Re:[Harp-L] Harmonica Player vs Harp Player

["Eugene Ryan" <ryan.eugene@xxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Peloquin wrote:

> > JP has certainly advanced the harmonica as far as public
> > acceptance and I even enjoy hearing him at times.

Hey Michael,

Agreed on both counts.  At times... :-)

> > BUT... Once again why does it seem that so many people miss the
> > fundamental difference between JP and other players that can play "fast"?

I see what you mean - but I wasn't equating those players.  I
mentioned Norton in the "speed player" context as his name doesn't
seem to come up in those discussions.  As it happens, I *much* prefer
the playing of Norton and Jason (like a thousand times) - and I agree
that they both have superb control and that they use the very best of
the blues traditions/techniques and expand upon those in a new,
exciting and spectacular fashion.  I know you're not attacking me or
my point, but I will say (to be clear) that I said that I hadn't heard
a player playing in a similar idiom with Norton's command until I
heard Jason R.

I was talking about Winslow's point being that JP's playing being was
"an almost involuntary stream" - I read that as "almost random, using
patterns".  It does tie in with some of my initial reactions listening
to his music, but not having listened to him extensively, I was kind
of surprised to have had that opinion borne out by Winslow, who has
listened to him extensively.  I don't really like JP's playing, but I
don't really want to criticise him either.  I used to get annoyed when
someone was popular who (to me) didn't deserve it, while someone else
did deserve it, but I found it can be a big expense in energy, all for
very little IMO.

I wouldn't take away any of JP's popularity or success.  I just wish
that JR and Norton were as or more popular!  You're a very good player
as well, Michael.  and not to mention Paul deLay - lovely!

Ah, I'm full of l-o-v-e today... too much Barry White on the radio.

All the best,
Eugene
http://www.eugeneryan.com