Re: [Harp-L] But when it comes right down to it,,

["Tom Muck" <tmuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Yesterday, someone posted a clip with Big Walter accompanying a  "star"
> singer. The poster commented on the tastefulness of his backing  licks.  I
> agree, but herein lies the rub of backing licks. How many of  us have 
> heard
> players in a "backing" role - i.e. when someone else is  soloing or 
> singing -
> and they just keep wailing away.

I see the exact opposite these days. In Muddy's band and other great old 
music, if there was a piano solo or guitar solo you would still hear Little 
Walter throwing down some tasteful licks -- everything is intertwined. 
These days it seems when someone takes a solo every other instrument just 
drops out and the musicians just stand there. It becomes less musical and 
more of an instrumental showcase. I think all the instruments should fit 
together and work off each other.

Tom