[Harp-L] Re: Bob Dylan

[Dan <billybudd1313@xxxxxxxxx>]

It is my opinion that Bob Dylan does more harm to the harmonica than good.  All this talk about "it's right for his style" .... ok, maybe.... perhaps, I respect that opinion, but I disagree.
 
What he's trying to do can be done and done well.  What he actually accomplishes is pathetic, un-trained garbage.  It's this garbage that has helped to create and perpetuate the poor image that is commonly held around our instrument.  Most people don't know the harmonica or what its capabilities are.  Most people, however, can tell what sounds "good" vs. what is pretty much dissonant crap.  
 
Think about the frequency with which lay people compare us to Dylan.  Then, think about their next sentiment.  It's usually, "I thought the harmonica was just a toy"  or "how can you be a 'musician' if you play the HARMONICA?"  
 
Because Dylan was at the head of a movement (protest, the rise of folk, the electrification of folk, poetry... all huge and timely things given our society's direction at the time)  Because he was doing other revolutionary or highly influential things, we are supposed to just accept his abuse of the harmonica.  I refuse to accept the notion that his playing is acceptable simply because of WHO he is or what was happening.  
 
 Run DMC were rap pioneers at the forefront of a movement in music too.  Does that mean the world was waiting for their first classical compositions to hit the airwaves?  Would it have been accepted because of "the times"?
 
 
I'd also like to ask, in general, why John Popper seems to get such a negative rap amongst so many of you guys.  Here's a guy with incredible command of the instrument.  He worked his tail off, (owes a lot to Sugar Blue) to take the instrument in a direction.  His fluidity, use of the whole harp, and timing are impeccable.  I don't like when he tries blues.  I also don't love his tone.  He is very polarizing when it comes to questions of style.  But he learned his history, worked his way up, and actually created with the harp.  (whether you like it or not ) Honestly, how long do you need to play harp to cop Dylan's "playing"?  A week?  Maybe two?  If  med school was so easy, we'd all be driving around with "MD" on our plates.
 
Dylan on harp was not like painters who study past masters, practice, copy, then hopefully expand upon what they've learned to actually create art.  Randomly tossing paint on a canvas...   You can call it art.  You can call what Bob Dylan does to the harmonica music too. 
 
 By my own personal admission, art is anything that makes you 'feel' .  Therefore, Dyan's harp IS music.  Splatter paininting IS   art.  No argument there.  Those who's opinions I spark can go on loving Dylan's harp, remembering when and all that.  Loving those splatter paintings.  I implore you to love it.  If it brings you joy, I'm all for it. (on my honor, read the previous with zero sarcasm)  
 
I respect the right of everyone to have an opionion.  This is simply mine.  It's based on my own ego, and the fact that I believe in working hard at the harmonica.  I believe in encouraging others to work hard too. I am insulted by those who trivialize that work. (I could work a lot harder too.)   I consider Bob Dylan the leader of harmonica trivialization along with Springsteen and Alanis Morrisette.  I once again call upon you to riseup in arms to form SPHA.  SPAH's evil stepchild.  The Society for the Prevention of Harmonica Abuse.  lol
 
Why the heck are you still reading this?  Why don't you go practice?  If I wasn't at work....................

Message: 19        
   Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2004 13:49:08 -0600
   From: "Eric Neumann" <eneumann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Bob Dylan's harmonica playing

well, Dylan and Neil Yong are racked mostly.... and they are so very 
popular.
 
We hear Popper, Dylan, and Neil young on the radio - and if we didn't 
know any better - we'd expect that anyone who "only" plays a harmonica 
to sound either lighting fast, or thin and breathy.
 
Not my cup of tea for sure. Just makes me wonder what people think when 
I tell them I play the harmonica.


		
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