[HAM] pedal technique

[Dave Bishop]

I've seen Tony Monaco in loafers so loose I thought they had their own 
timing lag.  My favorite organist, Billy Holloman, plays in wingtips, Nikes, 
pimp boots, socks, loafers, zippered boots, you name it.  Nothing slows him 
down.

IMHO there is an advantage to a light or thin-soled shoe with a narrow tip 
and a substantial heel.  The heel changes the angle of impact and serves as 
a counterweight.  More sound with less movement.  When you get the seat 
height correct, one can play simply by swinging the lower leg right and left 
and articulating the ankle--  I try not to use my thigh muscle to pull 
upward. I get a bump off one note to hop to the next, like in downhill 
skiing.

A lot of players butt their left palm against the keys while playing bass 
lines, which serves as sort of a fulcrum when moving up and down the pedals.

I tend to cup my left foot either inside or outside, depending on the pedal 
played, making contact at about the little toe and the ball of the foot.  So 
I guess I don't play flatfooted-- that's why they call it kickin' the B3.



Regards,

Dave Bishop