[Harp-L] Are we in a Golden Age?

[Michael Rubin <rubinmichael@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Okay, I know I don't post much so don't take my cynical attitude as my basic personality, but anytime anyone says "Hooray for us!"  my warning buzzer goes way off.
  Although it is unquestionable that Howard is one of the most innovative and skilled harp players ever (and that there are plenty of incredible players in the world) we should not forget Larry Adler, The Two Walters, Rice Miller and Sonny Terry who certainly did as much for the harp.
  I think it comes down to awareness.  We are alive today and everyone on this list is way into harp.  Therefore we become aware of the present scene and it floors us.  However, I think it is safe to say that the Chicago blues scene of the fifties and sixties wiped the floor of modern harmonica, at least in terms of layperson's awareness.  People knew who Little Walter and Paul Butterfield was.  Ask any layperson today and you would get only "the Blues Traveller guy"  and they couldn't even call John by name!  You would have to remind people of Bela Fleck and those who could remember would have no idea of why Levy is special.
   
  Just my opinion.  
  Michael Rubin
  Michaelrubinharmonica.com
  Just my opinion.