[Harp-L] re: When Did Fast Become Good?

[Steve Merola <stevemerola@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Harp-l er''s
In my opinion, I find most audiences respond to long high notes more
enthusiastically than they do to speedy runs, over bends, or any other
spectacular demonstration of technique. My best example would be watching
Joe Filisko perform with Eric Norden at a library in Chicago. He played 2
melodies at the same time, one of them requiring a bend. I was floored and
no one even noticed. But when he hit a sustained high note he got "oh
yeahs" and claps & whistles. Same thing happens with the VERY speedy Fred
Yonnet.
An audience likes what entertains them. It's rare to find an audience
interested in harmonica technique. That's just the way it is.
Thanks
Steve Merola