"Harp Master" Rob Paparozzi Interview
www.RobPaparozzi.com
Interview by Roger Zee (03/15/21)
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to sing and play the harp? Do you play any other instruments?
Rob Paparozzi: John Lennon and Paul Butterfield led the way for me on harp in the beginning. I later discovered Taj Mahal and Charlie McCoy. And of course went back to study the Chicago and Mississippi forefathers. My Mom told me to checkout Larry Adler and that led to Toots Thielemans and the whole world of chromatic harmonica. I’m self taught but took a few guitar lessons and also can noodle on the piano. I started on drums but played pretty badly.
Roger Zee: Talk about some of the musicians and groups you worked with.
RP: In 1968, I joined my first serious group, a Blues band with horns heavily influenced by Mike Bloomfield’s "Electric Flag." But I soon learned it would benefit me more to "freelance" with other bands -- even utilize my guitar and piano skills in combination with vocals and harp.
I spent the 80’s and 90’s with The Hudson River Rats, some Broadway, session work and jingles. The Hudson River Rats actually began as David Clayton Thomas’ road version of "Blood Sweat and Tears." The band came from New Jersey and when off the road, they asked me to front The Hudson River Rats playing Blues. Then in 2000, I got phone calls from Blue Lou Marini and Steve Cropper to front The Original Blues Brothers Band. That turned into twenty years on the road all over the world. Perfect timing since studio work had died!
Around 2005, "Blood Sweat and Tears" with founding member Steve Katz decided to hit the road after David Clayton Thomas left and retired to Canada. I did the gig for five years in between my Blues Brothers gigs and we had a blast. It’s an amazing songbook. Steve Katz covered his original Harmonica Parts and I did the lead singing.
RZ: Talk more about your Broadway, movie, and television credits.
RP: In 1977, I played Harmonica in an Off Broadway show called "Memphis is Gone." Then in '82 and '92, I played harp in the Tony winning "Big River" and "The Will Rogers Follies." Also worked on movie soundtracks like "Billy Bathgate," "Tom and Huck," "Flirting with Disaster," "Brother Where Art Thou," and more. Sang and played harp on tons of jingles like "Mountain Dew," "Folgers," "Dominos," and so many more. In between all of this, I also got calls for NYC artist sessions, records, and TV Shows with George Jones, James Galway, Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton, Judy Collins, Roberta Flack, Culture Club, Whitney Houston, and David Clayton Thomas.
RZ: What harps and amplifiers do you currently use?
RP: Currently I bring an array of harps, mics, and pedals depending on the gig. I helped Audix design a harmonica mic called the Fireball V. I also use mics from Lone Wolf, the Jason Ricci model, and Blowsmeaway Mic models Ultimate 57, 58, and Bulletini. I’m a proud Hohner Harmonica Endorsee.
I use a Blues Junior amplifier along with Lone Wolf pedals to make the amp more "harp friendly." The pedals include "Harp Break," "Harp Tone+," and "Mojo Pad Deluxe."
RZ: Do you teach private lessons?
RP: Yes. I teach both privately and at teaching seminars. Both Diatonic & Chromatic Harmonicas all styles. These days via Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime.
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
RP: Well like for many, it forced us to re-invent ourselves. Gigs ended so teaching and recording from home replaced live performances. It’s already picking up as vaccinations roll out. But the Pandemic taught that working from home via the Internet serves as a viable alternative. Though it will never replace live entertainment, it helps keep the muse alive.
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
RP: Two special gigs come to mind. First, performing with Randy Newman at The Kennedy Center. I played in the house band. Initially, Newman wanted to perform solo. But then he decided to use a few instruments from the band to accompany him. He had no idea about me as a huge fan so you could imagine my surprise!
Second, playing with the NY Philharmonic Orchestra. They called me to play Henry Mancini Original Score for a "Live to Projection Performance" at Lincoln Center with the hundred piece orchestra and Juilliard Choir. It terrified me! But it turned out one of the most gratifying challenges in my career.
Now for unusual! I played a sixtieth birthday at the Central Park Zoo. Hey a gig's a gig!
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
RP: Its future depends on us, the musicians. But we need to stand up for our rights as artists. I’ve avoided much of the "Biz" aspect by acting as my own manager and agent. I deliver the goods when I hit the stage or studio mic and name my price. When people no longer need what I do, I retire.
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
RP: The instrument is secondary. Being a better Musician is where it’s at. Learn how to adapt by playing as many styles as you can. Learn music and musicianship. Know and respect your audience, the rest will follow. Know your worth and never settle for less. I do regret never developing my songwriting skills because there lies the money in the long run. So my advice: write, write, write your ass off! My forte is performing but for me that's worked out pretty nice.
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
RP: No, not currently, but had dogs in the past that I loved dearly.
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