Re: [Harp-L] Re: Taylor Hicks (response to Bobbie) -cont'd

[Bobbie Giordano <bogio@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 02:10 PM 5/23/2006, BETTY WELCH wrote:
> Bobbie, we all have our individual takes and that is to be respected.
>   Well done,
>   Betty

Thanks, Betty.  And, of course, I absolutely agree with your statement.

Having seen the finalists perform last night, and also, having visited 
both contenders' MySpace websites, a few blogs and news sites, too, I 
have to say it will be surprise me quite a bit if Taylor doesn't win 
tonight.  He does seem to have a larger following.  Personality-wise, 
both seem to be genuinely good folk, and both have probably had to work 
pretty darn hard to get to where they are, and that is only to be admired 
in anyone.

Musically, though, neither shone very brightly in my eyes, or rather, in 
my ears, in this final competition.  I think the best performance of the 
night was McPhee's "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", made more credible by 
the fact that she had to deal with her stage monitor going out and had to 
yank her earphone.  She had trouble, though, with modulating to a new key 
or expanding her range, especially downward, and still shows a tendency 
to wail too much when uncalled-for.  I have noticed what seems to be an 
undercurrent of feeling that she's young, attractive and has enough 
talent that she can afford to lose more than Taylor can, which may be 
true, although beside the point.

Taylor acquitted himself well also, but I could hardly agree, as stated 
here and elsewhere, that he brought the house down.  True, more people 
were standing and applauding his tunes, especially the first one, but he 
actually appeared less self-assured than I'd seen in the past... seeming 
cautious, restrained even.  And whereas 'wailing' really does suit his 
musical style, he seemed to hold back on that, too, this time.  He, too, 
had difficulties with pitch control, and to me, his rendition of "Levon" 
was the worst effort of the night.  It seemed forced, rushed, really 
pointed up his limited vocal range, and ended in an oddly abrupt manner 
as if he was glad to get over with it.  I know I was.  Not totally his 
fault as to execution, I feel, because "Levon" has always been one of the 
more boring Elton John tunes for me anyway... I just wonder what he was 
thinking to choose that as one of his final showcase songs.

I was genuinely nonplussed by either singer's final selections, which are 
slated to be on their new albums, yes?  I may just save my pennies awhile 
longer yet.

So, there you go... veni vedi veci?
No, rather... I watched, I saw, I yawned.

I am sure both have the chance to develop into fine musical artists... 
especially since they and all other AI participants will likely have more 
opportunities than most to do so.  I guess I tend to throw more of my 
support to those who do it the hard way!  A local guy, Kris Kolp, is a 
singer-harper-guitarist who I know would give Taylor a real run for his 
money, and may yet.  But, for now, he fronts a fairly obscure band 
playing a mix of Southern Rock, Funk and Blues and runs a self-built 
recording studio business [handy!]  He is another sweet guy, like Taylor 
appears to be, who looks out for his friends and openly shares his band's 
stage with many others, the talented and the less so, doing his part to 
help those struggling to stay in the crazy music scene game.  My own son 
is a former member Full Black Out, Kris's band, who is still regularly 
invited to sit in a few times a month, just as he has guest players at 
his own gigs.  And the way Jason Ricci and others also do.  This is the 
sort of heart I like to see in the music business... more concern with 
the musical "us" than "me".

That leads me to one last digression [I promise!]... I'm sure it was the 
selfishness and cutthroat side of the business that soured my dad on 
being a working musician, and why he discouraged me from pursuing music 
as a career.  He had been a trumpet player in the 30's and 40's, but my 
folks never gave me an instrument, bought me lessons, etc., though I 
craved them.  My own kid got the opposite treatment, but only as he 
showed an interest... help with the instruments he chose, lessons when he 
asked for them.  I never had to tell him to practice... 'stop' practicing 
to do homework or go to bed was more the case!

The only pressure I put on him was to play music with others if he really 
wanted to grow, and he was lucky his first music teacher brought him and 
some of his other students together to form a band.  After that, he 
really blossomed and his versatility started expanding.  Around then, it 
occurred to me how fortunate he and other aspiring musicians are today 
with a trend that seemed to really take hold somewhere around, perhaps 
because of, the "We Are The World" project and things like the "Band Aid" 
concerts.

Suddenly, singularly popular musicians were dropping their guard a bit, 
and a good amount of professional jealousy seemed to be disappearing, as 
individual members of many bands from different genres and styles began 
coming together for experimental *projects* to see what amalgams of their 
diverse elements might produce.  I'm certain this is not anything new, of 
course, it's just that it seems to have become so much a common format 
for creating new and interesting music these days; and the openness and 
supportive qualities engendered by it is what I find so refreshing.  The 
result is not only great new music evolving, but better, very useful 
exchanges of knowledge and ideas coming out of all the new communication, 
respect and understanding between musicians.  Plus, it seems to be 
getting passed on to the fans with things like encouraged concert taping 
and free music downloads.  Everybody can win.

I just find this a happy trend in the music scene, and harmonica is right 
in there with all the rest!  Even between and among harmonica players... 
as with Dennis Gruenling and Adam Gussow, Robert Bonfiglio and Rob 
Paparozzi, and if Jason Ricci really does take up the chord harmonica, 
there may be "New Blood" [excuse the 'pun-manship'!] in harmonica groups 
as well.  THAT is something I would love to see!  Really... things don't 
look so bad to me at all, despite manipulative networks, programs or 
media.  Harmonica festivals and the outdoor music festivals I've attended 
are really showcasing this new attitude of music sharing that, to coin a 
phrase, "lifts all instruments and musicians" with the tide.  Idols don't 
really have a place in music in my book.

Just been watching the final show... I have to say I heard a lot of 
voices every bit as good as either finalist.  First I've seen or heard 
most of them, too... but here comes the vote results, and I still expect 
Taylor will win.  I wish them all good luck... lot of nerves on that 
stage tonight!!! :)

Musical regards,

Bobbie Giordano     =[HARP SPOKEN HERE]=
http://www.tfn.net/~bobg/Renaissance.htm