[Harp-L] Real Musican VS. Crap

["James" <wasabileo@xxxxxxxxxx>]

You know folks, we better stop this before it gets ugly and we start 
resorting to personal insults.Real Musician , Crap Musician what the hell 
does it all mean.
For me, while I am a harp player, I am first and foremost a BLUES MAN!.   I 
play music  performed  and developed by African Americans who were denied 
formal education. that includes a musical education. Walter Horton didn't 
read music. He didn't know micro tones or flatted fifths, but he knew what 
sounded good and notes expressed his situation and told his story. Muddy 
Water told the late Robert Palmer (in Deep Blues) he didn't know micro tones 
but he knew  'bout the notes that fall between the piano keys. Walter Horton 
was able to play Ellington's "Things isn't what they use to be" and did some 
incredible things with "La Cucaracha" folksy Mexican Dance.One can argue 
that if the opportunity was made available to study formal music theory, 
they would have jumped at the chance. How it would affected they playing is 
anyone's guess.
                               Reading doesnt necessarily make you a great 
musician
My wife, was a classically trained pianist. She reads but she cant jam. I 
use to beg her, I would say, give me an A Minor vamp and will show you 
'Summertime"
She cant do it. If its not written down, she cant play it.
I have another friend who plays beautiful classical guitar.  I will travel 
anywhere to hear him. Same thing. Ask him to play "Moondance" or some 
Flamenco and he demands some sheet music.

I would  love to study with Richard Hunter and Robert Bonfiglio and I admit 
they have a lot to teach me. I have the greatest respect for their talents. 
But I will never forget  the first music I heard ,the music that made pick a 
harp in the first place.
BTW Larry Adler could not read music until much later in his career. He was 
playing Hors Staccato and Rhapsody in Blue from Memory.

I hope this resolves the issue.

BTW Richard Hunter, your book on Jazz Harp is an excelent tool.