[Harp-L] Re: Harp-L Digest, Vol 13, Issue 1

[FreeMuncie@xxxxxxx]

>Those on this list who make a point out of bashing Popper at every 
opportunity >might take a moment to ask themselves whether they could put a convincing 
solo >together in 6th position on a moment's notice.

Seriously.  He is a very talented player, and I do not understand why it is 
fashionable to dis him.  I am 19, and this gives me a unique perspective that 
many of you "old-timers" do not have.  When I mention that I play the harmonica 
(if you can call it playing), people frequently bring up John Popper.  He 
brought the harmonica to the front of a band, and he took the band to the top of 
the charts.  I heard "Run Around" just yesterday on a local Top 40 station.  
How many people can create a single that still receives air times after so many 
years?  While Little Walter was great, I'd guess that less than 1% of people 
under 22 would recognize the name, and when Howard Levy came to my university, 
the turn-out wasn't exactly the same as for Jason Mraz (though you can bet I 
was there).  Anyone who can put our instrument out there like he did deserves 
credit.  Not only that, he really is a very talented player.  "Four" holds a 
permanent spot in my car's disk changer, and a couple other Blues Traveler cd's 
have been known to rotate in and out.