Re: [Harp-L] Harmonicas and respect

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

Ahah that old "respect" issue is back again.

I think it's interesting to note the extremes of Little Walter and Howard. 
Little Walter played by rote. Howard probably knows how to play more varied 
music than most people even know about. Walter knew little about music; Howard 
knows everything else.

Regardless of whatever you think of Howard, the instrument needs more Howards 
and fewer Walters. And until the harmonica community deals with this issue -- 
understanding how music works -- the harmonica will regarded as a specialty 
instrument.   

Harmonica is the only instrument where the players take extreme pride is 
being self-taught. 

David Barrett, who has published more harmonica instruction books with Mel 
Bay than most harmonica players have ever read about the harmonica is no slouch 
on the harp. He started playing harp when he was 14 and quit playing sax in 
the junior high band. When he was 16, he was playing in local clubs and jam 
sessions. He started teaching in Morgan Hill at the Music tree in December 1991. 
He also has an Associate's Degree in music.

So what's my point? Howard studied music formally in the conservatory and in 
college, too. Both David and Howard can    play, they understand how music 
works. And that fact alone separates them from the vast majority of harmonica 
players.

Music has a long tradition of playing by rote: Somebody hears a song and 
plays it back. It's been going on for as long as instruments have been around. 

Walter played what he heard in the jump blues tradition. Most of the people 
who are astounded at Walter's level of playing probably don't know anything 
about how a sax played in jump blues. Today it is much easier to make this 
connection. It is only a CD or legal download away -- or a youtube or tune sample 
from Amazon etcetera.

But this is no longer 1949. For Harmonica players to rely on the methods that 
worked for Little Walter in 2008 is just shortsighted. Take a few tips from 
David or Howard. Learn how music works. 

Phil Lloyd
Back to ther woodshed 



In a message dated 7/6/08 11:31:20 AM, ltlbuddha@xxxxxxxxx writes:


> I have said this before and it has largely been ignored, but I will try
> again.
> We play an instrument that has generally received little respect. I do not
> see this changing quickly regardless of anyone's achievements, no matter
> how remarkable they may be. Yes, this may be more true in the U.S. than
> elsewhere, but it is only to a matter of degree.
> So, instead of debating who deserves how much respect and for what, perhaps
> we should simply celebrate the recognition those in our community do get;
> whether it be Little Walter's induction or Howard Levy's inclusion on
> Prairie Home Companion.
> And on an individual level, how we personally work to change the general
> population's view of our humble instrument.
> _______________________________________________
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> 
> 




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