Re: [Harp-L] Re: Bob Dylan

[Pierre <slavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dan,

I don't expect to convert you, but go listen to "Blowing in the Wind" and 
the intro in "All Along the Watchtower" right now and tell me he should have 
done it differently. The Intro to all along the Watchtower is wonderfully 
dissonant - cool and original. To me these harmonica parts are perfect, if 
you changed them you can only make the tunes worse.

Before you read on, do me a favour and take 5 minutes and go listen to these 
two tunes right now. Its too easy to speak in terms of generalities and 
distant memories.

You mentioned art, I'm sure you have heard of Naive art: The definition of 
Naive art is interesting, reminds me of what you said about Dylan:

Naïve art is a term that is usually applied to the work of untrained 
painters; it presumes the existence of an academy and of a generally 
accepted 'educated' manner of painting. In practice, there are schools of 
naïve atists; over time it has become very much yet another acceptable 
style. Its characteristics are an awkward relationship to the formal 
qualities of painting: difficulties with drawing and perspective that result 
in a charmingly awkward and often refreshing vision. Strong use of pattern, 
unrefined colour, and simplicity rather than subtlety are all supposed 
markers of naive art; however, it has become such a popular and recognisable 
style that it would probably be more correct to call most examples 
pseudo-naïve.

Some people create wonderfuly naïve works of art.

Dylan was a troubadour, his songs were simple, so simple and naïve harp 
playing was just right for the tunes.

> I respect the right of everyone to have an opinion.  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 feel bad that some people study hard and work hard and never get 
recognized; especially when they are deserving. But that is how all things 
are. A tiny percentage of people make it and in most cases its just good 
timing, dumb luck or a stroke of genious. Study and hard work often have 
little to do with "popular" success. Altough it is much harder to make it 
today.

By the way, if people bring up Dylan when you say "harmonica", then that is 
really sad because it means that those people are not exposed to harmonica 
players. I don't think you can blame that on Dylan.

Of course you still don't have to agree, but don't let it ruin your day.

Respectfully,

Pierre.