Re: [Harp-L] Tongue blocking and speed

[fjm <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

eric in miami issued the challenge,

> that's impossible.
>
> name one or more tb players that can play nearly as fast or with the dexterity
> as someone like jason ricci. 

I thought about it and came up with Sugar Blue who may or may not tb 
every note.  He's certainly a very fast player.  While I don't agree 
with the assertion that playing extremely quickly using tongue block as 
an embouchure is impossible I do agree that it's very unusual.  If 
someone wanted to play in the style of John Popper or Jason Ricci I'd 
advise them to play pucker.  Process does equal product and I think 
that's some of the reason virtually all of the Hendrix imitators fall 
flat.  None of them are left handed.  Like Mr. Ross I consulted an 
expert in the field and got the response that there was nothing in 
Sugar's playing that would preclude an all tb embouchure.  It's niggling 
to dwell on this and it doesn't further the discussion in fact it dead 
ends it.  There's nothing wrong with playing all pucker and I don't 
think that playing all tb makes you anything other than unique.  I 
personally employ a mixed embouchure and play tb, pucker or u-block 
depending on  what I'm trying to play.  Technique is just a means to an 
end.  When technique is keeping you from achieving your musical goals 
it's time to practise something new.  fjm