[Harp-L] LW influences and random thoughts

["Jay Thompson" <JMThomps@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think that there's a big difference between being influenced by horn players and copying their licks. One of our frequent contributors has shared that he has been influenced by Louis Armstrong but I wouldn't expect to be able to pick out Armstrong's trumpet licks at his gigs.

I believe that we're all influenced by the music [or maybe even the sounds] in our environment. It seems to me that Little Walter lived at a time and in a place where horns and their players were very influential. The scene wasn't being driven exclusively by guitars and synthesizers. 

On the topic of influences I think that it is interesting to think how different the soundscape is today compared to the '40's and '50's. Today we are bombarded with music and other sounds and noises: radio, tv, video games, muzak and all kinds of environmental noises plus the music that we choose to listen to via CD, online, XM and other satellite radio. Music used to be much more regional in nature where today we're living in a global soundscape. Obviously, Chicago was a good place to be listening to music in the '40's and '50's. That said... Walter was a genius of musical expression. I feel certain that he would have come up with great ideas no matter what was available to influence him.

I've recently read some articles about hearing loss among baby boomers. These articles always point out that this generation has experienced all kinds of noises that previous generations didn't hear every day: electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, blenders, AMPLIFIED  music and speech, jet plane engines, etc. It's hard for me to believe that all of these environmental sounds haven't had an impact on music, too.
All the best,
Jay


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