Re: [Harp-L] RE: Harp in bluegrass

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 8/10/2007 5:22:56 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
havaball@xxxxxxx writes:

Yes it's  true there are many bluegrass purists who regard harmonica 
as a  non-bluegrass instrument; just as it's also true that many blues 
purists  don't accept mandolin as a blues instrument (despite Yank 
Rachell, Johnny  Young and Ry Cooder.) <shrug>  What can you do? 
Everybody's  entitled to their opinion.


Too true. I've always been attracted to open minded talented musicians and  
try to avoid closed minded talented musicians. The close minded talented  
musicians have a right to their opinion as well. I won't try to change their  minds 
- it's a waste of everyone's time. 
 
As to diatonic harmonica applying to all other forms of music - as long as  
the harmonica is played less "harmonicky" and more like a linear instrument, I  
believe there is a place for it. In regards to traditional classical music, I 
 think the diatonic can be effective as long as bends/OB are avoided. This  
might mean switching harmonicas for consistent tone - not unlike the AMAZING  
tremolo players I saw in Germany at the Hohner International Conventions, who  
make it a real visual and aural art to constantly change harmonicas during a  
piece. How about if one uses only two - a "C" and a "Db" held together,  
simulating what a chromatic harmonica might provide? Has anyone played around  with 
this?
 
The Iceman



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