Re: [Harp-L] My comment on Jason Ricci

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Dec 3, 2007, at 8:08 AM, Haka Harri wrote:

> Thanks for all the response, on- and off-list, on my post  
> yesterday. I just want to add that it was not targeted against  
> Jason Ricci as a musician  but rather amazement at the praise he  
> gets on harp-l vs many other harp players.

I wasn't aware that he was receiving a whole lot of coverage. I know  
that I (myself) have said some things. Forgive me if I went overboard.
> I was surprised that some comments downgraded the Walters and Sonny  
> Boys because they are not alive and doing gigs anymore.

 Well, although I'm not the one who initially made that comment, as  
one who has heard them live. my personal opinion is that they weren't  
as good as a lot of people seem to think they were. But they sang and  
WERE a complete package, so I guess there was a certain amount of  
mystique to them. Again, personally, I feel there are people out  
there right now whom are as good  if not better. More diversified,  
more interesting, more able to get me off my couch to go and see  
them. I prefer to support the living in this regard.

As a devotee of classical art, on a recent trip to Amsterdam, I was  
enthralled to be able to see the paintings of the Dutch Masters close  
up. Instead of out of a book. As I pored over them I realized that  
they never got the recognition that they deserved in their own  
lifetimes.
I don't want that to happen the players of today. I want them  
recognized WHILE they are with us.


> Also wearing sunglasses, day or night, doesn't make one a lesser  
> musician.

Never said he WAS a lesser musician. I have heard him too and he is  
excellent. Just couldn't remember his name. And, he has gotten TONS  
of coverage over the years. Beaucoup write-ups. BTW, I live in Fla.  
where it is sunnier than Hawaii, and I don't wear shades at night or  
in the house. I prefer to see someone's eyes. Now, it's totally their  
option to not let me see them. BUT, then it's MY prerogative to  
wonder why. Capische?

Sorry if my post has caused consternation..It wasn't intended as  
such.   :(
smokey-joe
> I appreciate that all forms of music and instruments develop and  
> change with time. Jonathan Ross pointed out an interesting  
> musician, Bad News Brown. Hip-hop is not my favorite genre but this  
> guy is amazing on harp. I also appreciate the work Jason Ricci is  
> doing towards keeping the harp alive as a credible instrument.
>
> Harri
>
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