he studied music composition and signing.
“He was a nice guy, an original composer,” said Dr. David Crumb, University professor of music composition.
During his time here, Powers focused on chromatic harmonica and engaged in a range of music genres, including jazz and classical.
“Joe is not only a terrific talent but a great personality with a drive to explore music,” said Scott Barkhurst, marketing and publicity director of the music school.
In his junior year, peer pressure provided an unexpected source of inspiration when Powers’ friends convinced him to attend ballroom dancing. It was there Powers was introduced to Argentine Tango music and dance.
“It’s fascinating, beautiful, passionate music,” Powers said.
The Argentine Tango style soon became strongly influential in much of Powers’ professional work.
After graduation, Powers traveled to Buenos Aires to immerse himself in tango culture. Powers became inspired by the works of Hugo Díaz, an Argentine harmonica player.
In 2005 Powers began his first tour with a performance at the World Harmonica Festival in Trossingen, Germany, winning fourth place in the “Jazz Diatonic” category. He has since given many performances throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.
“I really live for performing. Just being able to travel to new places and share my music is exciting,” Powers said.
Powers has had the opportunity to collaborate with artists from around the world. He has performed with groups such as Rose City Kings, Pink Martini and Conjunto Berretín, an Argentine Tango band.
While in Argentina, Powers recorded his first solo album “Tango Harmonica,” and teamed up with his friend, Lewis Childs, to create a “World of Songs,” a collection of music from 10 different countries.
Powers recently collaborated with Grammy-nominated British composer Michael Hoppé to create “Melancolie,” which will be released this month.
In addition to performing, Powers gives harmonica lessons on the road and at home in Portland.
Powers is returning to the University to perform Saturday at 8 p.m. in the “Tango Passion: Music and Dance” concert for the Music Today Festival, sponsored by the music school.
The Music Today Festival began in 1993 as a showcase for contemporary music, and this year’s festival celebrates the ideas of renewal and innovation.
“We are focusing on one of the most significant new ‘styles’ of contemporary art: fusion music,” said Robert Kyr, festival director and professor at the music school.
Powers’ performance will feature various tango styles as well as some original compositions to be performed with Japanese Tango pianist Naoko Aoki.
“Powers is an ideal performer for the festival,” said Barkhurst. “It’s great to have him back here performing on old stopping grounds.”
This is Powers’ second time performing at the Music Today Festival. Although Powers has worked as a musician only part-time to support himself in the past, he has now been a full-time musician for two years.
“I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices, but there’s nothing else I’d rather do,” Powers said. “The harmonica could take me places – places where I became one with my heart.”
[email protected]
Harmonica virtuoso
Daily Emerald
February 18, 2009
0
More to Discover