When I was asked to write this article, I had to think what does being an endorser for a manufacturer mean? To some players it just means that you get your instruments cheaper or even free, but it is so much more than this. The first thing is recognition; it means that you as a musician have reached a level where you can promote the product to its best within your genre of music, and you are expected to always promote the product. I have been an endorser of Seydel harmonicas for 13 years, using 1847 diatonics in all aspects of my musical life, both live and for teaching.
SEYDEL ENDORSER Keith Parker, Editorial Team
It is like joining a family, and that family is close. It has enabled me to meet other members of that family around the world, like the great evening in 2017 that I spent playing with the great Jimi Lee underneath a tree in an Austin, Texas shopping mall; meeting Charlie Musslewhite backstage at the Jazz Café; spending the day in Paris with Mark Hummell following one of his legendary harmonica blow outs; being asked to judge the blues competition at the Klingenthal harmonica festival and being welcomed by the town mayor in front of everyone in the town square, incredibly special.
So, when we get back to playing live music I’m looking forward to more unforgettable memories to happen, so if you get offered an endorser deal consider it, it works for me! Keith with Mark Hummel in Paris
Concert Pictures KD Claben
But one night it all went wrong! Whilst on stage in the Blues Kitchen Camden, a thief entered the dressing room and walked off with my harp case with all my harps in it disaster! I was without my instruments and had more gigs in two days’ time. Following an urgent phone call to Seydel, who were brilliant, the next day I had replacement harps on my doorstep, so it works both ways.
