Re: [Harp-L] The reemergence of live music / derivatives / William Clarke

["Haka Harri" <harri.haka@xxxxxxxx>]

Trip,
 
The point you made about originality is absolutely true. William Clarke is a perfect example. He combined various influences to build a sound entirely his own. Fortunately we still have players around who respect tradition and have their own distinctive style. Kim Wilson, Rick Estrin, R.J. Mischo, Rod Piazza, Mitch Kashmar come to mind. And dozens of others from around the world.
 
I wouldn't underestimate the Walter or Williamson imitator, either. In a bar atmosphere I'd much rather listen to one of these talented harp players instead of seventies/eighties rock covers. Fact is that the latter draws more crowds, unfortunately. To do a cover of an original blues song with harp isn't that easy. Even if you compromise with originality.
 
Harri 
 

-----Alkuperäinen viesti-----
Lähettäjä: Trip Henderson [mailto:trip.tunes@xxxxxxxxx]
Lähetetty: 2. huhtikuuta 2007 18:51
Vastaanottaja: Haka Harri
Kopio: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Aihe: Re: [Harp-L] The reemergence of live music!



Harri,

I knew as soon as I hit the send button that I should keep my personal opinions to myself. My comment was not directed at Clarke.  I'm a big fan of William Clarke and he has always been my favorite of the West Coast guys. 
 
The point I was attempting to make was that the music we offer needs to compel people to come out.  Originality is part of that equation.
 
Best,
Trip
 
On 4/1/07, Haka Harri < harri.haka@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

Trip Henderson wrote:
> Do we really need another band that is
> derivative of
> a derivative (for example a band that sounds like Bill Clarke 
> sounding like
> George Smith).
>

Bill Clarke was influenced by George Smith but didn't sound like him. He also got lots of "derivation" from eg. jazz sax and organ players. Most musicians are influenced by other musicians and that will always be the case. 

One classic example is Eric Clapton. He is a self-admitted derivative of, but hardly sounds like Robert Johnson.

Harri