Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Entertainment

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Vern writes (Snipped):
 
"You are correct that the music and 
the entertainment value must  carry the performance.

IMO, you must have vocals more than 50% of  the program.  All instrumentals, 
no matter how good, will have  them yawning and heading for the door.

Vern"
 
...and this isn't to pick on you, Vern...and isn't particularly  harmonica 
related, but your last statement is so alien to my experiences  as someone who 
regularly attends instrumental performances, I can't help  but comment.   One 
of my favorite people to see in Concert is  Jazz guitarist Peter White...who 
stops by my area once or twice a  year....I just saw him in July on his 'Guitars 
and  Saxes' tour with 3 other top instrumentalists (Gerald Albright, Richard  
Elliot and Jeff Golub), but I usually go to see Peter when he's touring  with 
his backup band and a guest saxophonist.  There are practically  no vocals 
during the show...just an occasional sing-along from the  audience when they 
cover a well-known song...and usually one song covered  by a vocalist.  From this 
last show, their back-up bassist did "Papa  was a Rolling Stone" to great 
reaction from the audience.  Peter writes new instrumentals that simply don't 
have  vocals.....so what is it that keeps HIS audiences  coming back...for two 
full shows a night...and packing the venue  months in advance?  The total 
musicality of it...the wonderful  performance he puts on...and how incredibly good a 
guitarist he  is.  He "sings" through his guitar and his body...and the 
audience is  mesmerized.  I don't care if there's no actual singing....if the  
music is beautiful enough, so I have to disagree with that much of your  
post...not a single audience member has ever "yawned and headed  for the door"....as a 
matter of fact they're lined up afterwards for  a good hour+  waiting to talk 
to Peter, buy his CD's (I have  everything he's ever recorded) and chat with 
him while taking  photos.  
 
Now as for Jason Ricci's shows...I thoroughly enjoy when HE  sings...because 
I love his voice....and I wish he'd do more...so I do  love vocals from those 
who can combine the two, but it isn't  necessary if the performer doesn't 
sing, and is a good enough  instrumentalist to hold his/her audience. 
 
Elizabeth