Re: [Harp-L] Extended Solos

[Ron Good <rdg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Pure opinion:

In most circumstances, I think long solos don't lead to great music, and I 
think the exceptions prove the rule. I'll give three non-harp examples 
(times are approximate):

Yes: Before Rick Wakeman, Yes constructed tight, thematically cohesive 
songs, usually about 4-5 minutes--then the band's albums became "The 
keyboard meanderings of Rick Wakeman, backed by Yes", and the next hit was 
Owner of a Lonely Heart (back to about 4 minutes), years later.

Hendrix: With the exception of Voodoo Child, look what happened with 
Hendrix: Are You Experienced (thematically tight 3-4 minutetunes, and radio 
hits), Axis Bold as Love (3-4 minutes, and radio hits) and then Electric 
Ladyland: guitarists loved it, and everybody else pretty much thought, cool, 
and listened to it once or twice, except for the one hit" "Watchtower" 
(what? 4 minutes or so...). His next LP was "Smash Hits"--all short songs.

Cream: Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears (short, concise tunes, and radio hits), 
then Wheels of Fire--and the hit was "Crossroads", 4:03...and that was even 
on FM, and those days the FM folks could play what they or the audience 
wanted.

It could be argued that radio play standards had something to do with this, 
but I really think it's because most musicians say what they have to say 
best when the solo time is somewhat limited. Really long solos tend to 
become background music.

Ron