[Harp-L] Being nice to Harmonica Players

[Robert Bonfiglio <bon@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Sometimes reading this list reminds me of our political debates where  
everyone is trying to shoot their opponents down; playing gotcha.   
When I was young and studying with Chamber Huang, I noticed that  
Adler, Sebastian and Reilly hated each other.  Couldn't stand to be  
in the same room!!  The blues players of the time had the same  
affliction.  I decided then not to be like that.

I am as opinionated as anyone, but in public, which this forum is, I  
decided not to make derogatory comments against any harmonica player;  
I figure they are all trying to make a living and playing as best  
they can.

Players are real people that can read these comments and take them  
personally.  I really feel we should be more civil toward our  
professional players.  Its hard enough to make music on the harmonica  
with all the pressures that implies from society without having this  
list eat everybody up as well.

Some of the arguments recently have been liking comparing Bach to  
Stawinsky!  If you have something negative to say about a player,  
consider keeping it to yourself.  You don't have to like something to  
admire it!!

Besides. you never know if the player you are commenting on just flew  
back from Japan thus ending a 100 date tour and the gig you saw was  
the jet lag special.

Harmonically yours,

Robert Bonfiglio
http://www.robertbonfiglio.com

{I have since modified my position to exclude some lead singers that  
can't play anything else and therefore attempt to make noise on the  
harmonica.  Usually these said players get "covered" on the Cd by a  
real harmonica player who then gets no credit.}