[Harp-L] Re: Lee Oskar (was (not!) Crap Musicians)

["Dave R. Fertig" <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

Well this also is re: Crap musicians and good people:  (of course I'm 
the crap muso and Lee's the good people)

Summary: what one thinks of the person playing affects how one 
perceives the person's playing.

In the early '80's in Santa Monica at a blues joint waiting for the 
show to start, a slim mop-haired dude bummed a camel from me, we 
chatted over a couple drinks, he was a nice guy, laid back, no big 
deal.    Then he got on stage, it was Lee Oskar.  And over the next 
few months we ran into each other a few times and chatted amiably, we 
had some mutualities.  I didn't jam with him or take lessons (some 
very good pals did) or even buy his harps but I did meet a genuinely 
down-to-earth nice guy with no attitude about being a star.

Lee O. could play one note and I'd dig it, 'cause he's also good 
energy.  Same with so many other "star" gobironists whom I've met 
who're down-to-earth.   Usually people who make their livin' playing 
little ten-hole tin sandwiches ain't so haughty.  And their positive 
spirit carries into their music, beyond the technical,  I believe 
(old hippie that I am.)

On the other hand, so-and-so famous unnamed harp-player was 
supposedly running a jam (I was first to sign up for the "open list", 
he'd never heard me play).  He hogged the first 90 minutes then 
invited his pals to play, leaving me to wait several hours, only to 
shut me out with nary a nod or apology.  Jammus interruptus.  "Good" 
player - but asshole.

Now he can't play one note that I'd want to hear.  No matter how 
finely wrought an imitation of a Walter it is.  Wish I'd never met 
him, I might now be able to enjoy his music.

Maybe I should be glad I never met Jimi Hendrix!

-Dave Fertig