[Harp-L] re: subjectivity subject

[Jonathan Ross <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

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:)
`----'