Analytic Paralysis and Evolution

[Bobbie Giordano <bobg@xxxxxxxxx>]

My fellow H-Lers,

It seems to me that perhaps Dennis Alters' remarks on his Jam Camp
revelations are a timely counter to Roger Gonzales' criticisms of onlist
discussions on musical analysis...

Roger "warns" us about "valuable time wasted" spent indulging in convoluted
conversations on this list, Harp-L, as well as the others he cross-posted to.
 But the fact that "analysis" doesn't necessarily have to lead to "paralysis"
is described in Dennis's own words...

>Although I wasn?t consciously focusing on it, things clicked. 
>I think that is what is important and why exposure to ideas 
>plus practice leads to eventual integration.

Without discussion, whether on these lists or in any other venue, ideas are
not explored, compared, developed, rationalized and even invented.  The need
of feedback for growth is humanly essential; and, so far as we know, music is
possibly unique in humans.  So, we still delve into its mysteries and evolve
with each revelation, and eventually, each new understanding.  It's only then
we may devise creative new visions of what is musically possible.  And
naturally, only visions thus born can inspire us to greater depths and
breadths of expression through the instrument of our choosing.

Why would anyone want to suppress such growth now that this impressive
Internet resource has provided us with so many paths to discovery?  I winced
when I noticed an obvious dropoff of traffic on this and other lists after
the "warning" had been posted.  But, of course, recovery is inevitable, as
even Roger noted...

>Granted, there is a great deal of valuable information that is 
>found on these lists.
and...
>I have found a great deal of valuable information on all three 
>of these lists just as many of you have.

And, in fact, if playing and practicing is all anyone needs to grow as a
musician, why then suggest...

>For those of you who are really interested in getting better at 
>chords and the knowledge of them and their application, there 
>are several books at every level.  
and...
>The best suggestion is to find a community college that offers 
>a music fundamentals class or take private lessons.

To improve evolves out of learning.  All types of learning.  And although
Roger even acknowledges that "booklearning" is beneficial, and the Community
College route is a great way to go, neither is probably as universally
inexpensive, accessible or harmonica-specific as seeking answers on a list
like Harp-L!  Without doubt, this is the first place I would go to seek out
the best resource on some harmonica related issue...  Wouldn't you?

Roger also said...
>...when these conversations persist about chord substitutions and 
>just intonation and many other technical subjects etc, instead of 
>taking time to play your instrument, many of you decide to discuss 
>chord substitutions instead of applying them to your playing.

And that is their [our] decision and prerogative, as I see it.  If we find it
relates to harmonica, it's also relevant to the list's intent and is
therefore wholly acceptable Harp-L content.  Bandwidth involving musically
esoteric analyses onlist seems much less "wasted" than that analyzing how
listmembers misuse their time spent absorbing it.  Consequently, I completely
disagree that such discussions are...

>not good for your playing and not good for the progress of the 
>harmonica. 

Who's to say?  Not me.  And, incidentally, as for me... I don't intend to BE
a major player some day; but, still, I love the harmonica, enjoy playing it
alone and among my friends, have studied the dynamics involved in harmonica
sound production in quite some depth, have hopefully put such knowledge and
experience to good use in developing the Renaissance with Douglas, and I hope
to continue contributing what I can to advancing the instrument in the
future.  I don't always WANT to go away and practice!  I may instead want to
hang out and learn from the many gems of wisdom that my listfriends have
decided to so willingly impart!  At Harp-L, I know I always can... and I do.

Just live and let Harp-L live.  Between conventions... between jam camps...
between live gigs... THIS is MY harmonica school!  And I know I can always
come here to explore, learn, experience, share, and sometimes even teach.

I'm not paralyzed...
I'm evolving!

Right along with HARP-L!!!  ;)

=[BOBBIE]=
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>>>   bobbie giordano   <<<>>><<<>>><<<>>>   harp spoken here   <<<
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