Re: [Harp-L] Bluegrass winning popularity contest over blues

["James Sterett" <jsterett@xxxxxxxxx>]

"For us 
bluegrass harmonica players, this is great news because the harmonica is 
slowly gaining a little more popularity, recognition, and acceptance in 
bluegrass. Perhaps we will be able to make a little more headway before the 
crest falls (and everyone again starts asking us why we don't play blues)."

Every one of us is an ambassador of the harp... showing the world the versatility of this instrument, which was probably at the basis of its creation.  I wonder how many bluegrass purists realize Bill Monroe was influenced by DeFord Bailey (see Evening Prayer Blues.)  And listen to those old Yazoo recordings (among others,) the harp was playing fiddle tunes, rags, reels, waltzes and the like, long before bluegrass existed.    You keep at it Cara, I've heard your stuff and you have what it takes to let the bluegrassers know the beauty of the harp.

Jim. 


>>> Cara Cooke <cyberharp@xxxxxxxxx> 7/7/2005 6:56 PM >>>
It is a wave. This stuff always moves in waves -- the waves of the interest 
of the audiences. We, the audience, are always looking for something 
different after awhile, even if it is something that we used to hear and 
haven't heard in a long while. So our interest ebbs in one area and crests 
in another -- wave after wave. 
 We as musicians have similar waves in the material we like to play. We may 
love to play one thing for awhile, but over time, our interest wanes and we 
play something else. Sometime later, we come back to what we used to play 
and enjoy it anew. It is important for our interest and love of the music to 
keep it fresh.
 FYI: This topic is big right now on the bluegrassharp list (Yahoo). For us 
bluegrass harmonica players, this is great news because the harmonica is 
slowly gaining a little more popularity, recognition, and acceptance in 
bluegrass. Perhaps we will be able to make a little more headway before the 
crest falls (and everyone again starts asking us why we don't play blues).
 Cara Cooke
www.cyberharp.isonfire.com <http://www.cyberharp.isonfire.com> 
 On 7/7/05, James Sterett <jsterett@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: 
> 
> Blues ain't dead, it must be a wave. at least bluegrass is as deserving
> as any music to have some time in the sun. during the time frame the
> article mentions (late 80's>90's,) there were many original legends
> (Albert King, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Albert Collins, Junior
> Wells, etc.) playing, along with exciting new players (Rod Piazza & the
> MFs, William Clarke, Cephas and Wiggins, Satan & Adam, Bobby Radcliffe,
> Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, etc.
> (that timing is based on my perspective)) on the national/international
> blues scene. two huge pieces that had to help popularity. now, there's
> so many great veteran bluegrass players that are going strong, to that,
> add a shot of young, and new on the scene performers who are smokin,
> along with all the recognition that came with "O Brother Where Art Thou"
> and bluegrass has become almost mainstream.
> 
> There are so many great players out there with their own voice (no
> doubt hundreds in this group alone) that could return blues (if in fact
> it has wavered) to its former glory. people just have to hear them.
> that's always the catch 22, ain't it. Record LAbel: Sure you're great,
> people would love that, but it's not popular, so why risk the investment
> when I've got a sure thing in the next room.
> 
> If only there wasn't so much "make a lot of money quick" crud coming
> out all the time, maybe more people would turn off their MTV, close
> their eyes, listen, then make their musical choices. There's plenty of
> ears to go around.
> 
> Jim.
> 
>
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