Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica in Bluegrass - Personal Experience

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Aug 7, 2007, at 6:03 PM, IcemanLE@xxxxxxx wrote:

> The die hard bluegrass folk would say Bill Monroe is the father of   
> bluegrass
> and "Bill Monroe didn't have a harmonica in his band", therefore  
> it  doesn't
> belong in bluegrass. This is not too different than the blues  
> purists  who say
> "Little Walter didn't OB, therefore OB doesn't belong in blues".
>
> It is just a perception and attitude held by a certain group of  
> people. The
> reality is, if the harmonica can handle the music, add to the  
> groove rather
> than  bring it down, it is eventually welcomed - after an example  
> of "prove it",
>  of course. Welcome is a loose term as there are always the few set in
> stoners  that won't change their minds even after hearing the  
> proof. However, in
> general,  musicians will open up to new ideas as long as it is  
> shown that the
> integrity of  the music is left intact by the new addition.
>
> The Iceman
I can tell you this. Every Tues evening about 250 or more spectators  
show up at Lashly Park in Punta Gorda to listen to 2 dozen musicians  
play in numerous groups in various corners of the park. The main  
kiosk is occupied by the blue grass players. Harmonicas are N O T  
welcome.

smo-joe