“Music - in fact, all art - has always played an important role in the health and well being of society: physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's a little disconcerting that we don't consume music like we used to - it's become this ubiquitous soundscape that's always present, but I'm not sure how much people truly appreciate it. Music always has been, and always will be, a central part of most people's lives. Life without music would, quite frankly, be empty. As I've mentioned, I'm doing my best to stay optimistic.”

Charlie Barath: Traditional Harmonica

Enamored with traditional styles, Pittsburgh-based harmonica player and singer, Charlie Barath, directs most of his efforts toward performing Blues, Americana, Folk, Cajun; mostly anything that is considered to be traditional music. He started his musical journey when he purchased his first Marine Band harmonica in the late 70s and began playing in the traditional Straight Harp style in which the diatonic harmonica was designed to be played. As time progressed, Charlie discovered more paths to travel with his instrument and continues to explore these options today. Blues became a major focus in his playing and performing but he is always delving into other traditional flavors with his playing.                                                     (Photo: Charlie Barath)

If you stop learning, you cease to grow and your journey is over." Charlie stays busy performing with many of the amazing musicians in and around the upper Ohio Valley in Duo, Trio and Band projects, not to mention the occasional Solo set. Teaching experience includes a stint for Calliope House of Pittsburgh as well as seminars at various events and private lessons for individuals of all levels.

Interview by Michael Limnios                   Archive: Charlie Barath, 2021 interview

How has the music influenced your views of the world?

I can't honestly say that music has altered my view of the world; those views are formed by what I witness and experience from day to day. What music does for me is offer some catharsis to combat the difficulty and uncertainty that the world occasionally presents us.

What moment changed your music life the most?

A specific moment? That's a tough one to nail down, as moments such as these occur on a regular basis, and I always try to make the most of them when they happen. If I had to point to one, however, it would likely be the first time I got on a stage with a full band. It was at a memorial event for a close friend who had recently died, and the place was packed. As the final band started their closing number - a Blues instrumental - I discovered that the harp in my pocket was in the correct key, and was far off in the corner quietly jamming along. The next thing I know, I was being hoisted onto the stage, where I got a nod from the band leader to grab a mic and get after it. Though I had jammed at many parties up to that point, it was the first time with a full, amplified band. I was pretty much hooked on performing after that. 

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook?

In a word, traditional. As mainstream music became more formulated in the 1980s, I found myself moving away from what I heard on broadcast radio, and more toward traditional music of all kinds. This had a significant influence on how and what I played, in addition to what I would eventually go on to write. The vast majority of what I listen to is either older, traditional music, or newer music written and performed in a traditional way. This goes for all flavors of traditional music such as Blues, Roots, Americana, Swing, Country, Gospel, etc.                               (Photo: Charlie Barth)

”would simply say, "Less is more." Use an appropriate amount of effort, and play with just enough force to make the reeds vibrate. Take the words Suck and Blow out of your vocabulary, and replace them with Inhale and Exhale. Play just enough notes and phrases to effectively serve the song. Embrace the space!”

What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

Great question! To me, the best music has the perfect balance of both proficiency and feel. Music that features one of those elements without the other, while technically not wrong, is only halfway there. If it's dripping with soul, but poorly executed, it's only going to touch a small percentage of the people who hear it. On the flip side, if it's technically perfect, but lacks soul and emotion, it might as well be an utterly smooth monolith - perfectly carved, but devoid of any compelling features. All great music contains an equal amount of both elements. 

What touched you from the sound of harmonica?

Quite frankly, I bought my first Hohner Marine Band because I could afford it at the time. ($6.00). The allure of the Harmonica for me, as well as many others, is how personal it is. It's been described as the most voice-like of all musical instruments, and after playing one for more than 45 years, I couldn't agree more. A big part of that is due to the physiological differences from one player to the next. In addition, the way that the personality of each individual player comes through this instrument has always intrigued me both as a player and as a listener.

What are the secrets of harmonica?

I would simply say, "Less is more." Use an appropriate amount of effort, and play with just enough force to make the reeds vibrate. Take the words Suck and Blow out of your vocabulary, and replace them with Inhale and Exhale. Play just enough notes and phrases to effectively serve the song. Embrace the space!

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?                            (Charlie Barath / Photo by Melissa Ann Durse)

I have a long list of memories, both good and bad, from all of those scenarios. Of all the things connected with being a performer, the one I value most is engaging with the audience. I always carry with me some entry level Harmonicas that I get from Hohner. Often, when I see a child or a young person who's particularly engaged with what I'm doing, I will call them to the stage, and gift them one of these harps. The reaction I get from the recipient is amazing. (And I always apologize to the parents as I'm doing it.) As far as studio memories are concerned, it's always exciting to watch as things unfold during that process. The input and contributions of the studio musicians, engineers, and producers all have a way of shaping and molding a song into what becomes the final result, which is fun and inspiring to watch in real time. The tracking of my latest record, Issaquena Getaway, is no exception. It was a special experience, and I can't wait to share the end results with the world. 

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? 

I suppose it would be the level of direct artistic input that the artists seemed to have in the past. The corporate entities behind the production and distribution of music in the mainstream have created a formula that their music adheres to. While this approach might result in music that is more saleable, it seems to be lacking soul and emotion. For this reason, I find independently created and produced music more appealing.

What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

The future of Blues and other traditional musical forms? It's in the hands of those who choose to keep the flames burning either by covering the wonderful music of the past, or by creating music in the same way it was done back in the day. These artists need and deserve our support in that effort. I have to say that I'm thrilled to see increasing numbers of younger artists embracing this form. The future of music in general? I must admit, I'm really trying to be optimistic.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

In order to make good music, there has to be a collection of like-minded individuals who know the importance of serving the song. Everyone has to watch, listen, and pay close attention to what's happening on the bandstand or in the studio. These lessons in teamwork are applicable in every facet of life. Being a bandleader requires many skills as well. Things like communication, administrative tasks, people management, scheduling, negotiation, etc are all learned by doing them. Add to this the importance of engaging with the fans before, during, and after the show, and you have a full curriculum of valuable things to learn.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

You know, it's always puzzled me that, in spite of being the foundation of virtually all American music, Blues seems to have been somewhat marginalized and less common in the mainstream music world. Digging into this unique form of art and music affords a much deeper understanding of all the forms that followed. When you take into consideration the brutal environment that gave birth to what we know as The Blues, you become instantly aware of just how crucial it is to preserve and share this amazing music for generations to come. Plus it's just too damn good to let it fade away!

”Play just enough notes and phrases to effectively serve the song. Embrace the space!” (Photo: Charlie Barath)

What is the role of music in today’s society?

Music - in fact, all art - has always played an important role in the health and well being of society: physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's a little disconcerting that we don't consume music like we used to - it's become this ubiquitous soundscape that's always present, but I'm not sure how much people truly appreciate it. Music always has been, and always will be, a central part of most people's lives. Life without music would, quite frankly, be empty. As I've mentioned, I'm doing my best to stay optimistic.

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