[Harp-L] Why do you want to play blues? In defense of the blues.

["Bill Kumpe" <bkumpe@xxxxxxx>]

Jonathan Mets said:  "It's easy, and I'm not good enough yet to play jazz or
classical."  I'm not a good enough player or sufficiently educated to speak
with authority on this subject and Jonathan, I mean no disrespect to you,
but your answer bothers me.  Maybe some of the more accomplished folks on
the list can speak more to this subject.  However, I don't see it as fair to
compare blues with classical and jazz in that way.  It is my understanding
that jazz grew out of the blues and good players go back and forth over
whatever imaginary line divides them without worrying about it too much.  I
know when I hear it happening and I love it.  As a matter of fact, I've
started playing around with standards and throwing in a blues lick whenever
I think it will sound good.  But the very simplicity of the blues format
leaves much more room for personal expression and interpretation.  I don't
see the blues as musical step-child to be abandoned when you master your
insrument but rather as a distinct art form with its own peculiar,
expressive, challenging characteristics.  Am I wrong here?  

 

Bill Kumpe

Attorney at Law

320 S. Boston, Ste.1026

Tulsa, OK  74103

918-381-9792