Re: [Harp-L] Greatness goes unnoticed

[Garry Hodgson <harp@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ansel Barnum <Ansel.Barnum@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> he doesn't seem to generate much
> study or excitement (unlike, say, Jason Ricci) nor do his performances
> elicit much notice (again, unlike the aforementioned).

i know it can be frustrating when your heroes don't get the respect
or attention they deserve, but that is the way life works.  go to any
local jam anywhere in the country and you'll hear musicians who can
play rings around many of the stars. c'est la vie.

i've seen howard play, i've heard his recordings.  he is no doubt a
brilliant musician.  but i don't go out of my way to hear him perform.
his music doesn't move me personally.  nothing wrong with it, just not
my cup of tea.  i don't go to see pavarotti, jeff beck, or derek trucks,
either.  nor any of thousands of others making amazing music.

when i go to see jason, it's not to pay tribute to his innovation,
or to admire his technique.  it's because i like the music.  it excites
me, it inspires me, it make me want to go back.  so i do.

the little i surmise about howard the man (vs. harmonica legend) suggests
that he's not sitting in his room grumbling about real or perceived slights.
he's too busy making his music, perfecting his craft, living his life.
he's influenced a whole generation of hot harp players.  i'm guessing he
takes some satisfaction in all of that.  if the world never notices his
music or his talent or his innovation, which is the likely case, that'll
have to be enough.


--
Optimism and pessimism don't exist for me.
I'm a blues man.  I am a prisoner of hope.
I'm going to die full of hope.
- Cornel West