RE: harp-l-digest V11 #116

["MLeFree" <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Will wrote:
> However, they have done nothing to further the legitmacy of the
> harmonica as a musical instrument--not a toy.
>
> Will>>>>>>>
>
> I am with Will absolutely 100% on this.  Ambassadors for the harmonica
need
> to be consummate players.  Anything else merely gives the rest of us more
of
> an uphill struggle in getting the instrument taken more seriously.
>
> Steve

Don't mean to single out Will and Steve, but whazzamatter with you guys?  I
don't recall Dylan, Young, or even Morissette ever having proclaimed
themselves ambassadors for the harmonica.  They simply picked up and played
the same instrument that we all have, largely for the same reasons we have.
It's an extraordinarily expressive instrument that is small and convenient
enough to be played simultaneously with other instruments even if they
require both hands.  Simply stated, it contributes to the sound and message
they wish to project through their music.  The fact that they or anyone else
choose to express themselves differently on "our" instrument than we (you?)
do in no way makes a statement about their virtuosity or relative place in
the harmonica "lexicon".  I wager none of them gives a hoot about the
harmonica lexicon.  What they care about is the music they make.  Like 'em
or no, these three people are extraordinarily talented, hardworking
singer/songwriters who have achieved some notoriety for their musical
statements, and IMO, justifiably so.  To me the singer/songwriter is one of
the highest expressions of humanity and I eagerly grant each of them any
tool they wish to apply to their trade.  They've enriched the world through
their talents, hard work, and determination.  Mo' powa' to 'em!

Michelle