Re Stigma

["Stephen Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

QUOTE ANDREW: <<<The stigma concerning harmonica has its roots not in a 
close-minded public ,but in harmonica players who feel as though they can 
approach the instrument with no regard to music or its rules. Much of the 
stigma given to harmonica and its players is not uncalled for >>>

Stigma is perhaps too strong a word.  It's possibly more a case of simply 
not being taken seriously enough.  Andrew is right.  Whatever the 
instrument, musicality will shine through as long as this is the harp 
player's priority.  This doesn't necessarily mean being technically 
brilliant, but it does require a sensitive and educated approach.  There's 
been some brilliant stuff on the lists in recent months about positions, the 
theory behind tunings, techniques, harp maintenance and more. This very day 
I got a copy of the "Inspirations" CD and it's opened up a whole new world 
already.  I read about it here first!  We all know that nobody knows it all 
about harp playing, but learning is a load of fun and/or hard work.  We the 
converted know that our instrument is every bit as difficult to master as 
any other but it doesn't follow from that that we have something more to 
prove than other musicians because we perceive that the world is somehow 
looking down on us!

We could all come up with a list of "rules" to help gain respect - turn up 
to the gig/session with TUNED harps - take trouble to get the volume right - 
play appropriately and within one's limits (easier to say than do...) - 
listen to others so as to pick up the spirit of what's going on - don't play 
all bloody night!! - etcetera etcetera.  But these rules apply to everyone, 
not just harp players, so strut your stuff proudly and don't feel the need 
to be defensive!

I try to do all this (yeah, yeah, Saint Steve!) and I can honestly say that, 
though I am reviled in the session for farting, drinking too much, 
lasciviating over the (much younger) blonde at the bar and arguing, I am 
respected for my harp-playing, far from perfect though it be.  Now, as for 
those damned guitar accompanists....   ;-)

Steve Shaw

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