Re: [Harp-L] John Popper/LittleWalter

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Frank says :
I'd also like to mention my amazement at all these put downs of harmonica
players that "sound" like Little Walter.  PLEASE, If these players TRULY
played and sounded like Little Water, then I can guarantee you that you
would'nt be bashing them...The fact of the matter is is that there is
probably only a handful of players that can be put in LITTLE WALTERS LEAGUE,
thus, they get the respect that they deserve!  All these other players are
"merely" scratching the surface of what Mr. Walters playing was, and is all
about! Thus they deserve to be ridiculed...BUT not because they sound like
Little Water, BUT, because they DON'T!!! So to say that you don't like a
harmonica player because "he sounds" like Little Water is absurd!  IF,  he
or she really did capture Walters "THING" in their playing then I'm sure you
would be enjoying the music...I can see you havin the nads to diss the next
jonny come lately... But lets see you walk up to Rick Estrin and let him
know that since he plays like Walter you would like to set him straight on
really what harmonica playing is all about...Give me a Break!!!

Frank, I agree with the content of your post. However, it is my belief (and
always has been) that musicianship isn't about playing like such and such,
but about playing like yourself. So yes, those who think they sound like LW
and don't are a sad bunch, but those who do, or at least approach it, and
play like that deliberately are also, IMO, a sad bunch. If LW said it better
than you, there's little point in trying to say it again, only not as
well...

Of those who have nothing to say, the most interesting are those who stay
quiet, as the saying goes...

Let the flames begin...

;-)

Ben