Re: [Harp-L] The best Stevie - overated perhaps

[Pierre <plavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I used to be a big fan of Stevie, but I'm starting to think he is overated. 
His early successes were awesome, no doubt there. But over the last few 
years I have heard him play on other people's CDs and no matter what they 
play (latin, jazz) all he does on these sides sounds like blues. It's not 
bad, he is talented, but it's really not that great. I think Stevie is great 
compositionally and with learned pieces, but improvising is not his strong 
suite. We've all seen great improvisers an he is not one of them. Think of 
Norton Bufallo on that Bonnie Raitt tune, now that's a session.

With respect to him being instanly recognizable, dosen't that mean he always 
sounds the same and thus has few tricks in his bag?

Chris said:

> Stevie is, he is ,alas, human and isn't better than everyone at everything.

Yep, to be fair so is everybody

Anyways for me, not the best as there are so many fine harp players and 
musicians who deserve more credit, but I admit some of his compositions 
certainly were the best,

Pierre.

PS: If there are any recent (last 20 years) tracks I should hear, let me 
know.




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "chris smith" <harpshredder@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 11:39 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] The best Stevie


> Hey David,
>                   (Jaazman) Nice to hear you give Stevie kudos.Check out 
> how brilliant he was at just 18 on Eivets Rednow, his unpromoted 
> instrumental album. However, I think the concept (the best) is juvenile. 
> I'm one of the most ardent, adoring fans of his but seriously do you think 
> he could rip off a blazing Irish fiddle tune ? Do you think he can 
> outblues any of the heavy blues players ala Big Walter, or whip out a 
> classical piece ?
>  He himself defers to Toots who seems undaunted by harmonic challenges. As 
> amazing and trailblazing as Stevie is, he is ,alas, human and isn't better 
> than everyone at everything.He is the primordial chromatic R&B man,though, 
> and nobody can touch him at his own Wonderful style (there are a few of us 
> nipping at his heels). And frankly the way Clapton is playing now 
> (incredibly well) I don't think Hendrix would intimidate him though who 
> knows how Jimi would be playing were he still alive. I'll unhesitatingly 
> give you Bird though !
>
> Chris
>
>
> Chris "Hammer" Smith
> Hammer Smith Band
> Official Myspace Page http://myspace.com/chrishammersmith
> harpshredder@xxxxxxxxx
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