[Harp-L] RE: Greg-wah Maret





Hey All,


Just wanted to pipe in my two cents about Gregoire Maret. The first cent is, that music is just a trip this way, you either like it, or you don't. So the fact that some people like his playing and some people don't is probably just as analogous to whether you like Mexican food or not. Regardless of our own opinion of our qualifications to judge or not. That's another story altogether. Chips?
I found from my limited investigation that Gregoire suffers from a couple of things that all chromatic harmonica players struggle with, including myself. The first major one is how to overcome the limitations of the instrument and play the music in one's head. That's why Howard Levy and Stevie Wonder are still my chromatic harmonica idols, because when they play, I don't hear the cliche "workarounds" that I hear so many other players use. Levy obviously fits in a category of his own! But I have listened and heard Toots and MANY other promanent players fit their licks into this wierd kind of harmonica pattern thing that doesn't sound musical to me, almost like John Popper, but in chromatic Jazz improvisation. What is that? Also. I hear GM play certain lines, and I'm not entirely convinced that it's a musical idea coming from inside, but more of a rambling noodle thing.
I speak from experience. My old music teacher called it "letting your fingers do the playing"... of course, on the harmonica, that doesn't work too well. Taco Bell or Taco Truck?
The other factor is SOUL. And you either have it, and the technique to express it, or you don't. And I personally am very tired of listening to chrom players who have technique, know tons of theory, can read very well, and can't emote through their instrument. As we know, there are many chrom players who are capable of all kinds of fireworks, but when it comes to playing one, powerful, note that would bring tears to your eyes, the field empties and a few are left standing. Gregoire holds his ground, but I'm still waiting for the next Cannonball Adderly of Chromatic. And practicing to be that myself. Burrito or Enchilada?
So that's what I strive for, in harmonica terms: The flow of ideas and musicality of Howard, the soul of Stevie and the technique to match. Horchata or Agua Fresca?
As far as Gregoire is concerned, I believe he's gotten a lot of attention for different reasons, and that he works very hard. I'm going to check back in 10 years after his concept has matured a little.


And may we all be kicking more ass in 10 years! Viva La Harmonica!

Damien Masterson http://www.goodomen.net 415 305 7138






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