By Bryan Reed The harp, it would seem, is anathema to rock ’n’ roll music. It’s bulky and burdensome —not exactly a convenience for a touring band playing small clubs. And the instrument’s graceful, fluid timbre doesn’t always mesh well with a genre the sound of which is rooted substantially in rhythm and perennially in praise of rawness. But, as the saying goes, thing aren’t always as they seem.
Take Louisiana-based duo Harptallica, a Metallica-tribute act that rearranges the metal megalith’s songs for a two-harp setup.
“I was listening to a lot of old Metallica and it just seemed really accessible,” says founding member Ashley Toman, a classically-trained harpist with a degree from the Eastman School of Music, of the group’s genesis. She started with “Fade To Black,” and kept working at re-arranging other songs until she had the nine cuts that became Harptallica’s self-titled debut. But without the meaty crunch of down-tuned guitars and the percussive battery of an oversized drum kit, Harptallica’s takes tend to morph Metallica’s songs into entirely new creatures; the thrashing rage of the originals gives way to melodic, harmonious and gentle movements.  | | Harptallica |
Indeed, it seems Harptallica has broadened its appeal simply by not setting comfortably into any niche — or, for that matter any vehicle. The band travels in an extended mini-van, cramming the two massive instruments and its luggage in, leaving barely enough space for the driver and two passengers. But such is the cost of bringing the harp out of the conservatory and to the people.
“Most people haven’t ever seen a harp, or if they have it’s in a symphony or on TV,” says Toman, recalling her own celluloid introduction to the instrument as a young teen. She adds,
“I had never seen it until I started.”
And so Harptallica sets out to take the harp out of its cloister of inaccessibility one show at a time.
The New Brookland Tavern is located at 122 State St. in West Columbia. Death Becomes Even the Maiden and ...for science! open. Doors open at 8 p.m.; admission is $8. Call 791-4413 or visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information.
Free Times, 2/4/09
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