Re: [Harp-L] re: simple tunes

[Slim Heilpern <slim@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, you can certainly choose to look at it that way. Just goes to show 
how different folks react differently to music. I had the opposite 
impression of Toots' version -- it is the essence of musicality to me -- 
relaxed, hip, and beautiful, like most of his work. To me, jazz is about 
interpretation, finding the sweet spot on your instrument. If you want 
the other kind of perfection, plug the notes into a sequencer and you're 
done. I agree (and who wouldn't?)  that the harmonica is not as 
versatile as piano, sax, guitar, etc.. when it comes to interval jumps, 
although corner switching can certainly help. But for me, it's simply a 
question of what sounds good in the moment and whether or not there's 
something unique and compelling the harmonica player can add in a 
particular context.

- Slim.

http://www.SlideManSlim.com


Jonathan Ross wrote:

> Slim wrote:
>
> > "Well, Toots has some fun with this tune on his "Apple Dimple" album  
> > (1990). He takes it at a pretty slow clip, but I suspect he could 
> > cut  it up to tempo ;-)"
>
>
> He sounds to be struggling mightily at the tempo he uses, so I  
> sincerely doubt he'd be better faster.  Really, I don't consider that  
> he makes it very musical--the part after the jumps where you have a  
> couple of quick slide runs just sounds muddy, where it has to be  
> clean and clear.  I'm able to do about this well (not to compare  
> myself to Toots in general, just on this particularly difficult  
> piece) and I don't consider it satisfactory by any means.