[Harp-L] re: subjectivity subject



Philharpn wrote:

"Let me see if I understand the premise here:
This argument is about how great a harmonica player Stevie Wonder is?

And because he plays other instruments and composes, he gets demerits???"

I didn't say it was logical, just that this is an opinion I've seen implied or expressed about multi-instrumentalists in the past, and one which was hinted at in this thread, particularly in the quoted post below by Haka Harri:

"Stevie sure is a great harmonica player but I'm surprised that everyone on this list agrees on him being "best on earth" . Wonder has an incredible 45 year career as a multi-instrumentalist, but from a purely harmonica point of view it is hard to justify him as THE best. No matter what your musical preference, how would you compare him with the likes of James Cotton, Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson, Rick Estrin, R.J. Mischo, Mitch Kashmar, Howard Levy, Jason Ricci, Toots Thielemans and others who are specialists in this instrument? This is not to underestimate Stevie Wonder as a harmonica player but a reminder that there are players out there who, with any criteria, are in the top .2%."

The implication is that because he doesn't "specialize" that Stevie isn't as serious or good a harmonica player as those mentioned (an odd assortment of people, IMO--but yet another good example of how "the best" even when loosely grouped is always subjective).

To be clear, I don't believe this way. I think most musicians tend to be multi-instrumentalists in life if not in recording, and I also believe this tends to enhance their abilities overall, rather than detract from any one. While there may be truth at times to the "jack of all trades, master of none" dictum, it's one that should not be overly applied, in most fields.



 ()()    JR "Bulldogge" Ross
()  ()   & Snuffy, too:)
`----'







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