Re: [Harp-L] "The Conversation"....Harmonica as a Second Language

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

Just like there are people that dominate a conversation - One Way Streeters  
- and are only interested in getting their point of view across and are closed 
 to other's opinions, there are many musicians with this trait who learn 
their  skill on their instruments through hours of practice. In most cases, these  
musicians then hire back up musicians as employees to lay a foundation for 
the  one way conversation to be brought to the public. 
 
I see this quite often with blues guitarists a la Stevie Ray. Bass and  drums 
just there to lay it down for LOTOFGUITARINYOURFACE for the most part.  Bass 
player and drummer are usually somewhat skilled in the basics but lack in  
imagination and are usually thrilled to have steady work. Those with more  
imagination usually quit as back up to this type of musician and search out more  
creative release.
 
Audience may love the guitar player and reinforce his self involved  approach 
through positive feedback. Some crowds love this - bikers crowds, rock  n 
rollers, drinking crowds - so there is a market for self involvement.
 
Not my cup of tea....
 
The TeaTotaller
 
 
In a message dated 10/24/2008 9:18:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
wlb@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Music is  a conversation. Good
conversations need mutual respect from the  participants. The individuals in
the conversation also need a respect for  their instrument. In a performance
situation or even jam sessions for that  matter, "musical conversations" are
best when there is a common theme and a  specific "environmental tone". That
tone needs to "work" both on stage for  the players and out in the audience
as well. Poor dynamics and interaction  make for a lousy conversation.

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