[Harp-L] Butterfield's mispedagogy

[chris smith <harpshredder@xxxxxxxxx>]

     I'm surprised Paul even put out an instrucutional
video. In the 70's I asked him if he taught. His
response :"There's nothing to teach. You just play
what you play" On a certain level I can appreciate
that concept but he was a classically trained flutist
before blowin' harp and from what
I've heard practiced his ass off to achieve the
fluency he was searching for. Obviously, there are
things one can teach and learn. But I totally agree w/
Rob P. that finding the deep emotional connection
isn't one of them and is somewhat inscrutable yet
compelling and essential. In recent
listening to his first two albums I was impressed by
how with two great guitarists Bloomfield and
Bishop to my ears Butterfield's solos were the most
powerful and in command. He really brought
a new virtuosity to blues harp. (Also, very
interesting that Musselwhite was a contemporary and
rival (?) of his. Another awesome blues player without
the hybridization of rock and jazz influences that
Butter had.)
                                                      
               Chris "Hammer" Smith

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